How to Calculate Net Carbs

Calculating net carbs is a crucial step when adopting a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Net carbs are the total carbs in a food minus the fiber content. Below are the steps to calculate net carbs:

1. Determine Total Carbohydrates:

Look at the nutrition label of your food item and identify the "Total Carbohydrates" value. This number represents the total amount of carbs per serving, including both digestible and indigestible carbs.

2. Subtract Fiber:

Locate the "Dietary Fiber" content mentioned on the nutrition label. Fiber is a type of indigestible carbohydrate that passes through the digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

3. Calculate Net Carbs:

Subtract the amount of dietary fiber from the total carbohydrates to calculate the net carbs. The formula for net carbs is:

Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates - Dietary Fiber

For example, if a serving of food contains 20 grams of total carbohydrates and 5 grams of dietary fiber, the net carbs would be 20 grams - 5 grams = 15 grams.

Net carbs are particularly important for low-carb diets because they represent the amount of digestible carbohydrates that affect your blood sugar levels. By knowing the net carb count of your food, you can make informed choices and stay within your desired carb intake for the day or meal.

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