Why The Low GI Diet Is The Key To Your Weight Loss Goals
By Wesley Atkins
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Losing weight is one of the hardest goals Americans annually
seek to accomplish. The weight loss industry is huge and
incorporates every type of fad diet, pill, cream, and lotion
possible. Instead of falling prey to one of these “lose weight
quickly” fads, entrust your weight loss into something that
will guarantee you results: a low GI diet.
This diet is certainly nothing new and does not require purchase
of any expensive diet foods that are usually packed with
preservatives. A low GI diet is much more than a typical diet—
it is truly a change in your lifestyle, health, and overall well
being.
What does GI Stand for Anyway?
The “GI” in GI diet stands for Glycemic Index. The Glycemic
Index is based on the carbohydrate content of food and how
quickly those carbohydrates affect your blood glucose level.
Foods with a high Glycemic Index are quickly digested and
turned into sugar. It is no surprise that these foods usually
lack necessary vitamins or nutrients and contain needless
calories and fats. Foods with a high Glycemic Index (foods
ranking 70 or greater on the scale) include:
• Foods high in sugar or glucose
• Baked or mashed potatoes
• White Rice
• Regular (not whole grain) bread
• Cookies, cakes, muffins, doughnuts
• Junk foods
A Little Thought and Preparation Make a Big Difference
The method of food preparation also affects the Glycemic Index.
Foods that are cooked or pre-cooked have a higher GI. For
example, instant oatmeal or grits have a higher Glycemic Index
than the same foods cooked in a more traditional manner. Due
to this reason, individuals who are on a low GI diet tend to put
more thought into foods consumed and tend to consume less
pre-cooked, pre-packaged foods filled with preservatives or
additives.
It’s All About Choices
By choosing to consume foods with a low Glycemic Index,
you are making a conscious effort to consume foods that are
nutritious and good for you. This diet is also critical for
individuals with diabetes or other conditions that make it
necessary to monitor their blood sugar levels. Make the
conscious commitment to embark on a low GI diet and create
a healthy lifestyle.
What foods are classified as low GI? You will certainly be
surprised with the incredibly long list of options available to
individuals currently pursuing a low GI diet! These low GI
(55 or less) foods include:
• Most fruits (apples, pears, oranges, berries, etc.)
• High fiber grains (bran, whole grain wheat’s)
• Pastas
• Whole milk
• Low-fat yogurt
• Lentils
• Whole grain cereals (Special K, All Bran, etc)
These foods are readily incorporated into a daily diet and
intermixed with foods that have a medium rank on the Glycemic
Index between 56 and 69. These foods should be eaten
sparingly, thoroughly mixed with the low GI foods. Such
medium GI foods include:
• Boiled potatoes
• Dried fruits (raisins and apricots)
• Ice Cream
• Shortbread cookies
Where’s the Meat?
If you are wondering where fresh meat, eggs, cheese, and
vegetables rank on the Glycemic Index, it is because these
foods do not contain carbohydrates. For this reason, they
are deemed suitable to consume and still abide by the
guidelines of the low GI diet. Whether you are a bona fide
meat eater or a staunch vegetarian, you are sure to succeed
on this great diet.
A low GI diet is excellent for any individual wishing to lose
weight without giving up the foods they love. This diet will
allow you to joyfully consume beloved breads and perfect
pastas without guilt! If you find yourself wanting a lifestyle
change and are ready to lose weight, you’ll definitely want
to look for more in-depth information on the easily adaptable
GI diet.
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Wesley Atkins is a fitness and nutrition coach and author
of the "Low GI Diet Breakthrough" e-book. For free tips,
weight loss information, or to find out more about his
book, visit: www.lowgidietbreakthrough.com
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