Why The Low GI Diet Is The Key To Your Weight Loss Goals!

By: Wesley Atkins

Losing weight is one of the hardest goals Americansannually seek to accomplish. The weight loss industry ishuge and incorporates every type of fad diet, pill, cream,and lotion possible. Instead of falling prey to one ofthese "lose weight quickly" fads, entrust your weight lossinto something that will guarantee you results: a low GIdiet.

This diet is certainly nothing new and does not requirepurchase of any expensive diet foods that are usuallypacked with preservatives. A low GI diet is much more thana 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. TheGlycemic Index is based on the carbohydrate content of foodand how quickly those carbohydrates affect your bloodglucose level. Foods with a high Glycemic Index arequickly digested and turned into sugar. It is no surprisethat these foods usually lack necessary vitamins ornutrients and contain needless calories and fats. Foodswith a high Glycemic Index (foods ranking 70 or greater onthe scale) include:

&bull Foods high in sugar or glucose&bull Baked or mashed potatoes&bull White Rice&bull Regular (not whole grain) bread&bull Cookies, cakes, muffins, doughnuts&bull Junk foods

A Little Thought and Preparation Make a Big Difference

The method of food preparation also affects the GlycemicIndex. Foods that are cooked or pre-cooked have a higherGI. For example, instant oatmeal or grits have a higherGlycemic Index than the same foods cooked in a moretraditional manner. Due to this reason, individuals whoare on a low GI diet tend to put more thought into foodsconsumed and tend to consume less pre-cooked, pre-packagedfoods filled with preservatives or additives.

It's All About Choices

By choosing to consume foods with a low Glycemic Index, youare making a conscious effort to consume foods that arenutritious and good for you. This diet is also criticalfor individuals with diabetes or other conditions that makeit necessary to monitor their blood sugar levels. Make theconscious commitment to embark on a low GI diet and createa healthy lifestyle.

What foods are classified as low GI? You will certainly besurprised with the incredibly long list of optionsavailable to individuals currently pursuing a low GI diet! These low GI (55 or less) foods include:

&bull Most fruits (apples, pears, oranges, berries, etc.)&bull High fiber grains (bran, whole grain wheat's)&bull Pastas&bull Whole milk&bull Low-fat yogurt&bull Lentils&bull Whole grain cereals (Special K, All Bran, etc)

These foods are readily incorporated into a daily diet andintermixed with foods that have a medium rank on theGlycemic Index between 56 and 69. These foods should beeaten sparingly, thoroughly mixed with the low GI foods. Such medium GI foods include:

&bull Boiled potatoes&bull Dried fruits (raisins and apricots)&bull Ice Cream&bull Shortbread cookies

Where's the Meat?

If you are wondering where fresh meat, eggs, cheese, andvegetables rank on the Glycemic Index, it is because thesefoods do not contain carbohydrates. For this reason, theyare deemed suitable to consume and still abide by theguidelines of the low GI diet. Whether you are a bona fidemeat eater or a staunch vegetarian, you are sure to succeedon this great diet.

A low GI diet is excellent for any individual wishing tolose weight without giving up the foods they love. Thisdiet will allow you to joyfully consume beloved breads andperfect pastas without guilt! If you find yourself wantinga lifestyle change and are ready to lose weight, you'lldefinitely want to look for more in-depth information onthe easily adaptable GI diet.

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