Glycemic index and calories are both ways to assess the effect of food on your metabolism. Calorie counting is a traditional method of controlling your food intake for weight loss. It measures the total energy your body receives from any food item. The glycemic index is a rating scale for carbohydrate foods only. This scale is a guide to how quickly your body will convert the food to sugar.
Calories
All food contains calories. A calorie is a single unit of energy. Calorie controlled diets advise you to reduce the number of calories consumed in a day, such that your body uses more energy than it takes in. Pay attention to food labeling when assessing the calorie content of an item. Many products advertised as "diet" or "low fat" have added sugar to substitute for removed fat. They are not low in calories.
Glycemic index
Nutritionists devised the glycemic index, "GI," to assist diabetics with blood sugar control. The index rates carbohydrate foods by their speed of digestion. High GI foods produce a rapid surge of sugar, followed by a sudden drop. Your body may not adequately deal with these constant changes. Low GI foods digest slowly. They allow you to absorb more nutrients, feel fuller for longer, and avoid the sugar cravings associated with blood glucose surges and drops.
Weight Loss
Calorie counting may be easier to follow for immediate weight loss, since it tells you how much to eat for a specified result. Many people feel unsatisfied on a calorie controlled diet however, and it may be difficult to follow as a long-term lifestyle change. The GI index can help you to choose nourishing foods which are more filling, leading you to eat a smaller portion. You may also feel full for longer, reducing snacking.
General Health
Rapid sugar spikes can affect your body's ability to control insulin, the hormone which metabolizes sugar.This effect is implicated in several health issues. Diabetes and obesity are the most well known; however high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease are related conditions and can be life threatening. Choose low GI foods to make a positive life change which is easy to stick with, and may help prevent ill-health.
Low GI Foods
Low GI carbohydrate foods include whole grains, such as oatmeal, plus pulses, vegetables, fruits and dairy. Replace white bread and pasta with wholewheat; substitute brown rice for white and cut down on potatoes. You can make these simple alterations whether or not you wish to lose weight. Your food will be more nutritious and you may find yourself eating less .
