Many individuals who struggle to lose weight have intense food cravings that may cause them to binge on high sugar or high carbohydrate foods. While these foods may satisfy cravings, they often cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels fall again, you will experience the same food cravings and hunger -- all symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose. A daily diet that restricts sugars, starches and corn syrup can help dieters control this cycle and encourage gradual weight loss.
Suggested Foods
A hypoglycemic diet is typically rich in lean protein, fresh fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Meals and snacks should include foods that offer energy without impacting blood sugar levels. Lean meats, such as skinless chicken and turkey, healthy fish such as tuna and salmon, and low-fat dairy products, such as light cream cheese, low-fat yogurt, and skim milk, are all foods that can be used to make tasty satisfying meals. Low-starch vegetables and fruits can also be used to prepare side dishes or salad entrees.
Restricted Foods
Foods high in sugar and starch, such as baked goods, candy, soda, boxed cereals, pizza, and white bread or pasta are restricted on a hypoglycemic diet. Foods that contain small amount of sugar substitutes can be consumed in moderation, but meals should exclude any products that can cause rapid blood sugar increases. Many pre-packaged foods may have added sweeteners, so it's important for dieters to check labels.
Daily Eating Plans
The timing and interval of meals is also very critical to this diet. Eating every four to five hours will prevent hunger and keep a dieters energized, while skipping meals can result in carvings and fatigue. Scheduling high protein snacks, such as mixed nuts and low-fat cheese, is also an excellent way to control hunger between meals.
Lifestyle
Dieters who follow a hypoglycemic diet combined with healthy exercise typically experience gradual weight loss and can eventually follow the diet to maintain their target weight. While the diet restricts carbohydrates, it is essential to consume carefully moderated amounts complex carbohydrates, such as wheat breads, wheat pastas, and brown rice. Complex carbohydrates provide dietary fiber and will also prevent the diet from feeling too restrictive or monotonous.
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