Feeling good with Low GI foods

Most of us have experienced that mid afternoon slump, when physical energy and mental concentration dips. This fatigue is typically the result of a drop in your body's blood sugar levels.

While it's tempting to grab a chocolate bar or a soda when that energy slump happens, there are better options. Sugary snacks can cause spikes in your body's blood sugars and then a crash, leaving you tired (and hungry) once again.

A better option is to eat foods with a low Glycemic Index (GI). Choosing low GI foods will keep you feeling full longer so you won't feel the need to re-fuel as often.

What is the Glycemic Index?

In a nutshell, the Glycemic Index is a measure of how quickly carb-rich foods are digested and how quickly blood sugar levels are raised. Foods that are quickly digested are said to have a high GI (not a good choice for those wanting to lose or maintain weight as they won't keep you full for long), those digested at a moderate rate are said to have a medium GI, while those that provide a slow and steady stream of energy have a low GI.

Soy beverages such as So Good Original and So Good Fat Free fit into the Low GI food category and are ideal as part of a balanced breakfast or a mid afternoon pick-me-up.

Use the So Good Lifestyle Tracker to start incorporating low GI Foods into your diet on a regular basis. This free, easy to use tool will guide you with meal planning, allow you to monitor what you've eaten over the week and measure your diet against Canada's Food Guide recommendations.

For further details on the Glycemic Index and how low GI foods can be incorporated into a healthy diet which will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association at diabetes.ca.