Unlike the hundreds of fad diets and celebrity “get slim quick” plans, the low GI diet programme actually works – and not just to make you slimmer.

It’s easy to follow, you can eat plenty of the foods you love and – if combined with a suitable exercise programme – you’re almost sure to lose weight. Also, unlike the Atkins diet you can still eat fruit, dark chocolate and certain kinds of bread!

The low GI diet can help increase your energy and reduce your risk of health problems, such as heart disease, strokes and diabetes. The low GI diet is one of the most simple, effective and healthy options out there. Give it a go!

What is the low GI diet, and how does it work?

GI stands for Glycaemic Index – a way of measuring how different foods affect blood glucose levels. The index runs from 1 to a 100. The lower the number, the less affect the food has on blood sugar levels. Generally, foodstuffs such as white bread and potatoes are high GI, whereas apples, beans and wholemeal bread are low GI (hence low GI diet).

It was discovered that even starchy foods can alter blood sugar levels. According to the British Journal of Nutrition, even eating just one low GI food per meal can reduce blood sugar levels.

So, why does glucose make you gain weight?

Low GI foods break down slowly in your body meaning that your blood sugar rises at a very slow rate – sustaining energy and helping you feel “fuller” for longer. However, high GI foods hit you with a fast, brief burst of sugar.

Glucose in your blood affects your insulin levels – a hormone that can stimulate the production of fat and stop you from losing existing fat. High GI foods mean more insulin, which can also lead to high blood pressure and diabetes.

The low GI diet – what foods can you eat?

Every food will have a GI rating, but you can get a general idea of which foods to eat and which to avoid from the following low GI diet list:

Low GI foods

• - Oranges
• - Apples
• - Beans and Pulses
• - Lentils
• - Chickpeas
• - Wholemeal Bread
• - Pasta
• - Porridge and Oats

High GI foods

• - Chips
• - White Bread
• - Sugary Biscuits
• - Potatoes
• - Pizza

It’s worth remembering that even though fatty meats and cheeses for example have very low GI, they should be cut down in your diet too.

Low GI diet – Personal Training and Advice

It's daunting facing a slimming and weight loss programme alone – and you’re much more likely to give up if you don’t have anyone there to encourage you and share in your progress. That’s why having a personal weight loss trainer to offer advice and support could be the key to you reaching your goals. Keep motivated, keep focused, keep fit and keep slim with a low GI diet trainer guiding you each step of the way.

Contact us to find out more about our network of weight loss personal trainers and dieticians and to arrange a low GI diet training program. We also have a range of slimming solutions, health foods and weight loss products that that really work – with up to 60% off the brands you know and trust.