The glycemic index table is a method for comparing the blood glucose response of carbohydrate founded foods. It was developed to aid individuals with diabetes in controlling their blood sugar levels while consuming a low fat, higher carbohydrate diet.

The glycemic index table can potentially be used as a guide for pre and post exercise nutrition for people who desire a healthy weight loss alternative.

The rate of oxidation of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) can stay elevated for a few hours succeeding exercise. All the same , if insulin levels are raised elevated the fatty acids will be reconverted to triglycerides and stored. It was determined that plasma FFA use was lower after a higher index meal than a low glycemic meal. It was also learned that the high glycemic index meals had greater insulin responses than low index meals.

Ingesting a lower index meal after exercise, in women who desire weight loss, may assist FFA oxidation levels stay elevated for several hours succeeding exercise. In addition a diet that stresses the ingestion of low glycemic table foods may help lower the storage of fat ingested with the meal.

Blood glucose levels and the stretch receptors in the stomach are the two main controls of appetite. The decrease in blood sugar that often comes with high index foods may increase appetite causing an increased energy intake making weight loss more difficult.

Some foods that would be reasoned high on the glycemic index table would include your standard glucose drink, carrots, mashed potatoes, French bread and parsnips.

Foods like skim milk, peas, chick peas, sweet potatoes are considered to be low on the glycemic table.

You can buy a book on glycemic index list of foods at your local book store that will go into the different glycemic food levels in more depth.  Understanding and using the glycemic index will greatly improve the overall health for women.