You may have heard the phrase glycemic index on foods and weight loss programs. Glycemic index is the rate which the food breaks down into glucose in your system. This is important because a high rise in blood glucose triggers the insulin to rise which carries the glucose into the cells of the body. When the insulin response becomes too frequent due to continuous high glycemic food intake, the cells of your body build up a resistance to insulin. This is called insulin resistance which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity and cardiovascular disease can be the end result. High glycemic foods also cause a craving for more food. This can lead to excess body fat and weight gain.

Generally, low glycemic foods are healthier because they are whole foods like vegetables and fruits with higher fiber content. This allows the body to digest the food slower which helps you feel more satisfied. These foods break down the sugar slower which makes your system function better with smaller blood sugar swings.

Food combining can help reduce the rate at which glucose is make. By adding a low glycemic food to a high glycemic food you now have a medium glycemic food which is less stressful to your system.

You can Google glycemic foods to get an idea of the foods that would best suit your needs. Remember proper portion sizes this holliday season.

Dr. Rick