Net v Gross??

Ok, I know it seems that every time I post it has to do with CARBS but here we go again....Do you count Net carbs or total carbs? What limit do you have on your daily intake? I have been counting net carbs and try to stay under 25 daily. Is that good? Do you eat low carb or whole wheat breads/wraps? What about pasta? Whole wheat or Dreamfields? Is one better than the other? I know this is a lot of questions but I am curious... Thanks in advance, Valorie

There doesn't really seem to be any consistent rules for carbs. My NUT says to not count them. I have a book that says 20-30 carbs per 300 calories meal is appropriate. My fear is if I restrict carbs too much that I will bounce up in weight if I increase them them later on. For me 25 net carbs is too low. I find it hard to concentrate at work or to have productive work-outs at the gym when the carbs are too low. I've heard different amounts of allowed carbs from others. Some people stay under 100 regular carbs or 50 net carbs. I guess there is a lot of variation out there. I can't eat breads and pastas. If I have those type of carbs it makes me hungry...and I doubt that I would control my portion sizes. There are many of our November buddies that have been way more successful with their weight loss than I have so maybe they can let us know what they do.

I was not instructed to count carbs - however I was instructed to eat no bread, pasta, or rice and crackers no more than twice a week. I strictly count calories and protien.

Valorie, On my pre surgery diet my surgeon required a low carb diet that had no more than 30 grams of carbs per day. It was pretty easy to do and the weight really did come off doing that. And that was net carbs. The reason you use net carbs is that fiber (which is a carbohydrate) does not digest so it really doesn't count. I use low carb wraps, if I eat bread (which isn't very often) I just go for whole wheat, for pasta I really can't eat regular pasta because it hurts pretty badly if I have more than one or two SMALL bites. I can, however, eat the dreamfields pasta which tastes exactly the same as regular. I don't like the flavor of most other low carb pastas they tend to taste like cardboard. Personally I don't really regulate my carbs. I try to stick mostly to good carbs, the kind found in fruits and veggies or in milk products with the occasional bit of potatoes, rice or some whole wheat bread. I hope that helps a little. Corinna Q

I don't count or worry about carbs at... I think it's all about calories. I make sure to get my protein and then there's very little room for anything else. Your body does need SOME carbs, just the good kind. Marilyn

Valorie, One of my girlfriends who is 5 years out (and who has maintained her weight loss completely) mostly sticks to the following rule: For every 1 gram of carbs in a food item, there has to be at least 3 grams protein. For instance, if a cracker, pasta, or other carb item has 5 grams carbs... it should also provide 15 gms protein for the same serving. Now, granted this isn't the case on some foods. And she does admit to having "an empty carb food" once in awhile. But she really looks great 5 years out and she says it keeps her carb cravings at bay. She is still thinking like she was in the beginning of the program. I will admit I don't exactly keep to that rule... but you have to do what works for you (to keep you healthy in mind and body). Leah