Real Life Diet Questions Answered

Which foods are low glycaemic?

Can you tell me which food types are low glycaemic. I think thats how you spell it. Terri

Our expert says...

Hi Terri,

Let me explain, first of all, what the Glycaemic Index is.

Not all carbohydrate foods are created equal; in fact they behave quite differently in our bodies. The glycaemic index (or GI) describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Choosing low GI carbohydrates - the ones that produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels - is the secret to long-term health, reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and is the key to sustainable weight loss.

Switching to eating mainly low GI carbohydrates that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream helps keep your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals.

The basic technique for eating the low GI way is simply a "this for that" approach - i.e. swapping high GI carbs for low GI carbs. Here is a really easy way to do it!

·                     Use no-added sugar breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran

·                     Use wholemeal breads

·                     Reduce the amount of potatoes you eat

·                     Enjoy all other types of fruit and vegetables

·                     Use whole grain brown rice or Basmati brown rice

·                     Enjoy whole wheat pasta, noodles, and  a grain called quinoa

·                     Eat plenty of salad vegetables

I hope this helps and wish you well.