The Glycemic Index Explained

Wondering what the heck “low GI” or “low glycemic” means?

Well, it’s NOT just a term used for diabetics to control their blood sugar. It’s the new way. The scientifically validated path to enhanced energy, less inflammation, better mental focus and athletic performance. Low glycemic helps you take a step away from the slippery slope of a blood sugar spike, the inevitable crash and the craving sensation that follows.  Managing your blood sugar level is beneficial for sustained energy, maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar management.   Now that you know the basics, here’s the science behind low GI!

The official explanation:

The glycemic index was developed in 1981 by David A. Jenkins and his team at the University of Toronto. It ranks carbohydrate-containing foods on a scale that gauges the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels within two hours of being eaten. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, where foods with a high GI cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and foods with a low GI are digested more slowly, creating a gradual, more sustained and balanced blood sugar level.

To understand the low-glycemic diet, one needs to understand the way that carbohydrates affect blood sugar — and that not all carbs are created equal. The glycemic index measures the speed at which a food breaks down in the digestive system to form glucose, which in turn enters the blood stream to feed every cell in your body. The index is scored on a scale of 100, with 100 representing pure glucose. Foods that are broken down quickly into glucose get a high score (usually over 70) and foods that are slow to break down get a low score (under 55).

The Glycemic Index is divided into 4 groups:

  • GI of 70 or greater High GI
  • GI of 56-69 Moderate GI
  • GI of 36-55 Low GI
  • GI of 35 or less

Low GI carbohydrates such as those contained in our SoLo energy bars make us feel better, more focused, and more balanced over a longer period of time. Studies show that a low GI lifestyle can have the following positive outcomes:

  • Lower blood glucose levels
  • Lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Lower cholesterol levels
  • Lower risk of developing heart disease
  • Weight reduction

Translation: it’s all about creating balance. Getting away from the addictive cycle of spike, crash and crave – thereby giving you the energy to do what you want to do.  The best part is – you might even lose a couple of extra pounds along the way.  Hello, skinny jeans!

How you can apply this in your daily life: always eat a good quality protein with a slow release carb.