
Low GI Diet

Diet Effectiveness Rating: 

The Low GI (Glycemic Index) Diet plan originally was developed in the 1980's as a way for
diabetics to better control their blood glucose levels and subsequently manager their diabetes.
Background
It was discovered that the diet plan had a wonderful side effect; efficient weight loss. Since that time the Low
GI Diet, as it is often referred to, has become quite popular with non-diabetics as well.
People who use the diet claim they are able to lose weight as well as retain more muscle. Many people report the
diet helps them to shave off weight in critical areas, as well, including the stomach.
How It Works
Under the Low GI Diet, foods are divided into three categories based on how they rank on the glycemic index. The
glycemic index ranks foods according to how quickly the body is able to digest them.
Foods that are processed more quickly by the body rank higher on the Index. Foods that take longer to be
digested by the body rank lower on the scale. The idea is to base your diet on foods that rank in the low to medium
range - by eating foods that rank high on the Index sparingly.
Some of the low foods which are allowable on the Low GI Diet plan include broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower and
other fruits as well as whole grains. Legumes are also allowable. Some foods rank in the middle range, including
bananas and apricots.
When dieters first start the eating plan they are in what is known as Phase One. Under this phase, dieters are
encouraged to eat only foods which are low on the glycemic index in order to lose weight. These foods are low in
calories and high in fiber which makes it easier to lose weight. Dieters should plan to be on the first phase of
the diet for about three to six months depending on how much weight they want to lose.
After that time period, the individual may then advance to the second phase, which is the weight loss
maintenance phase. In this phase, you may eat low as well as medium foods according to the glycemic index. It is
important to understand that exercise is an important component in both phases of the diet plan in order for it to
work effectively.
The Low GI Diet by itself is not a complete solution for weight loss. You must be dedicated to participating in
an active and healthy lifestyle. It should also be understood that this is not a diet in the true sense of the word
but rather a change in lifestyle.
If you abort the diet plan after losing weight and return to eating large amounts of highly processed and
refined foods, it is quite likely that you will regain weight, particularly if you are not exercising on a regular
basis.
Our Analysis
One of the major advantages of this diet plan is that it is not as restrictive as many other diet plans. For example, you can have some carbs on this diet as long as
they are good carbs and they rank low on the glycemic index. In addition, it is perfectly okay for you to eat
out.
Once you have become familiar with which foods rank low on the index you can then usually find something on any
menu which is acceptable according to the Low GI Diet.
Vegetarians frequently find that many low carb diets do not work well for them because they place a strong
emphasis on meat. With the Low GI Diet, there is no such problem because proteins from vegetables can replace
meat.
With time and dedication the Low GI Diet has proven to be quite effective at managing diabetes,
promoting weight loss and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
We highly recommend Low GI Diet

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