What IS The Low Glycemic Lifestyle?
I know you all have heard me harping on and on about the Low Glycemic Lifestyle. I thought I’d take a moment to tell you all about it and how it’s helped me.
Let’s begin with explaining what Low Glycemic Index is.
What is the Glycemic Index?
The glycemic index is a value assigned to foods based on how slowly or how quickly those foods cause increases in blood glucose levels. Foods low on the glycemic index (GI) scale tend to release glucose slowly and steadily. Foods high on the glycemic index release glucose rapidly. [source]
So basically, low glycemic foods are food that don’t spike your blood sugar.
Why is that important for me to control my moods and symptoms?
Well, I’m glad you asked!
According to Indian Journal Psychiatry, “It is suggested that low glycemic index (GI) foods such as some fruits and vegetables, whole grains, pasta, etc. are more likely to provide a moderate but lasting effect on brain chemistry, mood, and energy level than the high GI foods - primarily sweets - that tend to provide immediate but temporary relief.” [source]
So I choose a low glycemic lifestyle and diet to keep my blood sugar at normal, non-fluctuating levels to keep my moods in check.
From my studies through the years, I learned about how eating a high carb diet that included excess sugar was probably making my depression symptoms worse.
So, sugar...
I’m not going to lie, I haven’t fully kicked the sweet stuff to the curb as of yet, BUT I’ve definitely cut back.
It’s not easy quitting sugar, believe me I know. It’s pretty hard for most of us and that’s backed by science.
Check out what I found while researching sugar and it’s affects online; “A study done in rats found that the brain’s sweet receptors are not adapted to constant and high levels of sugar. This intense sweetness can stimulate the brain’s reward center and may be more pleasurable than cocaine, even in people with a drug addiction. In other words, the high from sugar is stronger than the high from cocaine. Your self-control mechanisms are no match for sugar’s strength.” [source]
Although it’s something I’m working on, I will beat this - my mental health and wellbeing are at stake!
So how does one know what the Glycemic Index of certain foods are?
There are plenty resources online that actually give you a list of common foods and their glycemic index. The key is to stay as far under 60 as possible.
The one that I usually reference from the University of Sydney.
So now that we’ve covered the basics of the Low Glycemic diet let’s talk just a little about what makes a complete Low Glycemic Lifestyle.
My Low Glycemic Lifestyle
It’s simple. I incorporate a low glycemic style of eating and pair it with a more active lifestyle.
The activities I partake in are varied because I enjoy variety in all things in life.
I go for walks on the local beach, in parks or go hiking in one of the many nature preserves and national parks in my area. I have a gym membership and a home gym.
Simply put, I work out whenever I have the chance. Am I consistent? No, not at all. But the important thing is I try and keep trying!
This is my lifestyle choice because I choose not to medicate.
Along with my lifestyle adjustments I also regularly take vitamins and herbal supplements to help as well.
We’ll get into those in another blog post for sure.
I hope this post clears up the mystery of the Low Glycemic Lifestyle I’m living.
If you still have questions or want to learn more, check out my source links below or shoot an email to [email protected] and I’ll be more than happy to answer them!
Be easy!
Sourced material for this post:
Harvard Medical School
NCBI
Healthline.com
PLOS ONE
University of Sydney
Photo Credits:
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash