You've heard a lot about it but what exactly IS they glycemic index?

One of the latest diets to gain increasing popularity is the GI or Glycemic Index Diet. There has been lots of talk about the craze here at That's Fit and blogs have included Rigel Gregg's post on whether or not the diet actually works and Martha Edwards' discussion on GI Diet-worthy snacks.

So you've probably heard about the Glycemic Index by now but have you ever wondered what exactly it is? I knew that it had something to do with blood sugar levels but that was about it. Apparently the index ranks different carbohydrates based on the effect that they have on glucose levels in our blood. Foods with a low GI (bran cereal, and whole wheat and pumpernickel bread, for example) cause glucose levels to remain at a fairly constant level, which means that they give you energy steadily over a longer period of time.

High GI foods (such as white rice and breads, and sugary cereals) cause blood sugar to spike quickly and then fall, meaning you'll get a quick burst of energy but then end up feeling sleepy. Medium GI foods fall somewhere in the middle. Those who favor a diet of low GI foods say that, not only does it help with weight loss but that it decreases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. For more information on the Glycemic Index, take a look here.