Fit Slim

Learn the Glycemic Index so You Know the Good Carbs for Weight Loss

The glycemic index provides an interesting and scientifically effective way to assess the types of carbohydrates we eat

The index is basically used to measure and classify how these carbohydrates enter the bloodstream.

And by doing so, it provides a way to approach the nutritional diet to stop hunger.

Of course, this is one way to avoid overeating and avoid overeating too many carbohydrates.

This is actually great to know the good carbs and the bad carbs.

The glycemic index classifies carbohydrates as low, medium, and high glycemic indexes.

The idea is to eat more food with a low or medium glycemic index more than the very high one.

Foods with a low glycemic index enter the bloodstream slowly, so blood sugar levels do not rise.

For foods that have a high glycemic index, the glucose in high-GI foods hits your bloodstream really fast.

In other words, the human body needs food with some carbohydrates in order to function properly but when those carbs are quickly absorbed and turn into glucose which spikes your blood sugar levels - then you're getting too much at once - causing insulin response from the pancreas.

As a result, it causes you to gain more weight, raised blood sugar, higher risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

This leads us down a not-so-healthy path!

You should always aim for a Low Glycemic Index (or "GI").

Carbohydrates are broken down into two broad categories: simple and complex.

Simple carbohydrates consist mostly of glucose, which is found in plantains or sugarcane as for example.

Meanwhile, more complicated types or carbohydrates include fiber-rich whole grains like barley but also starchy vegetables such as potatoes that can be eaten raw.

Bad Carbs

A Simple Carb is a bad carb.

Simple carbs are added to processed foods like pasta, bread, and pastries which may have a variety of consequences.

Simple sugars become blood sugar as they're absorbed into your bloodstream!

What are added sugars?

Added sugar is any sweetener that food manufacturers add to their products, such as brown sugar or corn syrup.

They can also be called "sweeteners" on the nutrition label and they're not usually found naturally in foods like honey which has its own natural source of energy!

Although it's not the only type of sugar, added sweeteners can have a huge negative impact on your diet.

Stay away from processed foods which often contain high levels of sugar alcohol.

They can give us headaches anyway plus these ingredients don’t provide much nutritional value either

Good Carbs

A Complex Carb is a good carb

Second, there are complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, legumes, and vegetables that contain longer chains of sugar molecules.

Complex carbohydrates contain additional ingredients.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that does not get digested or absorbed by the body.

Sugar is good when it comes from fruits or vegetables because it contains natural sugar.

They provide us with vitamins that help keep our bodies running smoothly.

Have you ever heard of the food pyramid?

It's a classic and well-known way to eat healthily.

Complex carbohydrates are a top of your plate with any type of protein in order from lowest fat/calories down, so this would be ideal if that is what helps keep me feeling full longer than anything else!

But there are some other guidelines I should mention: dairy isn't bad per se but instead try including lots more vegetables or leaner cuts of meat.

Fruits are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy and fuel for our muscles.

There are many different types of fruit in this world, but when people think of them they usually only have one name for their favorite like apples or bananas.

Now I'm not saying all these other fruits don't deserve that title either!

But if you want peace of mind and a stomach full - then go to your favorite grocery store and stop by on the fruit section and buy them, instead of eating bread or any other processed carbs.