September 2010
| GI Index |
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The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a method of ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI are quickly broken down into sugars, causing a rapid rise in blood-sugar levels. These typically include white starchy foods such as potatoes, white bread and white rice. Low GI foods are those that are broken down much more slowly and released much more steadily into the bloodstream. These tend to include peanuts, low-fat yoghurt, milk, most fruit and some wholemeal foods. Following a low GI eating plan is thought to help with weight control for several reasons. Low GI foods help to keep blood-sugar levels more constant which, in turn, helps to keep cravings to a minimum – plus they tend to be more filling, which means you’re less likely to feel hungry between meals and less likely to overindulge when you do sit down to eat. However, as with all healthy-eating plans, it is, as you say, important that your diet remains balanced and provides you with all the nutrients your body needs. One way of making sure you’re getting enough is to take a supplement. Higher Nature’s High Fibre Vitality Shake, a whole-food blend, is ideal for anyone on a low GI diet. In addition to all the essential vitamins and minerals, it provides fibre and protein from low GI foods such as almonds, flax, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds, oat bran, organic quinoa and white beetroot. Simply blend five level dessertspoons (30g) with half-a-pint of skimmed milk, soya milk, rice milk or fruit juice and a piece of low GI fruit for a delicious low GI nutritious shake. |