KEY POINTS!
• All fruits, vegetables, grains and starches contain carbohydrates.
• The more carbohydrate an individual consumes, the less body fat he or she will lose. That ' s why low-fat diets usually don ' t work.
• All carbohydrates are not created equal.
• The glycemic index measures the relative rate at which glucose enters the blood stream after a specific carbohydrate food is eaten.
• Low-glycemic vegetables contain relatively less sugar.
• Choosing foods that are low in carb grams, have a low glycemic index value and are high in antioxidants is your passport to weight loss, increased energy and improved overall health.
A FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
What is the difference between a carbohydrate gram counter and a glycemic index? A carbohydrate gram counter typically lists the total carbohydrate value of a food item.( The carbohydrate gram counter starting on page 492 also lists the level of digestible carbohydrates you should count when doing Atkins.) The glycemic index is a measure of a given carbohydrate ' s effect on your blood-sugar levels. You can use the glycemic index to choose carbohydrate foods that will have a relatively low impact on your blood sugar. But remember, when doing Atkins your total carbohydrate intake is of ultimate importance.
TIPS:
• Keep a carbohydrate gram counter and a glycemic index on your refrigerator( and use the electronic versions at www atkinscentercom).
• Eat whole vegetables instead of drinking juices.
• Overcooking vegetables destroys nutrients.
• Adding some fat and / or protein to a salad minimizes the impact of the carbs on your blood-sugar level.
• Vegetables most dense in nutrients are lowest in sugar and should be your primary choices.
• When you think fruit, think berries.
• A pocket-size carb counter, such as the one bound into the front of this book, comes in handy at the supermarket and in restaurants.
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