Low Glycemic Index Food
More Info On Low Glycemic Index Foods
Glycemic Index Control While Dining Out
Controlling your diet by focusing on low glycemic foods can be done as well at a restaurant as it can in your own home. Mexican fare? Choose grilled seafood or chicken meals that include black beans and vegetables. How about Italian? Pasta dishes are low glycemic, but limit the amount of cheese added. Avoid the bread offerings, but do indulge in a thin crust, vegetable laden pizza. Chinese is another popular dining out choice; pass on the rice and fried foods and nosh instead on noodles and vegetables. When in doubt of a menu selection’s glycemic index, opt for salad; load it up with vegetables and request a vinaigrette dressing on the side. A fresh fruit salad for dessert will top off your healthy meal.
Fast food establishments are harder to avoid while on the go than raindrops in a storm. Since most of the foods are fried, it will be difficult to make good, low glycemic choices at fast food joints. No matter how appetizing the smell, avoid those burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches. A grilled chicken sandwich, sans the bun, along with the salad bar can keep you on track with no attack of guilt.
Low Glycemic Snacks
Healthy snacking between meals is often encouraged when dieting in order to keep metabolism high. You can snack healthy while following a low GI food diet. Light yogurt infused with fruit, dried fruits on the low glycemic level, sugar free jello and pudding, low fat ice cream topped with sliced fresh fruit and sugar free cookies satisfy any sweet tooth. Crunchy whole wheat pita chips or baked tortilla chips will appease snack cravings, especially if combined with a fresh salsa. Pickles, roasted peppers, olives, sun dried tomatoes and marinated vegetables are excellent snack choices that can also be added to your meal as a side dish. Since these foods are prepared in a vinegar base, they help to lower the glycemic level of other foods when eaten in combination with them. Take care not to deprive yourself when a craving for a snack descends; keep a low GI snack on hand to avoid hitting the vending machine.
Making the switch to a low GI diet has great benefits, and virtually no drawbacks. A simple first step of adding one low glycemic food to each meal will lead to a second and third, and before you know it, your diet will have taken a most positive and healthy step forward. With the number of Americans developing heart disease, diabetes or obesity on the rise, taking steps now to lower your risk will help to guard you from joining the dubious ranks of the majority.