Glycemic Impact Diet

The Glycemic Impact Diet is based on the Glycemic Index. Many such diets have been around for a number of years. The GI Diet (by Rick Gallop) in particular has been popular in Europe for a number of years. eDiets have now introduced their version of the GI diet in their popular on-line format (eDiets are an excellent resource for weight loss and are highly recommended).

What is a GI Diet?

Foods with a low Glycemic Index value (the 0-100 index ranks foods based on the effect they have on blood sugar levels) slowly release sugar into the blood, providing you with a steady supply of energy, and leaving you feeling satisfied longer so that you're less likely to snack.

Foods with a high GI value cause a rapid, short-lived rise in blood sugar. This can often leave you feeling fatigued and hungry within a short time. Eating high-GI foods could lead to overeating.

Diets based on GI index encourage you to eat foods with a low GI value and avoid those with a high GI value. Most GI diets also recommend cutting down on fat, especially saturated fats. This means many of the foods which have a low GI value but are high in fat are still limited.

What's Different About the Glycemic Impact Diet?

This diet delves even further into the glycemic index, by taking into account Glycemic Load.

This is a combination of the glycemic index of a food and the amount of carbohydrate the food has. A food such as a carrot is a common example: Carrots have a high GI - but a very low amount of carb per volume. The glycemic load of the carrot, in the end, is quite low - and is a great food to eat!

Glycemic Impact Meal Plans

All meal plans on the Glycemic Impact Diet are made up from the following principles:

Approximately 40% of calories are from unrefined, complex carbohydrates, including whole grains and whole grain breads and cereals, and whole pieces of fruit instead of juice.
About 30% of calories are from lean protein (fish, chicken and the occasional beef and pork) with vegetarian options that include soy protein, tofu and textured vegetable protein.
About 30% of calories are from healthy fats, including nuts, fatty fish, avocado and olive oil.

Conclusion

The Glycemic Impact Diet is an excellent diet.

It takes the best from other diets (such as South Beach Diet, and the Zone) - and combines them with no-nonsense easy-to-follow advice.

eDiets also provides options for those who like eating out a lot, and those who don't enjoy cooking. This from the eDiets Registered Dietitian:

"Our GI plan is great for people who prefer to not spend time cooking. Members who choose the Convenience option enjoy healthy frozen entrees for dinner, and other low glycemic index/load foods that achieve balance without the bother of cooking every evening..."

"...you can join the GI plan and still enjoy dining out. Simply choose baked, broiled or grilled lean meats, chicken or fish. Avoid fatty sauces in favor of tomato-based sauces and enjoy steamed vegetables and salads with olive oil and vinegar." - Susan Burke

Go to the Glycemic Impact Diet now...