8
Description of Approaches
Figure 1. Reading a Nutrition Facts Label
Total Carbs
▶ Look at the serving size and total
carbohydrate sections
▶ In this example, 4 grams
carbohydrate = 4 total grams
of carbohydrate per 1 cup of
cauliflower
▶ TOTAL CARBS is used when
individuals are trying to lose
weight most effectively
Net Carbs
▶ Look at the serving size, total
carbohydrate and dietary fiber
sections.
▶ Subtract dietary fiber from total
carbohydrate to get the "net
carbs."
▶ In this example, 4 grams
carbohydrate – 2 grams fiber =
2 grams "net carbs" per 1 cup of
cauliflower.
▶ NET CARBS is more often
used for individuals trying to
lose weight more gradually or
maintain body weight.
▶ Packaged or processed low-
carbohydrate foods often contain
sweeteners called sugar alcohols
(e.g., erythritol, maltitol, xylitol,
isomalt) that are carbohydrates.
Some people think sugar alcohols
can be subtracted similar to fiber
when calculating "net carbs,"
but most of them contain about
half the calories per gram that
carbohydrates contain.
There are two ways to count carbs:
TOTAL CARBS or NET CARBS
