What's the deal with food labels that claim to be low in carbs or low in net carbs?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which regulates nutrition facts food labels, is currently working on a definition for low-carbohydrate foods. In the mean time, food companies have come up with the term net carbs to promote their low-carb foods. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting carbs that don't have a major impact on blood sugar like fiber and sugar alcohols (like manitol and sorbitol) from the total grams of carbohydrate. Food companies put net carb labels on their products to attract low-carb dieters and many companies will add sugar alcohols to their products to keep the net carbs low. Overeating sugar alcohols should be avoided because they can cause a laxative effect.

Labels: What's the deal with food labels that claim to be low in carbs or low in net carbs?

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CDC: Balancing Calories: Help Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits

To help your child maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories your child consumes from foods and beverages with the calories your child uses through physical activity and normal growth.

Remember that the goal for overweight and obese children and teens is to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development. Children and teens should NOT be placed on a weight reduction diet without the consultation of a health care provider.

Encourage healthy eating habits.