FOLLOWING THE LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX DIET?
Following the Low Glycemic Index Diet? Go Easy on These 5 Vegetables
You already know that fresh fruits and vegetables should be a staple part of your everyday diet, but not all vegetables are created equal. If you are following the popular low glycemic index diet, it is important to know which vegetables you should be eating every day - and which ones are best saved for special occasions.
Whether you are following the low glycemic index diet as part of your bodybuilding regimen or just trying to shed a few pounds, it is important to look at every type of food you eat, even otherwise healthy and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Here are 5 vegetables you should avoid, or at least limit, if you want to make the most of your low glycemic index diet and fitness plan.
Pumpkin
While a rating of 75, pumpkin is one of the highest glycemic index vegetables out there, so go easy on the pumpkin pie when the holiday season rolls around. The good news is that pumpkin is probably not a part of your staple diet anyway, but its high glycemic rating definitely means it should be viewed as an occasional treat.
Parsnips
The humble parsnip has the distinction of being the vegetable with the highest glycemic index rating. With a rating of 97, the parsnip is definitely one vegetable you will want to lave out of your next salad.
The good news is that there are plenty of low glycemic value alternatives to fill your salad bowl, including lettuce, cabbage and broccoli. With all these healthy choices you will certainly not miss one little parsnip.
Beets
Bad news for beet lovers - beets are at the upper end of the glycemic index scale. With a rating of 64, these red beauties are best avoided. It may not hurt to have one or two with a healthy lunch or dinner, but limiting your consumption will enhance the effectiveness of your low glycemic index diet plan.
Corn
Everyone loves a fresh ear of corn on the cob, but you might want to skip this cookout favorite if you are following the low glycemic index diet. Fresh corn has a rating of 60, placing it at the upper end of the glycemic index spectrum.
As with other foods on the list, corn can be an occasional treat, but for the most part you should avoid it while following this special diet. There are plenty of alternatives out there, so you may not miss corn as much as you think you will.
Canned Kidney Beans
Last but not least we have canned kidney beans, with a glycemic index rating of 52. Fortunately, these are the only beans to make the no-no list, so you have plenty of other choices to satisfy your cravings.
No matter what the recipe, you can probably find a suitable substitute for canned kidney beans. From red beans to healthy white beans and pinto beans, there are plenty of suitable alternatives to high glycemic rated kidney beans.
The low glycemic diet has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years, spurred on by the high-profile success of famous bodybuilders and other workout enthusiasts. You do not have to be a fitness fanatic to benefit from this special diet, and learning to eat a different way can have lifelong benefits. Avoiding the 5 high glycemic vegetables listed above can improve the effectiveness of your fitness regimen and give you the energy you need for those tough daily workouts.