More carbohydrate terms: Net carbs and glycemic index

The terms "low carb" or "net carbs" often appear on product labels. But the Food and Drug Administration doesn't use these terms, so there's no standard meaning. Typically, the term "net carbs" is used to mean the amount of carbs in a product excluding fiber or excluding both fiber and sugar alcohols.

You probably have also heard talk about the glycemic index. The glycemic index classifies carbohydrate-containing foods according to their potential to raise blood sugar levels.

Weight-loss diets based on the glycemic index typically suggest limiting foods that are higher on the glycemic index. Foods with a relatively high glycemic index ranking include potatoes, white bread, and snack foods and desserts that have refined flours.

Many healthy foods are naturally lower on the glycemic index. Examples include whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products.