Lies about Calories; Carbs and Fiber

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We’re being given so much bad information about food these days. It’s no wonder people come to me extremely confused. The good news is, in no time I help them make sense of all of it, including why we don’t count calories at all in my program: if you’re eating foods that heal your body, you don’t have to. 

But here is what is going on with programs that remove the carb count if an item’s carbs can be counted as fiber! It is misleading to say the least, they are telling people what they want to hear, not telling them the truth. 

Not including the actual calories in carbohydrates on packaging because they are considered fiber can be misleading and potentially problematic for several reasons:

1. Misleading Caloric Information:

• Caloric Contribution: While fibers are generally considered non-digestible and thus non-caloric, some types of fiber, particularly soluble fibers, can be partially fermented in the large intestine, producing short-chain fatty acids that provide calories.
• Inaccurate Calorie Count: If these fermentable fibers are not accounted for, the total caloric content of the product can be understated. This can mislead consumers who are trying to accurately track their calorie intake for weight management or health purposes.

2. Impact on Blood Sugar:

• Net Carbs Misconception: Some people calculate "net carbs" by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates, under the assumption that fiber does not affect blood sugar. However, this does not account for the fact that certain fibers can still have a glycemic impact, albeit less than simple sugars or starches.
• Diabetes Management: For individuals managing diabetes, knowing the accurate impact on blood sugar is crucial. Mislabeling can lead to poor blood sugar control if the carbohydrate content is underestimated.

3. Digestive Considerations:

• Fermentation and Gas Production: Some fibers, when fermented by gut bacteria, can produce gas and cause digestive discomfort. Consumers with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) need accurate information about fiber content to manage their symptoms effectively.
• Prebiotic Fibers: Certain fibers act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. While beneficial for many, it’s important to know the type and amount of these fibers to manage individual digestive health needs.

4. Nutritional Balance:

• Dietary Planning: Accurate nutritional labeling helps consumers make informed choices about their diet, balancing their intake of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) including fiber. Misleading information can disrupt this balance, leading to nutritional imbalances.

5. Regulatory and Consistency Issues:

• Standardization: Inconsistent labeling practices across different products can cause confusion and make it difficult for consumers to compare products accurately.
• Transparency: Consumers rely on food labels to make informed dietary choices. Lack of transparency can erode trust in food labeling and regulatory standards.

Conclusion:

Accurate labeling of all components of carbohydrates, including fiber, ensures consumers have a complete understanding of the nutritional content of the foods they consume. This is particularly important for managing caloric intake, blood sugar levels, and digestive health. Proper labeling helps consumers make informed dietary choices that align with their health goals and needs.