Glycemic Index??

[joshsmom]

Read an article in my doctor's office about glycemic index/glycemic load. Seemed to make sense to me. It appeared aimed at people with diabetes, but said that it could be used to lose weight as well since you are substituting good carbs for bad carbs (bye bye baked potatoes!!!) Has anyone tried this as a weight loss method and if so, did you have any luck?

 

[DawnCt1]

Absolutely. Sugar Busters, South Beach and Atkins are all based on considering the glycemic index. A good rule of thumb is 'NOTHING WHITE'. If its white (except for cauliflour) don't eat it. Of course that includes brown sugar.

 

[joshsmom]

Absolutely. Sugar Busters, South Beach and Atkins are all based on considering the glycemic index. A good rule of thumb is 'NOTHING WHITE'. If its white (except for cauliflour) don't eat it. Of course that includes brown sugar.

I've done Atkins before, but couldn't really stick with it--I got tired of it really quickly. However, reading the glycemic index thing, it gave me new insight into how the body processes carbs and why there is such a thing as a "good" carb. I'm going to try to change my eating habits for my health and for my son's health. I've already cleaned out the cabinets and now its off to the store to replace the bad stuff with good stuff. Thanks for the reply. Anyone else with experience???

 

[Judy from Boise]

I agree that a plan based on glycemic index is a great way to lose weight, and prevent diabetes.

 

[lindalinda]

I was diagnosed pre-diabetic 2 years ago. I have since been on atkins, sugar busters WW and now nutrisystem. I lost weight on all but WW. Nutrisystem is now based on glycemic index. It definitely works. I couldnt stay on atkins for very long but it did work for me for awhile. I think its an excellent way to balance your diet.

 

[CarolG]

I started South Beach in March 2004 and have been losing weight successfully (see the ticker in my signature). I lost most of the weight in the first year, and about 5-6 pounds in the second year, but it's still a sloooow downward trend.

You do have to make a permanent change in the way you eat - if you go back to eating the way you did before, you'll gain weight again.

 

[bicker]

It's been a generally well-regarded approach for several years. Only recently have there been some long-term studies showing it is less effective than previously thought.

 

[joshsmom]

It's been a generally well-regarded approach for several years. Only recently have there been some long-term studies showing it is less effective than previously thought.

BUMMER!! I'm going to try it anyway though. I found that I haven't been hungry--that's a plus. I usually fail to change my eating habits because I get hungry in between meals and start to "snack." That leads to being all out BAD, so this time I have been using fruit as my snack and so far its worked well!!

Thanks so much for the replies and congrats to those of you that have done so well--I hope to be you in a few years!!!

 

[bicker]

"Less effective" doesn't mean "ineffective."

 

[joshsmom]

"Less effective" doesn't mean "ineffective."

Right!!! At this point, if I don't change my eating habits, glycemic index may not be a choice but a "hey you're now diabetic so you have to do this!" I think I'll stick with the choice!!!! Thanks for the info!!

 

[KLAIT]

I have done a lot of reading and am very interested in Nutrisystem. Their whole plan is based on the glycolic index.

 

[Dodie]

You should purchase and read "The South Beach Diet." It's based upon the glycemic index and, unlike some other fad diets, is very balanced and not incredibly restrictive after the first phase.

I lost almost 25 pounds on this program 3 years ago and have kept it off by restyling the way I eat based upon those principles (good carbs vs. bad, starting the day with protein instead of carbs, whole grains, low fat meats, etc.)

(My mother is diabetic - with all of the side effects - and I really want to do everything in my power to prevent diabetes for myself.)

 

[DVCLiz]

I think it's a great way to start a healthy eating plan, but I do remember seeing something recently that said basically it didn't help with long-term weight loss any more than any other plan. Dig around a little on Google and see if you can find that report.

Still better than cookies every day!!!!

 

[CarolG]

You should purchase and read "The South Beach Diet." It's based upon the glycemic index and, unlike some other fad diets, is very balanced and not incredibly restrictive after the first phase.

I lost almost 25 pounds on this program 3 years ago and have kept it off by restyling the way I eat based upon those principles (good carbs vs. bad, starting the day with protein instead of carbs, whole grains, low fat meats, etc.)

(My mother is diabetic - with all of the side effects - and I really want to do everything in my power to prevent diabetes for myself.)

I've been following the South Beach Diet since March 2004, and have been pleased with the results, too. (See the ticker in my signature.) There's a very good SBD support forum at http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/forum/ - lots of very friendly, helpful people. The official SBD site also has message boards, but there's a monthly membership fee.

 

[joshsmom]

Well, guess what? First of all, I've lost 4 1/2 pounds just doing what little I know from the glycemic index thing. BUT, today my dad went to the doctor. He's had 2 heart attacks and is having carotid artery problems. And WHAT did his doctor advise him to do?? Go on the South Beach Diet!!! So I guess I'm going to look at that and try to stick with it.

Thanks for all the support here!!!