What do low carbohydrate claims, such as "carb smart," "carb aware," "carb countdown," "carb fit," and "carb sense," actually mean? In a word: nothing.

You shouldn’t see the actual term "low carb" on any food labels, since that term has not been defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Such health-related claims must be defined by the FDA before they can be used on labels. Instead,many manufacturers are using other terms to imply lower carbs without actually saying it, and without having to back up their claims. In contrast, if a product claims to be "reduced-fat”or "reduced-calorie," the statement needs to be supported by a comparison to the "regular" product, right there on the label.

A bizarre term being used is "net carbs." Manufacturers arrive at this number by subtracting sugar alcohols, fiber, and other carbohydrates that they say have "minimal impact on blood sugar." But can they prove their claim with any research proving the impact of their product on blood sugar? And is blood sugar the only thing we care about when evaluating the carbohydrate content of a food?

Effect on blood sugar is definitely NOT the only thing we are concerned with when evaluating a food product. As with any food product in a diet,we need to evaluate the entire composition of the diet and compare that to the body’s nutrient needs. Always look for "real" foods that pack the most nutrition into the fewest calories. Focus on the type of carbs you are eating, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, rather than on the absolute number of grams. Limit added sugars.Avoid saturated fats and trans fatty acids. And always incorporate exercise into your healthy lifestyle.

Just because your carbohydrate intake is low doesn’t mean that you will lose weight, or that your body fat will be low. "Low carb" foods (no matter what the label may claim) aren’t "free" foods, or even necessarily healthy foods!

Martial Arts Success Stories

Personal Profile
Joshua Taylor, Age 18
"Son, I met a black belt at church today," dad said casually. Little did he know that the teacher he just met would change my life. I gingerly began training and soon fell in love with the art. Years passed, the school grew, and so did I. Nevertheless, the spirit remained the same. I’m still a tiny kid in a brand new world. My interest blossomed into a way of life, and soon I began to apply all that I learned about effort, discipline and self-control. With a martial arts lifestyle I’ve achieved success in school, proficiency from training, and the best group of friends anyone could ever ask for. Now, nine years later, I wish I could say all I feel in 150 words. In reality, the only way I could ever do my teachers justice, is live my life in a manner which would make them proud. I humbly implore all who read this: Learn all you can, teach all who will listen, and be proud to call yourselves martial artists.

Joshua Taylor is a student at Villari’s Self Defense and
Fitness owned by James & Vicki Schulenburg

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