Foods to Avoid on the Glycemic Index of Foods

The glycemic index of foods was invented to help diabetics avoid foods that could negatively impact their blood glucose levels.  Every food is digested at a different rate.  Various food choices release glucose into the bloodstream at different rates.  Through using the glycemic index list, it is possible for people to know what foods are best due to the fact they only result in small fluctuations in the body’s glucose and insulin levels.


Those who are looking to avoid high GI foods will need to become familiar with the glycemic index of foods. Gradually, it will become clear what meals and snacks to avoid. One of the biggest steps that you can take in avoiding foods that are high on the glycemic index of foods is to simply avoid processed, highly processed and fast foods.  Let’s cut to the chase; processed foods and fast food are loaded down with chemicals, preservatives, lots and lots of fat and enough salt to quite literally choke and kill a horse. But the facts are that most fast food and processed food have white flour, white bread, white rice, sugar or corn based products in them.  All of these ingredients are also rate very high on the glycemic index of foods.

Often, processed food and fast food will have all of these ingredients listed in the ingredient list.  Diabetics should avoid all of these ingredients, which are high on the glycemic index of foods.  Similarly, those aiming to improve their health should avoid these foods whenever possible.

Of course, there are always exceptions.  Therefore, one has to be an active participant in his or her own diet and find those exceptions to the rules.  Unfortunately, this may not be as easy as simply being more proactive in one’s processed food and fast food choices.  Often ingredients that are high on the glycemic index of foods are essentially hidden.  Thus, one of the most important steps for avoiding foods rated high in the glycemic index of foods is to steer clear of processed foods and fast food.


Fast Food Restaurants and the Glycemic Index of Foods

Of course, for many of us with hectic and fast paced lives, it may not always be easy or realistic to avoid fast food and processed foods altogether.  Reading labels carefully on the food you buy is critical.  One simple trick is to simply put back any processed food that has too many ingredients.  If you are unfamiliar with an ingredient or the list of ingredients is simply too long, then why tempt fate?  Simply put it back on the shelf.  In a similar fashion try to select fast food establishments and restaurants that list their ingredients and nutritional information either in the establishment or on a website.  In this way you can look at the food and at least estimate where a given food will fall on the glycemic index of foods.

While these steps may not be as easy as simply stopping at the drive through to pick up a meal on your way home from work, they are essential in avoiding choices high on the glycemic index of foods.  At times it may be necessary to ask fast food restaurants and other dining establishments for nutritional information.  These requests for nutritional information are far more common today than they were ten or certainly twenty years ago.  In other words, don’t worry about whether or not your request is annoying.  Remember, your number one goal is your health!

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