Low Glycemic Index Diets - Are They The Path To Weight Loss?

The low glycemic index (low-GI) diet splits the difference between the low-carb and low-fat approaches. It maintains the low-carb diet's focus on insulin, but it suggests differentiation of certain carbohydrates over others rather than restricting carbohydrate intake.
The American Heart Association, the American Dietetic Association and other prominent groups endorse a unified set of guidelines for the optimum diet. These organizations exhort that the majority of calories in the daily diet should come from carbohydrates (55% to 60%); fat should provide no more than 30% of total calories; and protein should be kept to 10% to 15%.

In contrast, many popular diet books turn the standard diet on its head. As described in the entry on low-carbohydrate diets, the Atkins diet, the Zone diet, Protein Power, and other alternative dietary approaches turn thumbs down on carbohydrates. Instead, they advocate increased consumption of fat and/or protein. According to theory, the low-carb approach aids in weight loss (and provides a variety of other health benefits) by reducing the body's production of insulin.

The low glycemic index (low-GI) diet splits the difference between the low-carb and low-fat approaches. It maintains the low-carb diet's focus on insulin, but it suggests differentiation of certain carbohydrates over others rather than restricting carbohydrate intake.

All carbohydrates are not created equal when the evidence is examined. Some, such as pure glucose, are absorbed quickly and create a rapid, strong rise in both blood sugar and insulin. Others (such as brown rice) are absorbed much more slowly and produce only a modest blood sugar and insulin response. The proponents of the low-GI diet claim that eating foods in the latter category will enhance weight loss and improve health. However, as we shall see, there is as yet no solid evidence that low-GI diets enhance weight loss.

The precise measurement of the glucose-stimulating effect of a food is called its glycemic index. A food that has less effect in increasing blood sugar level (and therefore insulin) is given a lower glycemic index.

The glycemic index of glucose is arbitrarily set at 100. The ratings of other foods are determined as follows. First, researchers calculate a portion size for the food to supply 50 g. of carbohydrates. Next, they give that amount of the food to at least eight to ten people and measure the blood sugar response. (a group is used rather than an individual to ensure that the idiosyncrasies of one individual don't skew the results.) On another occasion, researchers also give each participant an equivalent amount of glucose and perform the same measurements. The glycemic index of a food is then determined by comparing the two outcomes. For example, if a food causes half of the blood sugar rise of glucose, it is assigned a GI of 50; if it causes one-quarter of the rise, it is assigned a GI of 25. The lower the Glycemic index, the better.

The determination of the Glycemic index has resulted in some surprises. Baked potatoes came back with a reading of 93. This rating is higher than that of almost all other foods, including ice cream (61), sweet potatoes (54), and white bread (70). Based on this finding, low-GI diets recommend that you stay largely away from potatoes. However, the concern regarding potatoes is probably unnecessary. See the discussion of glycemic load below.

A food must be tested to determine its actual glycemic index, but there are some general guidelines that are recognized. Fiber content tends to reduce the glycemic index of a food, presumably by slowing down digestion. Therefore, whole grains usually have a lower GI score than refined, processed grains. Fat content also reduces GI score. Simple carbohydrates (such as sugar) often have a higher GI score than complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice).

But, numerous exceptions to these rules exist. Factors such as the acid content of food; the size of the food particles; and the precise mixture of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates can substantially change the GI measurement. For a measurement like the glycemic index to be meaningful, it has to be generally reproducible between subjects. In other words, if a potato has a glycemic index of 80 in one person, it should have closely the same glycemic index when given to another person. The GI passes this test. The glycemic index of individual foods is fairly constant between people.

Thus, the GI of a food really does indicate its propensity to raise insulin levels. Whether a diet based on the index will aid in weight loss, however, is another story.

A low glycemic index diet is relatively easy to follow. Basically, you follow the typical diet endorsed by authorities such as the American Dietetic Association, but you choose carbohydrates that fall toward the lower end of the glycemic index scale. Books such as The Glucose Revolution give a great deal of information on how to make these choices, but do low glycemic Index diets aid in weight loss? There may be problems with this theory.

There are two primary theoretical reasons given why low-GI diets should help reduce weight. The most prominent reason involves insulin levels. Basically, these books show that low-GI diets reduce insulin release, and then take almost for granted the idea that reduced insulin levels should aid in weight loss. Unfortunately, there is little justification for the second part of this contention. Excess weight is known to lead to elevated insulin levels, but there is almost no meaningful evidence for the opposite: that reducing insulin levels will help remove excess weight.

Books espousing the low-GI diet give another reason for their approach. They claim that low-GI foods fill you up more quickly than high-GI foods, and also keep you feeling full for longer. As we shall see later, there is more evidence against this belief than for it.

A measurement called the Satiety Index assigns a numerical quantity to the filling quality of a food. These numbers are determined by feeding people fixed caloric amounts of those foods, and then determining how soon they get hungry again and how much they eat at subsequent meals. The process is similar to the methods used to establish the GI index.

The results of these measurements do not corroborate the expectations of the proponents of low-GI diets. It turns out, foods with the worst (highest) GI index are often the most satiating, exactly the reverse of what low-GI theory proponents would say.

A case in point, the Satiety Index tells us that potatoes are among the most satiating of foods. However, as noted above, the GI analysis gave potatoes a bad rating. According to the low-GI theory, you should feel hunger pangs shortly after eating a big baked potato. In real life, that doesn't happen.

Other contradictions between research findings and the low-GI/high-satiety theory include one study that found no difference in satiety between fructose (fruit sugar) and glucose when taken as part of a mixed meal, even though fructose has a GI more than four times lower than glucose.

Thus, the satiety argument for low-GI diets doesn't appear to hold up to inspection of the facts. So, is the glycemic index even the right measurement? Is it the wrong way to assess the insulin-related effects of food? The evidence would suggest this to be the case. Rather than making judgements from the GI, a more reasonable approach would be to use the measurement of glycemic load which measures the real effect of the food in question.

Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

How To Lose Weight From A Low Carbohydrate Diet Plan

With the sudden boom of dieting in the country, different diet programs have been introduced in the country. Although many experts believe that proper exercise and not only diet can lose those pounds in a healthy way, many people still believe in the power of diet programs and diet plans. One of the most controversial kinds of diet plans is the low-carbohydrate diet program, which focuses on the reduction of carbohydrate consumption in the body.

According to the theory, when carbohydrates are no longer being taken in, the body will be forced to use fats and water as alternative sources of energy; thereby helping to shed off those unwanted pounds.

Fats, unbeknownst to many, can actually be converted to energy. The body just doesn't use it as the first priority because it is more complex in structure and therefore, harder to break down and convert into energy. Among the popular low carbohydrate diets in the country is the Atkins diet.

Despite arguments from its critics, low carbohydrate diet has proven its effectiveness in terms of losing that extra weight. To date, it counts millions of followers not only in the country but also outside America.

Actually, cutting down on carbohydrates in the diet is a practice that people have been doing for years. When people cut down on their rice or bread or do not eat rice at all, they are reducing their carbohydrate intake. Of course, because it is not an official diet plan they are not really restricting themselves completely. When you are under a diet plan, you are not allowed to eat any kind of carbohydrates.

One of the advantages of low carbohydrate diet is the fact that it can actually increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body. This is really good news to people who have a heart problem. This is perhaps the reason why Atkins diet was used for cardio patients. This diet plan can also reduce the amount of triglycerides in the body. Triglycerides can be dangerous when combined with a high level of LDL or bad cholesterol. Both can increase the risk for heart attack and heart disease.

Low carb diet plans are also found to be good in balancing mood swings. They will not be prone to extreme lows such as depression or extreme high. People who are under the program are found to have fairly stable energy levels unlike those with high carbo levels.

LOW CARB DIET 101

Indeed, a lot has been said about various diets and how these work for some people. There' s the Atkins Diet, the South Beach, the After-Six Diet plan and so on goes on the list of diet crazes that swept the western world and even Asian regions. Among all these, one type of diet has become popular than the others it's called the Low Carb Diet.

Basically, low carb diet actually emphasizes cutting down on from a person's daily food intake. This diet allows the dieter to take in all foods except those that have carbohydrates. Although there are many testimonies that prove that low carb diet really works, you must be very knowledgeable first about its pros and cons before deciding to go with the hype.

People who have tried low carb diets say that its advantages include:

1. Faster and quicker weight loss compared to fasting.

2. The diet may result to higher protein intake and absorption.

3. It stabilizes blood sugar levels and is extremely beneficial to those who suffer from diabetics.

Experts say that the disadvantages of low carb diets may include:

- High cholesterol levels due to the lack of protein-rich and fatty foods that has saturated fats.
- Increased blood pressure due to elimination of whole grains products that help lower blood pressure.
- It can lead to osteoporosis because there will be no enough supply of calcium.
- In some cases, this diet can lead to diarrhea, constipation, and severe headaches.
- Low carb diets increase the possibility of lower mental acuity.
- Instead of losing weight, this diet can lead to weight gain.
If you are planning on taking low carb diet, here are some helpful tips to keep you in track:

1. Make sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and constipation.

2. Consider taking in more fiber and vitamin supplements.

3. Cease from consuming products that has sugar.

4. Cut down on taking in products that contain caffeine.

5. Monitor your daily carbohydrate intake.

6. Don't mind calories, they are allowed in this diet.

7. Acquire a carbohydrate counter to keep you updated.

8. Do regular physical activities and exercise to reach ketosis easily.

9. Brace yourself for diarrhea that may last for a couple of days.

10. If possible, avoid eating foods that have saturated fats.

Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

Atkins Diet Induction Menu - Eat All The Stakes You Desire And Still Lose Weight

Low carbohydrate diet invented by Dr. Atkins remains to be possibly one of the most popular low carb-high protein diets on the market today. Low carbohydrate Dr. Atkins diet status has helped spark dozens of similar diets who utilize the matching values of low carb, high protein diet. In the present day overweight people have numerous low carbohydrate diets to choose from.

Tests have verified that low carbohydrate eating has countless helpful effects as well as produce sizeable loss of weight with no need to limit calories. People who make use of the high-protein, low-carb diet by Dr.Atkins have been reporting this. Lots of medical studies have shown that high protein diet enhances triclycerides, reduces blood sugar for people with diabetes problem and pre-diabetics and improves good cholesterol (HDL). Low-carb, high-protein dieting has been constantly confirmed to increase insulin sensitivity, cuts down blood pressure and cut blood insulin levels. When we contrast it against low fat diets, protein high dieters also lose not as much of muscle size.

Even though not proven by medicine, there are a lot of diverse positive consequences stated by people using low carb, high protein Dr. Atkins diet. Some of these include more energy, lower appetite for sugar, better focus, better temper and decrease of depression kind of signs.

However there are also a few benefits that are particular to the low carb, high protein Atkins diet. If you have been a low fat dieter before you will like eating all previously not allowed that once you had to go without. Cream, steak and butter are a everyday element of high protein diet devised by Dr. Atkins. You will without a doubt find it very pleasing to once again eat food that you like. People on high-protein, low-carb diet by Dr.Atkins are allowed to eat their full of meat, cheeses and fats and oils.

Diet invented by Dr. Atkins is also easy to apply if balanced against some other high-protein, low-carb diets available today. There are some of basic carbohydrate calculations that you are going to have to learn, but behind that, you are going to be free to eat a meal of any food you want from the acceptable food listing.

Dr. Atkins furthermore highlighted the importance of finding your own personal carb level. Various people have diverse degree of carbohydrate tolerance. While some of us put on pounds with barely 90 grams of carbohydrates a day, other people can live comfortably at 120 carbohydrate grams. For the period of your ongoing dieting phase and pre-maintenance stage of the low carb, high protein Dr. Atkins diet, you are going to find out your personal carb count that is going to help you ascertain your carbohydrate goal for life.

The popularity of high protein diet by Dr.Atkins can in reality make your weight loss much harder then it should be. Since there is a great deal of info offered on the low carb Dr. Atkins diet, which makes it simple to find resources and support, but can also confuse you. There have been lots of Atkins books written and what is more there are scores of internet websites that supply you with tips, group support and information. However more or less everyone you know has heard of diet invented by Dr. Atkins and certainly has his or her own belief on it. You must know that there are many mistaken beliefs around the world about the character of the diet by Dr.Atkins, and you are going to, surely, need to defend your newly discovered way of eating now and then.

Besides that there are also a few of the other downsides to using the high protein, low carb diet invented by Dr. Atkins. You should calculate carbohydrates in your every meal to be assured that you are staying within your personal carb range. Furthermore, there is the matter of Induction, the most hotly debated phase of the diet devised by Dr. Atkins. Induction can often be tricky to go through if you have attempted a diet that concentrates on sugar and carbs. Furthermore, many individuals attempt Induction and by mistake consider that this is the way that the entire diet is going to be. They end up quiting before they even start the genuine diet devised by Dr. Atkins.

Occasionally though if it does not happen often, some individuals will be subjected to a carbohydrate crash usually on the 3rd and up to 5th day of the diet devised by Dr. Atkins. Such sort of reaction is a result of their body entering the ketosis phase or burning fat for fuel as a substitute for carbohydrates. The reaction is passing however numerous people have quitted on low carbohydrate, high protein diets entirely because of this small happenstance.

Taken as a whole, with the several small snags considered, high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins diet remains to be one of the most used low carbohydrate diets for one good reason. It works. Scores of people have succeeded with the high protein, low carb diet devised by Dr. Atkins and the low carb style of eating.
Toni Rok