How do YOU count carbs?

There are different types of carbs, then there are "net" carbs (where fiber is usually involved).

I typically count a carb as a carb... I feel that way its all accounted for - but I know some are good carbs... and some are bad... 

How about with the Atkins type of bars - where there are NET carb counts. 

Example:  I ate an Atkins bar today for a snack.  It says 3 NET CARBS.  This is derived from taking the TOTAL CARBS (16) - DIETARY FIBER (6).  The way I see it - it should be 10 carbs if you're counting 1 for 1... is this how its done?  Do you count net carbs or just carbs?  Please correct me if I'm wrong here... which is VERY possible.

I'm not doing Atkins induction or even Atkins but I count net carbs when available. I'm a DSer so I just need to get my carbs under control to try to loose about 3-4 lbs that I gained between Halloween and New Years. So I can do 75 a day and loose weight (at least that is the plan).

I'm sure some Atkins or super low carb folks will come along and give you a better opinion.

~Becky

Atkins bars get their net carb number by subtracting fiber AND sugar alcohols AND glycerin, so the math never quite adds up on the label because glycerin isn't accounted for separately.

I count net carbs by taking total carbs minus fiber. I don't subtract sugar alcohols or anything else. If I don't subtract fiber, then I end up not getting enough fiber in my diet because I'm trying to limit my total carbs too much.

Hmmm interesting.  I was wondering if the sugar alcohols had something to do with it.

I don't track my fiber, and doubt I get enough. 

thanks for posting this I was really curious about the difference in carbs and net carbs after eating an Atkins bar that said 22carbs on the back and 4 net carbs on the front of label

I count carbs by finding the total carbs and subtracting the fiber.

This is because I have no idea how to calculate glycerin and sugar alcohols honestly.  

It does not always work out right.  For instance, I just had a lovely, large glass of white Jeunesse wine, QUITE yummy and mellowing.  It had about 100 calories and only 4 grams of carbs.  Now, I know that my body is burning the wine calories ahead of the other stuff I've been eating, and I know that I shouldn't be deceived by a mere 4 grams of carbs.  Because if I was going to be fooled, then the answer to all of my problems would be to just drink a bottle and a half of wine each day, and nothing else.

But hey ho the merry oh .... can't do that and stay the course!  

So the glass of wine was a mere exception though I'm feeling mighty fine.

I track total and net.  Net equals total minus fiber minus sugar alcohols minus non digestible carbs (such as in dreamfields pasta).  Some debate sugar alcohols but who cares.  This is what works for me.  I have a cieling for both total and net carbs.