The low GI diet is not really just a diet but a very healthy and natural way of eating. This is one healthy eating plan which many nutritionists are happy to endorse.
The basis of the low GI diet plan is to eat foods which have a low glycemic index. These are foods which take time for your body to digest and keep blood sugar levels even throughout the day. In return these steady blood sugar levels help reduce cravings and hunger pangs.
One of the biggest benefits of the low GI diet plan is the increased energy people on this eating plan feel. Instead of the usual afternoon slump where you’re reaching for the coffee and donuts, on the low GI diet plan you won’t feel these sugar highs and dips.
So what Can I eat on the low GI diet?
Tons of delicious healthy food such as whole grains including whole grain breads and rice. You can have new potatoes and sweet potatoes. Lean meats and proteins as well as low fat dairy products, most fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts. In fact you can even have chocolate. Chocolate specifically dark chocolate has a low GI score, which means you can indulge and still lose weight.
There are a few exceptions which at first may not make sense but the idea is that vegetables such as corn and carrots can rapidly raise your blood sugar levels and so are considered high GI. Fruits such as bananas and pineapples also have a high GI score, so you’re better off opting for apples or berries.
And there are also a few non expected foods you can have such as avocado, nuts and red wine.
The diet plan is easy to follow and the one huge benefit aside from feeling very energetic is that you should not feel major hunger pangs as you would on another diet. There are also some added extra benefits such as younger looking skin, reduced facial hair in some women and clearer skin.
One important thing to note is that in order to lose weight on this plan you will still need to restrict your calories. If you eat healthy throughout the day but are having one or two avocados along with a couple of pieces of dark chocolate you will not lose weight. Although these foods are healthy for you they are still very calorific.
Having three sensible low GI meals a day along with two snacks and adequate portion sizes are paramount on the Low GI weight loss plan.
Filed under Energy, Health Talk, Healthy Eating, Weight Loss by on Dec 20th, 2006. 
Are you feeling tired, lately? Just can’t seem to wake up in the morning? Feel the need for an afternoon nap? Instead of drinking coffee or soda, try a work out instead. Studies have shown exercise to be a better energizer than even prescription stimulants. Many cases from fatigue are caused by inactivity, not by too much activity. So if you’ve been feeling run down and need a jump start, try adding exercise to your daily routine.
Many people start an exercise regime and expect to feel wonderfully energized and alive the same day. Those people are sadly disappointed when they find themselves sore and dragging. After a week or two with no results, many people give up and assume it just won’t work for them. But studies have repeatedly shown that exercise boosts energy levels in a majority of people; the key is to be persistent. The first few weeks your body is just adjusting to the extra stress of working out. Once your body is used to the additional work, you’ll begin to feel the energizing effects of a good workout.
You also shouldn’t judge how much energy you have right after a workout. Most people feel fatigued right after they’re done, but feel more energized a little later. Your muscles need time to recover from the workload. If you feel extremely fatigued, or you don’t get and energy burst within an hour of working out, you’re probably pushing yourself too hard. Try doing a little less and building up to a greater workload.
Many people decide to start a workout routine, but are too tired to actually get too the gym or go for a run. If this is the case for you, monitor your energy level throughout the day. Pick a time when you generally feel most awake and try to schedule your workouts. After a few weeks, you should feel energetic enough to move your workout to a more convenient time.
If you still need convincing to go out and exercise, remember that a good workout can help improve the quality of your sleep. That will make you more rested and even more energetic the next day. So, if you’re feeling sluggish, get up and get moving. You’ll be feeling better in no time.
Filed under Energy, Exercise, Health Talk by on Dec 12th, 2006.