Glycemic Index

Low GI are words we hear more & more these days, but do we know what Low GI means?

The Glycemic Index or GI describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. You want to be eating foods that has a Low Glycemic Index (GI). Low GI foods produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose & insulin levels. Keeping us fuller for longer. It's a slow release process.

 However, If you eat a chocolate (High GI) your blood glucose & insulin levels spike quite sharply giving you that "Good" feeling... this feeling is very short lived. This causes you to Crave more of the High GI foods. It's like a "fix" that you need. So eating foods that has a High GI will make you feel full for a very short period of time.

Foods that has a High GI, are the foods you want to try and steer clear from.
eg white bread, chips, chocolates mashed potatoes, etc

Foods that have a Low GI are the one's you want to be eating. eg Apples, dried apricots, low fat yoghurt, green leafy vegetable's etc

Health benefits of Low Gi foods:

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