Glycemic Index Diet

Delicious Glycemic Index Diet Snacks

Delicious Glycemic Index Diet Snacks

How can you follow a healthy diet and yet enjoy a snack?  When you think of snacks, most people imaging a treat, a food item that is particularly enticing compared to “diet” foods.  Sugary snacks dominate the food market, and we all tend to reach for those “naughty” snacks for the good taste and a big energy lift in the afternoon. 

The truth is that these snacks are really wreaking havoc on our metabolism and they result in a quick boost of blood sugar, releasing high levels of insulin, only to drop our blood sugar levels precipitously a few hours later.  Instead of subjecting your body to this type of punishment, you can enjoy healthful and delicious foods when following a glycemic index diet snacks. 

 The difference between high and low glycemic index diet snacks

Glycemic index diet snacks have a low glycemic index (from 1 to 55) that result in a slower and less drastic rise in blood glucose levels.  Low glycemic index diet snacks include many high fiber foods such as vegetables, nuts, some fruits and whole grains. 
 
On the other hand, foods with a high glycemic index include those containing starches or refined flours that convert to sugar in the blood stream, such as white bread and potatoes.  High glycemic index diet snacks have been implicated as a cause of diabetes, weight gain and heart disease, because of the way high glycemic index diet snacks stress the pancreas with sharp rises and falls in blood sugar.  On the other hand, those who consume low glycemic index diet snacks may have protection against diabetes or can better control their diabetes, can lose weight, and reduce their risk of heart disease.
 
Tasty glycemic index diet snack ideas
 
Some of the delicious healthy foods that are recommended as low gi meals include: 
 ·        Certain nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds are healthy and delicious glycemic index diet snacks.
·        Fruits, such as different types of berries, grapefruit, melons, and apples. 
·        Low-fat or non-fat yogurt with no sugar added is a great glycemic index diet snack.
·        Dips, such as avocado, chickpea dip (Hummus), or a tomato salsa with vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower or   celery
·        Air-popped popcorn with a drizzle of olive oil, instead of butter
·        A pita-pizza – tomato sauce on a piece of whole-wheat pita bread.  You can use low-fat mozzarella cheese and sprinkle some oregano to create gourmet low gi foods.
 
Other important foods that are great glycemic index diet snacks include bananas, oatmeal crackers, a few crackers with low-fat cottage cheese, sugar-free jellos, peanuts, and oat cereal.  
 
Healthy snacking is encouraged by a glycemic index diet
 
While some diets may discourage snacking, it is important to keep a stable level of blood sugar throughout the day.  If you become too hungry, blood sugar levels could plunge, and you may eat more of what you shouldn’t eat at the next meal.  Therefore, it is acceptable, and encouraged by a glycemic index diet, to have a snack as you get hungry in between meals.  Glycemic index diet snacks are ideal for making you feel full, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
 
Read about more low glycemic index diet snacks and its tremendous health benefits by visiting Best Glycemic Index Diet.  Not only will you feel great and look great, but your body will thank you for low glycemic index diet snacks too.