If you are trying to control your blood sugar levels or lose weight using the glycemic index, Nutrisystem may be worth considering. Nutrisystem is a diet delivery program that includes a prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or dessert each day so that you do not have to count calories or cook much for yourself. As you look for the healthiest diet for your weight and blood sugar, continue to communicate with your doctor to get the best nutrition.
Glycemic Index Background
The glycemic index describes how fast your body breaks down the carbohydrates in a food and releases them into your bloodstream as sugars. Carbohydrates from food with a high glycemic index enter your bloodstream quickly, leading to a spike in your blood sugar levels. Nutrisystem states that it is a low glycemic diet, so the food on the program breaks down slowly and enters your bloodstream only gradually. This means that you do not get as hungry, so it is easier to lose weight than with a high glycemic diet.
Blood Sugar Control
A potential benefit of a low glycemic diet is that it may help you control your blood sugar levels, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, Nutrisystem claims to help you control your blood sugar levels both because it is low glycemic, and also because you eat small, frequent meals to prevent blood sugar spikes. Uncontrolled blood sugar is a serious health concern, so talk to your doctor if your blood sugar levels are not within normal ranges.
Nutrisystem Foods
Nutrisystem states that prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or dessert that you get each day are designed to be low glycemic. Foods with carbohydrates that are lower in sugars and higher in dietary fiber, fat and protein typically have a lower glycemic index, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. An average day of Nutrisystem foods on the Select plan includes 27 g sugars, 16 g fiber, 19 g fat and 42 g protein.
Grocery Additions
Nutrisystem grocery additions include carbohydrate-free, low glycemic foods, including healthy fats, such as almonds and salad dressing, and lean proteins, such as chicken, fish and eggs, which do not have carbohydrates. Low glycemic carbohydrates include low-fat dairy, such as milk, cottage cheese and yogurt, whole grains, beans, peanut butter, leafy green vegetables and apples. Nutrisystem allows some high glycemic options, such as sweet potatoes and fruit juice, but these are only minor components of the diet, and Nutrisystem is still a low glycemic diet.
References
- Nutrisystem: Meal Averages
- Nutrisystem: Fresh Groceries for Every Day
- Nutrisystem: Women's 28-Day Plan
- Nutrisystem: What is the Glycemic Index?
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load; Jane Higdon; December 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Glycemic Index Diet: Losing Weight with Blood Sugar Control
