Why is Eating a Low GI Diet Such a Big Deal ?

Research has shown that if we eat too many high GI foods and not enough low ones, we are at risk of developing significant health problems.

It was eating the low GI way that truly transformed my health and has allowed me to keep the weight off without being on that dreadful diet, having to count calories and feel deprived. I lost the weight and inches last year and have kept it off. This is the first time I have had real success with long term weight loss. And its now part of my life. It started with understanding what the LOW GI lifetsyle was….

What is the GI?
Carbohydrates are one of the best sources of energy for our bodies. The simplest form of carbohydrate is glucose which fuels most organs and tissues in our bodies. It is the only fuel source for our brains, red blood cells and a growing foetus, and is the main source of energy for our muscles during strenuous exercise.

Most of us don’t eat too much carbohydrate, but all too often we eat the wrong kind, because not all carbohydrates are created equal.

This is where the glycemic index or GI comes in. It’s about recognizing the ’smart carbs’ – the low GI ones – and making sure we include them in our main meals and snacks.

Carbohydrates with a low GI (55 or less) don’t make our blood glucose levels spike for very long. They provide sustained energy.

Carbohydrates with a high GI (70 or more) are the ones that cause our blood glucose levels to go higher for longer. High blood glucose may cause damage to vital organs.

Research has shown that if we eat too many high GI foods and not enough low ones, we are at risk of developing significant health problems

What are the Benefits of the Glycemic Index?
Switching to eating mainly low GI carbs that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals.

◦Low GI diets help people lose and manage weight
◦Low GI diets increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin
◦Low GI carbs improve diabetes management
◦Low GI carbs reduce the risk of heart disease
◦Low GI carbs improve blood cholesterol levels
◦Low GI carbs can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS
◦Low GI carbs reduce hunger and keep you fuller for longer
◦Low GI carbs prolong physical endurance
◦High GI carbs help re-fuel carbohydrate stores after exercise

How to Switch to a Low GI Diet
Swapping high GI carbs for low GI carbs. You don’t need to count numbers or do any sort of mental arithmetic to make sure you are eating a healthy, low GI diet.

◦Use breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran
◦Use breads with wholegrains, stone-ground flour, sour dough
◦Reduce the amount of potatoes you eat
◦Enjoy all other types of fruit and vegetables
◦Use Basmati or Doongara rice
◦Enjoy pasta, noodles, quinoa
◦Eat plenty of salad vegetables with a vinaigrette dressing

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