ANSWERS ABOUT NUTRITION

Straight from the nutritionists.

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The LEAN CUISINE® team of nutritionists is taking your questions about food and nutrition now. And they've drawn on their combined experience to post answers to some often-asked questions—check them out below.

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Carbohydrates Questions (12 questions)
  • Q. How Do I Calculate Net Carbs?
    A.Net carbs are calculated by subtracting Fiber and Sugar Alcohol from Total Carbohydrates - leaving the carbs that have a measurable impact on your blood sugar. For example, in Lean Cuisine Chicken Marsala, we subtract 3g fiber from the 12g total carbs to get to 9g net carbs. Fiber has minimal effect on your blood sugar. For those watching their carb intake, count 9 grams. Note: this product does not contain sugar alcohols. If it did contain sugar alcohols, then we would have subtracted those as well.
  • Q. True or false: if something is low in carbs, then it must be low in calories.
    A.False. For example, 3 oz. of salmon has 0 grams of carbohydrates but contains 10 grams of fat and 175 calories. Another example is two scrambled eggs which have 2 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of fat and 200 calories. Three slices of bacon contain a trace of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fat, and 130 calories.
  • Q. How can I tell how many carbs are in fruits and vegetables?
    A.Here is a list of some popular fruits and vegetables: Apple: 20g carbs Carrot (1 medium): 10g carbs Banana: 25g carbs Broccoli (1 spear): 10g carbs Orange: 15g carbs Peas (½ cup): 10g carbs Strawberries (½ cup): 5g carbs
  • Q. Are all "whole grains" created equal? Is there are nutritional difference between eating whole grain rice, wheat, oats, etc? Also, what should I look for in a loaf of bread to get the value of whole grains?
    A.Whole grains are the preferred type of carb because they are packed with all the nutrition of the entire grain seed. Whole grains are great sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, numerous vitamins and minerals as well as phytochemicals and antioxidants. There is no difference other than taste and fiber amounts between different whole grains. Some whole grains may have more dietary fiber than others but they are all good sources of fiber. It is important to read the ingredient statement when selecting your breads.The ingredient statement will use the word "whole" in front of the name of the grain. It should state whole wheat flour if you are looking for whole wheat bread.
  • Q. What are good carbs? What are bad carbs?
    A.Good carbs are whole grains, cereals, crackers, peas, lentils, dried beans, fruits, and vegetables. These foods are complex carbohydrates that release energy into your body more slowly and over a longer period of time. Bad carbs are also known as simple carbs. They consist of sugary foods such as frosted cakes pies and donuts, table sugar, honey and syrups.

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