View Full Version : Low GI Snacks


andi
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 12:00 AM
Found this article on ninemsn.com.au, an Australian site. As such some of the foods might be unfamiliar to a few of us. But I thought it offered some good info and suggestions- feel free to add your own favorites!

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Snacking is an important part of any healthy eating plan. But what to snack on during that mid-meal break? Karen Inge gives you her top ten treats.

What’s GI?
GI is the abbreviation for glycemic index, the new way of ranking carbohydrate foods. GI measures the rise in blood sugar levels after you eat foods containing carbohydrates. Some foods raise blood sugar levels rapidly to a high level and these are called high GI foods. Low GI foods tend to raise blood sugar levels gradually over a longer period of time.

Low GI benefits?
Low GI foods are more likely to keep you feeling fuller for longer than high GI foods. They are also more likely to provide a sustained release of energy, so that you can do more mental or physical activity before looking for the next snack or meal. For these reasons, low GI foods are a great choice for anyone wanting to lose weight.

Why go low GI with snacks?
By incorporating some low GI foods into your meals and going for low GI snacks you will assist your weight loss goals. Snacking is important to keep up your energy levels and curb hunger pangs between meals and low GI choices are more likely to work on both fronts for longer than other foods. The best way to snack right is to remember to pack and carry before you leave home.

The Top 10 Low GI Snacks

1. Low fat Yogurt – packed full of calcium for strong bones
2. Orchard fruit – apples, pears, peaches and other stone fruit all have a low GI
3. Orange juice – great for a mid morning refresher (or breakfast add-on)
4. Burgen Fruit Loaf – a toasted slice makes a great mate for an afternoon cuppa
5. Dried apricots – pack a few in a sandwich bag and keep in your car
6. Low fat ice cream – just right when your sweet tooth calls (stick to one scoop)
7. Air-popped popcorn – for DVD nights in
8. Baked beans on multigrain toast – for a late-night supper
9. Oats – porridge is low GI, and so are oatmeal biscuits
10. Cherries – simply delicious!

Nate
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 12:26 AM
1. Low fat Yogurt – packed full of calcium for strong bones


Hmm, that's quite bothersome. Yogurt may be low on the GI, but it's extremely high on the II (Insulin Index). Ingesting yogurt causes a sharp spike in insulin as far as I know. :confused:

andi
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 12:37 AM
Okay, so ditch the yogurt. If you have other suggestions that people should add to the "good" list, that'd be great!

ibrewale
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 08:16 AM
Hmm, that's quite bothersome. Yogurt may be low on the GI, but it's extremely high on the II (Insulin Index). Ingesting yogurt causes a sharp spike in insulin as far as I know. :confused:

I see that 'yogurt' is high on the index (higher than a "Mars" bar even!!!), but the list I see is probably based on the sugary, syrupy 'normal' yogurt, do you have a link showing Low Fat Yogurt?? I'm very curious as I eat 6oz. of this stuff a day.

Thanks

Jerry

marcus
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 10:38 AM
Good post andi :tu:

There is a really good book I've got by some woman in Sydney that apparently came up with it. Its quite interesting. She has a whole range of books for different kinds of people. The link below is the main book.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1569245061/qid=1076682898/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-0555636-3256155

The one thing that I've been told is that although the GI is important in proper nutrition its not the be all and end all like she makes it out to be.

I try to concentrate on the GI ratings of the foods I eat. I'm always careful though because even if a food is low GI it doesnt mean it isnt packed with heaps of Carbos, fats and calories that I dont need.

Marcus :tucool:

taffer
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 05:42 PM
i wouldnt agree with the yogurt and ice cream parts of that article, well i'll half agree! they dont go into enough detail
while low/non fat yogurt is good, you have to go for the natural stuff (not flavored) or the stuff with artificial sweeteners, cos the other stuff has alot of sugar in it, same goes for ice cream, low-fat, high sugar

Bunko
Fri, February 13th, 2004, 06:04 PM
http://www.glycemicindex.com/

Click on GI database.