For the last year, my husband and I have been following a low-carb/low glycemic index lifestyle in order to better ourselves and be healthier. For those of you reading who are just starting out with this, a few definitions for you.
What is low-carb?
Low-carb, or low-carbohydrate, means that one restricts any form of sugar, starch, or other digestible carbohydrate from one's diet. Some low-carb diets prescribe an amount of carbohydrates allowed per day (20g-50g) while others suggest only having one carbohydrate serving per day, or a few a week. Certain carbohydrates cause an insulin spike in the blood stream, which is thought to cause the body to create fat, and the body's cells no longer feed off of bodily fat, but the sugars in the blood stream, leading to weight gain. One can easily adjust how many carbs to eat based on lifestyle activities (exercise, calorie intake, etc). Interested in reading more? Wikipedia has a large article about it.
What is low glycemic index?
The glycemic index describes how quickly carbohydrates are broken down in the body to form glucose. Refined ("bad") carbs (white flour, sugar, corn) tend to break down much faster in your system, causing the aforementioned insulin spikes. "Good" carbs, such as fruits, vegetables, or whole grains break down much slower and enter your system more slowly, not causing any spike in insulin, and therefore not causing weight gain. The South Beach diet is a low glycemic index diet. Want to read more? Another Wikipedia page for you!
Now, is this for you? Maybe not. Perhaps you just want some healthier eating options? Some advice to better your eating habits? Then this can still be a resource for you!
Personally, we eat minimal carbohydrates during lunch and dinner, with fruits and vegetables allowed as long as they are lower on the glycemic index. Breakfast is typically carbohydrates, but something filled with fiber and protein and is marginally low on the glycemic index. For me, that usually means oatmeal with some butter and a teaspoon of brown sugar with a sliced banana mixed in. For my husband, I make homemade granola bars. Lunch is usually a soup or stew for me, while my husband takes leftovers. Dinner is always filled with protein and vegetables. And I even have dessert recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth! As a bonus, many of these recipes end up being gluten free, which means even readers with Celiac can make these recipes!
Both of us have had great success following this diet plan, and I know many other people who have as well. Is it hard? Sure, sometimes it's hard. But is it worth it? Absolutely.
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