Shakeology and the Glycemic Index

My daddy has diabetes, his mom had diabetes, my blood sugar is high...not high enough to be diabetic but high enough that I check it once in a while and keep an eye on what I eat. So I have to tell you that I personally was so excited when Beachbody announced that Shakeology was certified low glycemic index!

Not sure what this means?


Here's why the glycemic index (GI) is important:
Foods with a high-GI (above 70) include white bread, pretzels, French fries, and most processed foods.
High-GI foods cause the body to produce higher levels of insulin but sometimes too much. This gives you an energy burst, known as a “sugar rush.” It feels good at first, but then your blood sugar drops rapidly to
lower than normal levels, known as a “crash.” Eating these foods triggers a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels, which:

• Encourages your body to store fat 
• Creates a cycle of hunger pangs and feeling unsatisfied
• Causes an energy crash that leaves you irritated and tired
• Can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and diabetes

Foods with a low-GI (under 55) include spinach, oatmeal, peanuts, and Shakeology. Eating low-GI foods is a smart way to avoid the “sugar rush and sugar crash” cycle. And they’re good for you because they stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels. Consuming these foods helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, which:

• Increases levels of glycogen, a hormone that causes body fat to be burned
• Gives you a feeling of satisfied hunger
• Helps balance moods
• Reduces the risk of heart disease, helps control diabetes, and positively affects the aging process

So while drinking Shakeology may not completely prevent you from ever having diabetes (and remember to always talk to your doctor if you have special food allergies or nutritional needs - here's a great letter to take to your doctor if you have questions: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/uploads/fckeditor/mdbody/File/downloads/shakeology_dr_letter.pdf) - the low glycemic index is further good news for your wellness journey. 

Sure - there are natural alternatives and some fruits and veggies that have a low GI....but you might be surprised (as I was) to see the information in the table below. 

There's a lot more information but I'm sure you're tired of reading by now....so check out this video for more great information!