I will be starting Atkins very soon, and I wanted to know how you can calculate net carbs. Thank you!

It's very easy, you subtract the fiber carbs.

Fiber is undigestible by humans (we can't get any calories from fiber).



That's usually it, unless the food contains sugar alcohols (non-sugar sweeteners that end in -ol, like xylitol, malitol...)

The problem with sugar alcohols is that there's disagreement over how much is digested. It may be a case that some people can digest them and some cannot - or that some of the sugar alcohols are digested more than others.

Many people compromise and count half of the sugar alcohols.

Personally I avoid the sugar alcohols, because they tend to have a laxative effect.

Thank you so much! I heard some stuff about the sugar alcohols, but I was confused if they had anything to do with the net carbs. Thanks for clearing that up!

I just restarted Atkins recently as well and I am really trying to do it the right way and not buy a bunch of low-carb processed junk to try to cheat my way around changing my eating habits...
I found this recent post of JerseyGirl very usefull

"Despite what the label says, Atkins bars should be avoided especially on Induction. They contain ingredients such as soy, milk & peanuts, none of which are on the acceptable foods list. This will give you a better understanding: http://www.phlaunt.com/lowcarb/19059967.php

Aspartame is another no-no on Atkins. Most store bought sugar-free jello contains aspartame. You can however, make your own using Splenda (Atkins approved)."

I couldn't believe this article...I was amazed and realized that a lot of my problem is that I always try to cheat my way out of following a plan...low cal/carb/fat whatever processed junk instead of just eating real food. I need to just eat real food.