Effective Carb Count
 

In most low carb plans people subtract the fibre from the carbs to get the effective carb count, and I am wondering does this work here?I mean is the fibre counted as a carb on our food labels? Does anyone know?


Thanks

Anyone? Help!

Hi Scarlet,

You don't say where you live so am not sure what you mean by "here."

But you can easily work it out. For a start, if the fibre count is higher than the carb count, you know it must have already been subtracted. ;) Otherwise, you can work it out from the total number of calories. Just remember that 1g each of carbs and protein gives 4 kcals and 1g fat gives 9 cals.
For example, say the label gives a total of 51cals, with 4g carbs, 2g fibre, 0 protein (I'm trying to simplify! :D ) and 3g fat.
So, with 16 cals from carbs, 8 cals from fibre and 27 from fat, you can see that in this case the fibre has been subtracted.
And if, the calorie count was 43, you would know that the fibre had not been subtracted.

Yes, I know it's fiddly, but unless they spell out that the fibre has been subtracted, it's the only way to know for sure.

Where I live (Oz), some labels already subtract the fibre and some don't, so I does me little sums to find out!

Cheers, matey.

:rose:Rosebud:rose:

And the answer to your basic question is, yes, subtracting the fiber before you count your carbs is the method most people here use since fiber is indigestable and therefore has no significant effect on blood sugar or insulin.

Hi Scarlet

Here in Ireland,I think the fibre is included in the carb count. I follow TSP and she doesn't advocate subtracting the fibre, so i don't have that prob.

Clo

Umm, actually, I believe on this side of the puddle the fibre is already subtracted from the carb count... good or bad I don't know.... I guess it depends on your plan... ;)
Doods

Hi Scarlet,

In Britain the fibre is already deducted from the carb count so you can't deduct it again. What is your location?

Good luck,
Robert :wave: