What Does Glycemic Index Mean?

A low GI eating plan is based on foods with a lower ranking according to the glycemic index. The glycemic index (GI) is a new system for classifying carb foods, according to how fast they raise our blood-sugar levels. The higher the GI value of a food, the faster the rise in blood glucose. The glycemic index separates foods into three general categories:

High Glycemic Index Foods (GI 70+), that cause a rapid rise in blood-glucose levels.
Intermediate Glycemic Index Foods (GI 55-69) causing a medium rise in blood-glucose.
Low Glycemic Index Foods (GI 54 or less), causing a slower rise in blood-sugar.

A rapid rise in blood-glucose levels increase cravings for high glycemic foods. Low glycemic foods reduces the body's tendency to turn carbohydrates into fat and lowers cravings.

The G.I. Diet in a nutshell

The GI diet is less strict than Atkins Induction, and it allows some carbs (whole grain), but the carbs are still limited. Foods are basically set up like a traffic light - green light foods are the foods allowed at any time, yellow light foods are caution foods, and red light foods are the foods to avoid. Pretty much the idea is to fill your plate with 50% fruits/non-starchy vegetables, 25% protein, and 25% carbs, such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, or a few boiled new potatoes. It's based on the glycemic index of foods, and the foods to eat are the ones which have the least impact on blood sugar. It also encourages more of the use of "good fats," like olive oil, and discourages saturated fat.