GI-friendly food

By now you've probably read or heard something about the glycemic index (GI) — for example, how using the index to make food choices may help prevent and manage certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Many health organizations, including the Canadian Diabetes Association and the World Health Organization, support the use of the GI for individuals with diabetes.

But the GI is becoming an increasingly hot nutritional concept for people who don't already suffer from a chronic disease. Many prominent nutrition researchers and dietitians see it as a promising approach to healthy eating and the prevention and treatment of some chronic diseases.

The GI is a valid and potentially useful concept, but it is also complex and can be difficult to follow. Because the science around the GI is still quite young, there are some unanswered questions. As the science evolves, and researchers learn more about the GI and its role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, these questions will be answered. Until then, read “The GI Diet Made East” in the October 2004 issue of Canadian Living for a no-nonsense, nuts-and-bolts approach to incorporating GI principles into your family's diet.

Also, Emily Richards has chosen some delicious low-GI recipes from The Canadian Living Test Kitchen to help make the healthy eating transition a little easier:

1. Mexican Style Bean Salad
2. Bean Burgers with Coriander Cream
3. Cajun Rainbow Trout (Salmon)
4. Three Cheese Polenta with Quick Chunky Tomato Sauce
5. Chicken in Tomato Zucchini Sauce
6. Stir-Fried Beef and Greens