Glycemic Impact Diet

Developed in Canada, the Glycemic Impact (GI) diet has found popularity throughout Britain and the United States. Based on solid scientific research, some studies indicate the GI diet can even lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Basically you lose weight and body fat by eating more high-fiber foods and fewer nutrient dense foods.

WHY IT WORKS

Using a glycemic index, food is ranked according to the effect it has on blood levels. Foods with a low glycemic index value slowly release sugar into the blood stream, providing you with a steady supply of energy and leaving you feeling satisfied longer.

Foods with a high GI value cause a rapid, short-lived spike in blood sugar leaving you tired and hungry within a short period of time. The result is that you can end up reaching for snacks which over time can lead to overeating and weight gain.

So, the GI Diet aims to have you eating foods of lower GI value, preventing swings in blood sugar, and which keep you feeling full, longer. Most GI diets also recommend cutting down on saturated fats, so that even if a food has a low GI value it will still be restricted if it has high fat content.

Basically you will eat lower-calorie, higher-volume foods such as vegetables, broth, fruit and whole grains. You’ll feel satisfied but eat fewer calories and lose weight without feeling hungry.

And because blood sugar levels are stabilized you will sustain energy levels and avoid carbohydrate cravings.

WHAT YOU’LL EAT

-40% of calories come from unrefined, complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and fruit (not juice)

-30% of calories from lean protein such as fish, chicken and some beef and pork, or vegetarian options that include soy protein, tofu and textured vegetable protein

-the final 30% comes from healthy fats such as huts, fatty fish, avocados and olive oil

You’ll eat 4 to 5 balanced meals and snacks throughout the day.

BOTTOM LINE

The GI diet is a very healthy, well balanced approach to weight lose that can be successfully integrated into a long-term healthy diet, for life.

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