GI/Carbohydrates and your help with my plan!! - Weight Loss Message Board

Tyger · 03-05-2004, 10:55 PM

Hi everyone

Just wanted some opinions/advice on my newly revised eating habits.

My stats: I'm 1.75m tall, weigh 74kg (163lbs)

My Aim: to lose weight at a steady rate of about 2lbs per week, but I'd also just like to enjoy the benefits of healthier eating habits.

My Method: I'm planning to do this using the GI (Glycemic Index) as my bible. I plan to cut out all foods with a high GI level and try to only eat foods with a LOW GI (specifically, a GI of 55 or less). On rare occasions, I'll include foods in the medium GI range (55-80).
(In the past my diet has been very carbohydrate based, generally rice and breads in the highest GI range).

Reasons: From what I understand of the Glycemic Index, foods with a lower level release energy slowly rather than quickly into the body, and therefore have a much lower chance of being converted to fat. Also, these foods tend to be high in fibre (another dietery plus I'm looking for) which will promote a feeling of 'fullness' for longer.

Exercise: I'm already relatively active, but I plan to increase my exercise marginally aswell where possible.

I'd like to hear your opinions on these changes to my diet. Has anyone tried this kind of weight-loss plan before? Is this the right kind of plan to achieve my aims? How well do low GI foods tend to assist weight-loss? Do you think I'll lose weight? If you can answer any/all of the q's or have some comments I'd HIGHLY appreciate it.

Thank you! Tyger

Shane S · 03-06-2004, 04:04 AM

The glycemic index is so misunderstood and misused as to practically render it moot, at least as relates to insulin. That said, lower glycemic carbs are typically healthier for you, and including them as compared to cutting out almost all carbs is also healthier and a sensible (albeit slower) approach to weight loss.

Tyger · 03-06-2004, 09:37 PM

Thankyou for you reply.
Does anyone else have any opinions or comments for me?

thanks.

purrsia · 03-08-2004, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyger

Thankyou for you reply.
Does anyone else have any opinions or comments for me?

thanks.

Carbohydrates are very important for our body and mainly for our brain to function correctly. A normal person needs approx. 125-135 gr of carbs a day for your brain to stay alert. I tried the Atkins diet and I lost 7 lbs. in two weeks, but I couldn't stand not eating fruits and grains so I stopped it. I gained 10 lbs back. The problem with Atkins is that if you don't plan to stick to this diet and you quit, you'll gain alot of weight back. I am now on a 1200 calorie regime a day, and I also exercise to my Tai-Bo tapes, which are hard at first, but you get used to it. I exercise twice a day, 3 days a week. I've lost almost 20 lbs. in two months, which is actually quite a bit, but I think its the exercising that is really helping.
I have stopped eating white bread and eat whole grain. I still eat pasta, but in smaller portions and white rice is my favorite with butter. I can eat all of this and still lose. And, I've not only lost 20 lbs, I've lost 8 inches throughout my body. The best thing is that I'm still losing!

Good luck !

girlygirly · 03-09-2004, 05:47 AM

I think that it is EXCELLENT that you are on a low GI diet. It is a very healthy change...good for you!!! I have been on one for about 6 months and it is one of the best things I have ever done. It gives a person balance in food, not cutting out entire food groups but adding foods that are more wholesome and nutritious.

One thing to keep in mind though is the GL (Glycemic Load) Some fruits are high GI like watermelon for example by the GL is low which makes it an okay fruit to eat. So factor in bothe the GI and the GL so that you aren't missing out on something that is very healthy and provides many vitamins and minerals!!!

Good Luck!!