Glycemic Index Weight Loss

The glycemic index measures the impact that foods have on your blood sugar levels. The lower value foods on the list have a smaller impact on your glucose levels and higher numbers indicate a greater impact. The glycemic index is not the only aspect of nutrition that must be monitored to lose weight effectively, but it is a tool that can help dieters make good choices on a weight loss program.

• Monitoring the glycemic index can help you lose weight.

Blood Glucose and Weight Loss

• Blood glucose levels have a great impact on our ability to lose weight effectively. The body digests carbohydrates and converts these foods into glucose. Glucose is a source of energy for the body and it affects how satisfied our appetites are after eating. The glucose level also has an impact on whether the body burns fat in the body or stores it as emergency energy.

Choosing Low Glycemic Index Foods

• The glycemic index is a tool that benefits a weight loss program to determine which foods have the least impact on blood sugar. The foods on the list are scored between one and one hundred with one hundred being the number assigned to pure glucose.
  The index helps the dieter make better carbohydrate choices. The tool helps dieters choose foods that will keep glucose levels manageable and the body will burn excess stored fat.

Appetite Control

• Foods that have a lower glycemic index value also tend to produce a feeling of fullness for a longer period. For dieters who struggle with appetite control, these foods are better choices for a well-rounded weight loss meal plan. The lower value foods help dieters to eat less and lose weight.

Balanced Diet

• The glycemic index is not the only factor in a healthy weight loss program. Well balanced diets contain 30 percent of calories from lean sources of protein and 30 percent of calories from fat. Carbohydrates on a well-balanced program should be 40 percent of total calories. Choosing low glycemic foods for these calories will keep blood sugar within healthy levels.

Exercise and Glucose

• Exercise has a dramatic impact on blood glucose levels. During exercise, the body requires more energy and burns the excess blood glucose to supply that extra energy. This causes blood glucose levels to drop during and after exercise.
  Snack before strenuous activity to ensure that blood glucose levels don't drop too low. Diabetics monitor their blood glucose before strenuous activity or plan to exercise after a snack or meal to keep blood sugar at normal levels.