Throughout this site and in the media, on labels and in books you'll find a number of words used to describe the nutritional approach we call "controlled-carb."

While no definitions exist to date for labels and the use of words is inconsistent from labels to books to articles, we have established definitions for our organization and our communications with consumers, healthcare professionals and industry.

Controlled Carbohydrate (aka Controlled-carb) Nutrition or Diets
Controlled-Carbohydrate Nutrition is understood to mean 60g or more carbohydrate per day after deducting only fiber (net carbohydrate) with up to 40% of calories provided from quality carbohydrate each day.

Net Carbs (aka digestible carbs, net digestible carbs, usable carbs)
Net carbohydrate is defined by CarbAware as the carbohydrate eaten in a day after deducting only fiber.  Our definition does not include deducting sugar alcohols or resistant starches until further evidence supports such a position.

Low-Carb (aka low-carb diet)
A Low-Carb Diet is understood to mean </=60g carbohydrate per day after deducting only fiber (net carbohydrate). Low-Carb Diets include "very" low-carb plans that are ketogenic and plans that do not specifically count carbohydrate grams but provide 60g or less carbohydrate (net) each day.

Last Update: October 5, 2005