The GI Diet for Healthy Eating
The Diet Based on the Glycemic Index Gets the Green Light
The GI Diet is a sensible eating plan that can help you lose weight. Foods are ranked by their glycemic index level to help you choose food that breaks down slowly.
The GI diet is an option for those tired of trying fad diets and searching for a healthy way of eating, feeling full and losing weight.
What is the Glycemic Index?
GI is a way of measuring how fast the food is broken down into the blood stream to create glucose. Though no foods are "bad," there are some foods that should be eaten in moderation because those with a high GI level are absorbed too quickly and that's why you feel hungry more often when you eat these foods.
What is the Basis of the GI Diet?
The gist of the diet is to eat foods that are low on the glycemic index chart. These are foods that are harder to digest and give you a longer sense of fullness. They release into the bloodstream at a much slower rate. These low GI foods make up the core f the diet, though no foods are forbidden.
Yellow Light, Red Light, Green Light...Go!
In his book, Living the GI Diet, Rick Gallop spells out the different levels of food by ranking their glycemic index levels. Foods are ranked from 0-100 and tell how much they will raise your blood sugar levels after you eat.
Green- low GI (foods with a level under 45)
Yellow- moderate GI (foods with a level 45-60)
Red- high GI (foods with a level over 60)
How to Read the Symbols
Green light foods make up the core of the GI Diet. These are foods you don't need to limit and can eat until you are full. This food group consists of apples, unsweetened plain yogurt, veggies, nuts, lean meats and whole grains.
Yellow light foods are choices you should make in moderation. This food group consists of pasta, baked beans, potatoes, orange juice and some fruits like blueberries.
Red light foods should be restricted for rare occasions. It's recommended you don't eat these foods frequently on this program. This food group consists of ice cream, raisins, watermelon, white rice, cookies and a host of other easily absorbed foods.
What About Carbs?
The GI Diet doesn't require that you give up carbs. You'll needs to choose carbs wisely though. Avoid white rice and products made with white flour. Whole grain breads, brown rice cereals and pastas are suitable choices that will provide better nutrition and help you feel satisfies longer.
Is the GI Diet a Long-term Weight Loss Solution?
The diet based on the glycemic index is a healthy way to eat for life. By eliminating fats and fueling your body with foods that are digested slowly, you can expect to lose an average of 1 pound per week.
