LOW GI for weight loss. What's Glycemic Index and How oats contribute to weight loss.
by Rishabh Nanda on Nov 08, 2024
If you have ever looked for the right foods for weight loss, you might have heard of the Glycemic Index. Known as GI, this simple measurement gives you a lot of say about how any food works in your body, especially in terms of raising blood sugar and energy. Knowing the GI of various foods-especially common breakfast staples such as oats, will help you make smarter choices to keep you full, energised, and on track with your goals if you are trying to lose a few pounds.
What is the Glycemic Index?
The glycemic index (GI) ranks how quickly foods elevate blood sugars. Scores run from 0 to 100. Low-GI foods score 55 or less, meaning they cause blood sugar to rise more slowly and gradually; examples include oats, lentils, and most fruits and vegetables.
Medium GI foods: Score of 56–69 (ex., bananas, sweet corn and couscous)
High GI foods: Score of 70 or more (ex. white bread, potatoes, sugary cereals)
Low-GI foods digest slower and gradually release sugars into your bloodstream. High-GI foods send a quick jolt to your blood sugar, but the rebound happens quickly, causing energy to "crash." That crash usually causes us to grab more to recover energy, so one of the reasons why high-GI foods are associated with overeating and weight gain is that they just don't have enough to keep our energy up long enough.
Why the Glycemic Index Matters when Losing Weight
So, how is GI related to losing weight? In other words, eating low-GI foods can make you perform the following:
Stay longer full: Since the GI of low-GI food will digest slowly, it stays full for a little longer, making you less likely to snack or reach for unhealthy options.
It will stabilize blood sugar: You will not experience the big spikes in the blood sugar, thereby evading energy dips that trigger cravings. This is helpful if you're on the way to cutting the intake of unhealthy snacks.
Therefore, high-GI foods signal your body to produce insulin, which aids in the storage of sugar in the form of fat. Low-GI foods digest much more slowly, avoiding the dangerous insulin spike and allowing your body to burn more fat to produce its energy needs.
How Oats Fit into a Low GI Diet for Weight Loss
Perhaps no other breakfast cereal can match the merits of oats: filling and nutritious, it certainly fulfils your low-GI lifestyle. Here's why oats top the list for weight loss:
1. Low GI, High Satisfaction
Oats have a GI score of about 55 or lower if you choose rolled or steel-cut oats. Therefore, this low-GI food keeps you feeling full and satisfied once you have had your breakfast. Unlike sugary cereals or pastries that give you a high only to crash later on, oats slowly release energy that energises you during the morning.
2. High in Fiber
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a fiber that delays digestion and keeps blood sugar stable.There is also the effect of lowering cholesterol, thus maintaining general health; it is more than a nutritious grain. Foods high in fibre also contribute to health in the gut by providing digestion and easier maintenance of a healthy weight.
3. Versatile and Nutritious
Oats are easy to work with, allowing you to keep your meals interesting by adding fresh fruits, nuts, or a sprinkling of cinnamon. They are full of extra nutrients and fibres, helping you reach those weight loss goals while ensuring a balanced meal.
4. Affordability and accessibility.
Oats are cheaper in all outlets and can be considered by everyone preparing to begin their low-GI diets easily and at a lower cost.
How to Use Them Rightly
If you are serious about beginning to incorporate higher percentages of oats into your diet, consider reading the below for some direction that will most assuredly ensure positive, more efficient losses.
Use less processed oats: Rolled oats have lower GI scores than instant oats with added sugars.
Pair with Protein or Healthy Fats: Add Greek yoghurt, a handful of nuts, or a spoonful of Alpino peanut butter to your meal to add protein and healthy fats that keep you full and give the meal even more staying power, or you can use a scoop of Alpino’s Peanut protein for the extra protein kick.
Pay attention to sweeteners: Many will add sugar or honey to their oats, but again, this is very easy to overdo. A little fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon can give you your natural sweetness.
Quick and Easy Oatmeal Recipe for Weight Loss
Here's a super speedy, super delicious oatmeal recipe that might just fit right into your plan:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Alpino Super rolled oats
- 1 cup water or milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 sliced banana or a handful of berries
- Optional: sprinkle chia seeds or almonds for extra fibre and protein.
Instructions:
- Bring the water or milk to a gentle boil in a small pot. Add the oats and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the cinnamon and cook for about 5 minutes or to your desired consistency.
- Top with slices of banana or berries and sprinkle with chia seeds or almonds.
Fuel Your Day Right: Why Alpino Super Oats Are the Ultimate Breakfast Boost!
Alpino's Super Oats with Chocolate takes breakfast to a whole new level when it comes to fueling up with healthy, low-GI foods. Blending the heartiness of oats with the deliciousness of chocolate. Alpino delivers a satisfying and nutritious start to your day that keeps you full, energized, and satisfied.
Here's what makes Alpino a cut above the rest:
Packed with Protein: Each serving is packed with natural plant-based protein, making it perfect for a fitness enthusiast or busy-go-getter who needs steady energy.
Quality Ingredients Locally Sourced: We believe in transparent, farm-to-bowl quality. Our ingredients are locally sourced directly from local farmers, ensuring only the freshest, highest-quality products make it to your table.
No artificial flavor and no additives: At Alpino, health lies in simplicity. Our products are made of only natural ingredients with no added preservatives or sugars.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Perfect for fast, healthy breakfast or snacks, Alpino's Super Oats are the perfect fit for those always busy.
Ready to give your breakfast a healthy upgrade? Try Alpino's Super Oats today!
Adding low-GI foods, such as oats, can be the most effective, simplest step for healthier eating and weight control. Emphasising what will help keep blood sugar stable will likely keep one full and have more energy to resist reaching those high-GI goodies. Furthermore, with oat's versatility, you would have the most creative breakfast option, starting with a healthy, satisfying note for the day.