Your Top 10 Diets

The Low Glycemic Index Diet focuses on foods that are ’slow-release’ in your body. What this means is that when you eat any food, your body digests that food either, quickly, or slowly depending on the Glycemic Index of that food.

If you have diabetes or you need to lose weight the Glycemic Index Diet Plan might be just the solution you’re looking for. This diet is based on a diet plan that was developed in the 1980’s as a way for diabetics to better control their blood glucose levels and subsequently manage their diabetes.

It was discovered that the diet plan had a wonderful side effect; efficient weight loss. Since that time the Low GI Diet, as it is often referred to, has become quite popular with non-diabetics as well. Individuals who use the diet claim they are able to lose weight as well as retain more muscle. Many people report the diet helps them to shave off weight in critical areas as well, including the stomach.

The glycemic index refers specifically to carbohydrate-based foods - foods that are released into the body as sugar (the body’s primary source of energy) upon digestion. Proteins and fats do not have a GI value, as their digestion does not result in the release of sugar - but amino acids and fatty acids.

The glycemic index refers to a value (from 1-100) that is assigned to a carbohydrate according to the rate at which it is digested and released as sugar into the bloodstream. Lower value carbohydrates are digested and released more slowly, and those with higher values are released more quickly. At one end of the GI spectrum we have foods such as grapefruit (with a GI of 25) and at the other end we have foods like white bread (with a GI of 95).

Unlike typical low carb diets such as the Atkins Nutritional Approach and the South Beach Diet, this diet does not focus on carbohydrate restriction, but on the type of carbs you consume. The biggest factor that influences the GI rating is fiber content. Carbohydrates rich in fiber are digested much more slowly by the body, resulting in a gradual and manageable release of blood sugar into the body. Another important factor is fat content. For example, a Snickers bar has a GI rating nearly half of that white bread. Why? We all know there’s a ton of simple sugar in a Snickers bar. The answer is the fat content of the bar slows the release of blood sugar, much like fiber does in fruits and vegetables.

The overall idea therefore, is to consume less high GI carbs, and more low GI carbs in your diet.

The GI diet is great for anyone who wants to lose weight and prevent the possibility of diabetes. It is also great for athletes, as it can provide plenty of energy required for strenuous activity. The best “side effect” of this diet is the maintaining of steady and balanced energy levels throughout the day.