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Glycemic Index Diets: How They Can Help You Lose WeightDiet plans based on the Glycemic Index were originally created to help diabetic people manage their food intake, in order to maintain a proper blood sugar and insulin balance in their bodies. Now, many popular weight loss plans take advantage of the scientific principles that help diabetic people to function well in daily life. There are many diets that are based on the Glycemic Index. How Glycemic Index Diets Work Most GI diets begin with an entry phase that completely eliminates all sources of sugar from the diet. The sugar that is eliminated comes from surprising sources - all breads, pastas, and sugary vegetables such as carrots and corn are eliminated during most initial phases. All alcohol is also eliminated, and so are any products that contain even mere traces of sugar in any form. Fruit is often forbidden, as are artificial sweeteners. The first few days on a Glycemic Index Diet like The South Beach Diet can be super-tough. There is plenty of support for dieters on popular websites though; and once you get rid of the sugar cravings, it is surprising how much willpower you suddenly have. The induction phases normally last one to two weeks, depending on the plan. After the initial phase, dieters are permitted to bring natural sugars like those occurring in fruit and wine back into their diets, but only in small amounts. All processed carbohydrates are avoided; conventional breads and pastas, white starches like potatoes, and all kinds of desserts are verboten. The South Beach Diet encourages participants to eat a tiny piece of dark chocolate each day if they like, no more than a nibble - but enough to stave off cravings. GI Diets usually require some level of exercise; they tend to be fairly low calorie diets, but exercise is still important to maintain overall health. Benefits and Drawbacks of Glycemic Index Diets If you like red wine, you might be permitted a few glasses a week on a GI diet; however, if you like sweet wine or cocktails that contain sugar, you will have to find a new vice. If you are a beer drinker, you will probably have to switch to diet soda or be content with sparkling water and a spritz of lemon or lime. This is one of those "all or nothing" kind of diet plans that will either work well for you, or won't. If you do lose weight on a GI diet and suddenly revert to old habits, then look out. Your weight is very likely to skyrocket - so if you do not think you can maintain this type of plan for life, it may be better to find a more inclusive plan. Switching to a GI diet can help you lose a lot of weight fairly quickly. Most people lose several pounds during the induction phase, and continue healthy weight loss throughout the remainder of the diet. Once target weight is reached, maintenance foods are introduced - whole grain pasta and bread is allowed in moderation, and beer drinkers can enjoy a cold one now and then. Many followers of GI diets manage to keep the weight they have lost off permanently as long as they continue to follow the principles advised by the diets. How to Get Started On A Glycemic Index Diet Official Website Additional Resources: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/glycemic-index-diet |
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