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.