If you eat a normal diet of foods that are traditionally high in terms of their glycemic index, then it can be difficult to adapt to a full, 'low GI' diet.

The truth is that changing over to low glycemic index foods can make you feel terrific it can also help with all kinds of ailments and it is undeniably worth choosing low glycemic index (GI) foods, but it can be difficult to acclimatise.

Why it is hard to make the Switch?

Foods with a high (GI) can give you a real rush as your blood sugar soars. Sweet, processed foods and candy, white bread and cakes all provide an immediate rush to your system.

When you switch over to low (GI) foods your blood sugar levels stabilise, which means that you do not get that 'rush' any more. Sometimes people find this difficult because they miss having that rush, and they develop cravings for foods that will give them that 'high'.

There are essentially two different ways that you can change over to low glycemic foods. The first involves introducing more and more of the right foods into your diet. The second is to go for broke and just eat low (GI) foods. There is not a right or a wrong way it just depends what suits you better.

Switching Immediately To a Low Glycemic Index Diet

If you choose this option, then you should seriously try to eliminate all high (GI) foods from your home. Only have in foods that have a low (GI). This reduces the temptation to break with your new diet, because you will only have healthy foods at home.

Also make sure that you have a list of low (GI) foods, and when you go to the store ensure that you have eaten a substantial meal before you shop. Then armed with your list of OK foods and a full stomach, you will be less likely to fall prey to buying all those cakes and candy that seem to be tempting you every moment.

The downside is that your body certainly can miss the rush from high-energy foods, so it can feel a bit as if you are going through withdrawal, but after two or three days this feeling subsides and you start to feel better.

Slowly Switching Over to Low Glycemic Index Foods

Gradually, introducing low (GI) foods into your diet sounds like an easy option. The problem is that with food already in your home that is high in (GI) terms, sometimes temptation gets the better of you and these foods will be eaten before healthier low (GI) food. However, if you start switching one food at a time, starting with bread, and then looking at a low (GI) lunch, then low glycemic dinner, your body can adjust gradually.

Remember there is no set way of doing this: it is simply what you feel suits you best and there is no shame in trying both options if the first does not suit!

Why it is Important to Change?

Changing over to low (GI) foods will help your body to keep the blood sugar levels stable. You will feel less tired and less irritable than if you experience highs and then lows in your blood sugar levels. Stabilising your blood sugar levels can even help you stave off diabetes and other diseases.

So eating low (GI) foods will improve your life and help you take control of your eating and feel much better about your life: so it is undoubtedly worth making that switch.