Hello Everyone..

Can somebody explain to me how this works....

In the hidden carbs tool, toward the bottom, there is an ammount for Carbs factor and one for actual carbs count.

I am on the Atkins plan... which one should I use.

Thanks!

Carb factor is the amount of calories per carb. It should be close to 4 for carbs and protein and 9 for fats (e.g. 1g of carbs = 4 calories; 1 g of fat = 9 calories and 1g of protein = 4 calories)

If you see people refering to the ECC (Effective Carbohydrate Count) of foods they mean the carbs less the fiber in the food; fiber is a carb but it is a non digestible carb and therefore is not counted.

Nat

carb factor= ammount of calories x gm
actual is the ammount of carbs

allright
I got it

Thanks

Now I'm confused...

I think what you're looking for is:

Carbohydrate calories divided by 4 = carbohydrate grams

or

Grams of carbohydrates times 4 = calories from carbohydrates

But I'm no math whiz!

Karen

Karen

You've explained it perfectly
for a non-math-whiz or a math whiz

Ruth

Yes, Karen, that's what she means. It's a bit confusing if you look at the breakdown after entering a product if you're new and dont know about the 4/4/9.

Nat

Except that the 4/4/9 is not accurate for most foods. The factors used in the hidden carbs calculator are obtained from the USDA documentation for actual caloric counts in foods based on nitrogen testing done. Manufacturers don't follow the rounded 4/4/9, and most hidden carbs calculators will report hidden carbs, even if there are none.

Example, for foods containing 3 calories per gram of carbs, and 2.7 calories per gram of protein; if there's 10 grams, calculators using 4/4/9 will report -4 to -6 grams discrepancy! When in fact, the label is correct, and the 4/4/9 calculator is wrong.

That's why we don't use the 4/4/9 rule in our tools section.

Wa'il

I regularly supplement my food intake with protein drinks, and that category does not appear on the handy little calculator. I use either the Atkins shakes, CarbSolutions, or some other type of protein shake mix that is low in carbs.

(Woe are we: it's so important to read labeling information on these products, since so many contain sugar and have high carb contents!)

My question: Do I accept the carb-grams that are stated on the labels of these drinks? There really isn't a HUGE difference, except that I've been known to drink 3-4 protein shakes a day when I am trying to jump start myself after a plateau period.



Bryana

If it is working for now, you shouldn't worry about it. But, you may want to "do the math" using the Hidden Carb Calculator in Low Carb Tools in the orange bar at the top of the page.

Karen

Can you guys recommend LC shakes? I've tried the Atkins shakes, but personally I gag on them....

No, we're not allowed to.

Sisu Whey Protein is unflavoured so you can add whatever you want. Your can add your own sweetener, extracts, whipping cream, etc. to taste. I bought it at Capers and use it for baking, not drinking.

Karen