It may be a fancy word, but it has a relatively simple meaning. The way your body reacts to certain carbohydrates will determine the glycemic index of that food. If you eat a food that has a high glycemic index, it’ll digest quickly and increase your blood sugar. It will also cause a significant drop in blood sugar when digested.

Eating foods with a low GI will slow down digestion. Consequently your blood sugar will rise slowly, stay there longer and hunger will not appear as quickly. If you’re trying to lose weight the answer is simple. You will want to eat foods that have a low GI. These foods stave off hunger and will help with your overall weight loss program.

High blood sugar increases your appetite. Men and women differ greatly in their ability to lose weight. This is another reason women especially should consider gathering information on foods with a low glycemic index.

Foods such as lentils, grapefruit and baked beans have a low glycemic index. Foods such as white potatoes, white bread and corn flakes have a high glycemic index and should be eaten in very few recommended instances. Foods falling in the medium range such as corn, whole grain cereals and sweet potatoes can be eaten in moderation.

It may take a little research on which foods should be consumed and which should be avoided, but the results will be worth the effort. Protein foods such as meats, fish, poultry and eggs have low glycemic indexes and can be eaten without too much of a problem. You should however, consider fat content if you’re counting calories. If you eat a 16 ounce steak or chicken with skin and fat, it probably will not help with your diet goals.