(GoHealthier.com)
Now, when it comes to weight loss, you do everything in your power to avoid certain foods, sugar, alcohol, and “diet” anything.
And this may lead you to losing weight, keeping it off, and maintaining your weight loss for months or years to come.
Most people have their staples from the list below, but if you notice, there is ONE food group that is always on your plate: vegetables.
And for good reason!
Veggies are a low-calorie, low-fat food that is packed full of vitamins, minerals, water, and FIBER which are vital nutrients for any fat loss program.
But, although ALL vegetables are GREAT to include on any weight loss plan, there may be some that shouldn’t be consumed ALL the time.
The reason: their glycemic index may be too HIGH!
Glycemic index is a scale for foods that determines – when you eat a particular food – how fast the sugar will rise in your blood.
For example, a food that has a glycemic index of over 80, may result in a sharp and fast increase in your blood sugar; then your body will produce insulin to take care of all the excess sugar.
Now, the problem with this is pretty simple: The more insulin and excess sugar you have, the more likely it could lead to it being stored as fat!
And, the more you are exposed to conditions like this (high blood sugar and high insulin levels) the more likely you may become insulin resistant or even diabetic.
So here is a list of foods that you should consume – BUT IN MODERATION – if you are healthy and free of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome:
- Potatoes (yes they are good for you)
- Corn
- Carrots
- Peas
- Some types of squash (winter ones)
- Parsnips
Now, don’t get me wrong, all the vegetables on this list may provide benefits to your health.
They all have essential vitamins, minerals, and in some cases, antioxidants…
But they may also contain high levels of sugar and they may all be foods higher on the glycemic index.
Now, if you don’t suffer from diabetes or other conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, then consuming these foods in moderation may be a great way to round out and boost your nutrition.
For those who do, these would be best avoided, or limited, due to the way they are processed by your body.
But don’t worry, the next list contains foods that are LOW on the glycemic index and could provide your body with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients your body needs for both weight loss and overall better health.
Here’s that list:
- Parsley
- Celery (some say celery is good for boosting T-levels in men)
- Collard greens
- Spinach (if you have gout, keep this one in moderation due to high purine levels)
- Swiss chard
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
So what makes these foods so special?.jpg)
Well, just like the others, these veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal health.
And, they are low in calories and fat and full of fiber, making them an ideal food for weight loss, or for people looking to watch their calories but increase their fiber intake.
Now, the most important part, they all have a much lower glycemic index, which is perfect for maintaining blood sugar control, therefore better insulin control.
Simply put: You may avoid the peaks and valleys associated with high blood sugar levels – which may drop to levels below normal levels – therefore keeping your energy up.
But what’s more important? They are PERFECT for weight loss!
Your Next Steps
If you’re looking for the best way to improve both health AND fat loss, then you should look no further than the foods you are eating.
Vegetables, which are all low in calories and fat, may be perfect additions to any meal or snack for added calories and the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning.
However, you do need to be concerned about some of the veggies, since they are higher on the glycemic index than others.
Keeping those foods in moderation may prevent you from storing excess sugar as fat in your body.
Looking for foods that fall lower on the glycemic index may lead to greater fat loss, plus still provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal functioning
Copyright 2024, GoHealthier.com
