You hear more about them these days than almost anything else, so high-glycemic foods are something to really pay attention to. Not only are these bad for your overall health but they can also contribute to weight gain and many other issues.
If you have ever felt that rise and fall of energy that is associated with these foods, then you know firsthand why they are not a good choice. You will find that you don’t like how they make you feel or even look, but it does require perspective to help you to focus on what is really going on. If you want to be your best now and into the long term, then it’s time to make these problematic foods a thing of the past in your diet and nutritional lifestyle.
So what is the big problem with high-glycemic foods, anyhow? What kinds of food fall into this category, and how can you work to avoid them? Simply put, these are the types of foods that are made with sugar or flour that is white or refined. This encompasses the sugary or super-starchy foods that you may enjoy, but it goes much further than that. It means that you must avoid white bread, pasta, and rice, as well as the sugary treats such as donuts, cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. Candies are obvious, but you may even find that condiments such as salad dressings or ketchup fall into this category. Take the time to read labels and understand what types of food you should avoid.
The Short-Term Benefit Isn’t Worth the Risk
High-glycemic foods offer you a certain spike in your blood sugar and energy levels. They help you to feel a little bolt of energy and give you that edge that you need in the moment; they also allow you to give into something that you are craving. What happens next is the real problem with these foods, though, because that little energy burst will only last for a short while before you crash. About an hour later, you feel tired, lacking energy, and often hungry again. So though they may give you a little bit of energy, that will only be short lived; then you will come crashing down and likely eat more of the wrong foods.
Be aware that high-glycemic foods go beyond what you might think of as the obvious culprits. Be aware of those foods in this category that may be lurking in the background and masked as good, healthy options. Then be sure that you are reading labels and looking for any sort of sugar additives that can cause problems later. Also be aware of what these foods do to your body and work to avoid them or find healthier alternatives. These measures will help you to avoid the onset of diabetes and, of course, work toward better health in the long run, which is what it’s all about.
