Snacking on the Glycemic Index Diet

Many diets that make headlines in fitness magazines encourage healthy sensible eating at three specified times of the day. However, many of them discourage snacking as usually people make unhealthy choices.

Snacking and Glycemic Index Values

Snacking per se is not detrimental to your health; what you snack, how many times and what you're doing while you're snacking is of utmost importance too. For instance, if snacking is your favorite way to pass time than it may not be a good idea. Take on a hobby, get involved in a sport or even socialize, its much better than devouring an entire pound cake only because you were bored.

Snacking also sometimes is a matter of convenience. When you're at work and you need a quick afternoon fix, you really don't think you have the time to peel and cut carrots and get a dip and have a healthy veggie platter. So what do you do? You opt for the easily accessible candy bar at the vending machine. Activity levels also make a huge difference; for example if you're snacking on potato chips and cookies while lounging in front of the television for along period of time; that can be detrimental to your health. However, if you are grabbing a granola bar while hiking with friends, then it's the fuel your body needs to get on with the day.

Snaking is very much part of the glycemic index diet as to keep blood sugar levels at bay, you need to have a sensible snack every few hours. However, the key to successful snacking on the glycemic index diet is choosing sensible options.

Some Sample Point Values

Exact glycemic index points can only be determined depending on the portion size of the snack. Generically stating that popcorn has x points can be misleading as there are different sizes of popcorn packets, different added flavors and seasonings and so on. Therefore making a sweeping statement can be misleading. However, to give you an idea refer to the list below and always exercise portion control by looking at the back of the package to see how many chips, Cheetos or cups of popcorn equal one standard serving.

You could make it easier on yourself if you buy in bulk to make baggie size portions of single servings. That way every time you crave Cheetos, you take just 21 pieces and know how many calories you have just consumed instead of second guessing yourself all the time. Cola: 58, Snickers bar: 55, cashew nuts: 22 and popcorn 65 are just some examples of glycemic index values.

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