Back in 1999, I was introduced to a new fat-loss system by an advanced Research and Development company with whom I was associated based on the Glycemic Indexing (GI) concept. As I did my research, I learned the US Government back in the 80’s looked at some research out of Toronto, Canada regarding carbohydrates to determine why there was such an increase in obesity as well as diabetes…even given the introduction of the fat-free foods and diets. They observed that in equivalent quantities, carbohydrates in white bread (a complex carbohydrate) elevated their subjects’ blood glucose more than those in ice cream, despite its sugar (a simple carbohydrate) content. This seemed to fly in the face of the exchange system and the conventional wisdom of the time. On the other hand, I learned there are good carbohydrates as well like fruits and vegetables–however, it’s a matter of learning more about this Glycemic Index rating system to sort out the better options.
The Glycemic Indexing System: As a result, carbohydrates have been ranked on a scale from 1 to 100 in terms of how they affect the pancreas to put out insulin. GI values define carbohydrates by what those foods do to blood glucose levels in the body…quick versus slow glucose release. (The higher the GI rating the more it affects our pancreas…turning that carbohydrate into fat while the lower GI foods cause a much slower release.) Bottom line…the more color the better.
As a Registered Nurse: I had been taught the old carbohydrate exchange program to teach diabetics (where all carbohydrates are assumed equal and interchangeable). I was definitely excited to learn this new information to better educate all kinds of folks interested in wellness. Interestingly enough, when I called the dietitian’s office where I was living at the time to see if they were familiar with this concept, I was glad to learn that indeed she was familiar with this concept. However, I became quite surprised and disappointed to learn she was not teaching this to her diabetic patients at a minimum and she replied that was because the National Diabetic Association had not told her to change her teaching from the old carbohydrate exchange concept. Wow, that was enlightening–especially since this was being taught in Canada, Europe and Australia. Why were we lagging behind? That was my first warrior charge…enlighten people about Glycemic Indexing. My public speaking began shortly thereafter and continues. You can learn more detail in Chapter 3 “Eating with Intention” of my e-book titled Wellness Warriors.
The US Finally Gets on Board: Since then, education has shifted more towards this GI information…wonder why it took so long in this country as a whole? The sale of insulin is one of the mega giants in the pharmaceutical industry. Question: do you think the drug companies are interested in wellness? Makes one wonder who is really in control of many of these special interest groups? Am I saying there may be a possible circles of profits happening–more examples and enlightenment to follow.
Does the Glycemic Index work for everyone? Stay tuned to my next post…