Are you following a diet like Kimkins where you count carbs? Sounds simple, right? Hey, not so fast. In the world of nutritional information labeling there's a lot of fuzzy math going on.

Fuzzy math? Let's just say 1 + 1 might equal 3 or 7. Read on.

The way to compute total carbs for foods is to multiply calories for protein and fat, subtract from total calories and divide the remainder by 4. THAT is the actual total carbs for that food and the number can be quite shocking!

For a quick example, here's a label for a Mocha Chip Balance Bar with the calories, protein, fat and carbs plainly listed.


Now, let's verify the totals.

Calories: 200
Carbs: 21 (21*4=84)
Protein: 15 (15*4=60)
Fat: 6 (6*9=54)

The calorie value for protein & carbs are 4 per gram and 9 for fat. In the above example our math would be 21+15*4 and 6*9 = 198. Hmmmm, the total calories don't match up? Off by 2 calories or .5 carb?

Another example? Here's a label from the very popular Crystal Light drink mixes:

Kraft has listed 0 carbs, protein and fat grams. So far so good. But where does the 5 calories come from? They don't add up -- oops!

Calories: 5
Carbs: 0
Protein: 0
Fat: 0

Welcome to the world of "hidden carbs". Sneaky? Yes.

In our Crystal Light Example, 5/4=1.25 which means there's 1.8 carbs in a typical 12 oz kitchen glass. That's 10 carbs per tiny tub! If you're a big Crystal Light drinker like me, this can pack on extra carbs.

Remember, your body uses carbs for energy before protein, dietary fat or body fat.

Want even more confusion? Non-USA companies also routinely pre-subtract fiber grams! This would lead someone who sees a label claiming 15 carbs and 15 grams of fiber to actually believe the "net" carbs are 0! Actually total carbs are 30. Check out a can of beans to see a real life example.

If all this math is too much trouble, check out the Hidden Carb Calculator here at Kimkins.
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Perhaps the most common of "Ask Kimmer" questions:

QUESTION: I've always heard that all diets work differently for every person and that YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) applies. Is that true?

Hog wash.

If you work any program correctly, fully understanding the guidelines and aren't cheating, you will always get optimum results.

Providing, of course, that you pick a program that gives the results you want. Average weight loss programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig will give you 1-2 lbs a week, while Kimkins is substantially higher.

No diet will work if you cheat, whether on purpose or through selective memory (forgetting those extra bites while cooking?) Before you blame your diet, check yourself first. Keep a careful food diary. Be sure you know how to weigh or measure your food. Know your diet plan's rules and follow them strictly.

Still not getting the results you want? Maybe you picked the wrong diet.
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