Sticking with a healthy eating plan for the long haul can be one of the biggest challenges you face on a weight loss program. If you're following a low glycemic index diet such as the South Beach Diet plan, it can be easier to play by the rules relative to other, more restrictive low carb diet plans. The range of low glycemic foods you can enjoy on a low glycemic index diet will allow you lots of variety.
Know your low glycemic index foods
The first step to successfully sticking with a low glycemic index diet plan is to become aware of the range of foods that have a low GI index. There are a variety of resources on the Web that display listings of low GI foods. Generally, these will include fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Once you're familiar with the types of foods available, you can develop weekly meal plans based on these foods that are both varied and healthy. It may help to purchase a cookbook that offers recipes designed for a low glycemic diet.
The key to sticking with a low glycemic eating plan is to introduce taste, imagination and variety to your meals. It's important not to allow yourself to feel deprived or your chances of long term success will lessen significantly. Think of your low glycemic index diet as being part of a lifelong healthy eating plan rather than a short term approach to weight loss.
Invest in a food diary
Another way to stay motivated on a low glycemic index diet is to keep a food diary. Take the time each day to write down the meals and snacks you ate for the day, along with their calorie count. Even though the objective of a low glycemic diet is to eat foods with a low glycemic index, calories still count. Keeping a food journal will allow you to monitor your caloric intake more closely and help to keep you motivated to stick with the plan. Establish new weight loss goals for yourself every week and pencil them into the pages of your food diary. This will help to keep you focused and make it easier to stick with the plan.
Find support
It's less of a challenge to stay motivated on a diet if you have the opportunity to interact with others who share your weight loss goals. There are a variety of support groups online for people following a low glycemic diet plan where you can share your weight loss difficulties and experiences. You also can share low glycemic index recipes and tips with other members who may need similar motivation. In many cases, the simple act of sharing with other dieters will help to keep you energized and on track.
It's OK to cheat
Following a low glycemic diet plan isn't a short term strategy but a way of life. There will be times that you slip up and eat the wrong things or eat too much of the right things. Instead of chastising yourself or abandoning the plan entirely, resolve to do better next time. Most people feel the occasional need to splurge, and an occasional indulgence won't undue your hard work. By being flexible with your diet goals, it'll be easier to reach and maintain your weight loss goals long term.
Pat yourself on the back
Don't forget to reward yourself on your low glycemic index diet when you reach a short term goal. Keep in mind that rewards don't have to involve food. Schedule a trip to a local health spa for a massage, manicure or pedicure, or get the full works. You deserve it! These little indulgences will reinforce your hard work and make it easier for you to continue to make progress. Make it a point to stay as active as possible, which not only burns calories, but also reduces your focus on food. Try taking up a new sport or active hobby. This can work wonders for building self-esteem, as well as burning calories.
Yes, it's true. Sticking to any diet can be a challenge. But with a little planning, you can make a low glycemic index diet plan a resounding success.
 | The Glycemic Index ranks foods on a scale of 0-100 based on how carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels. The lower a food scores, the more even your blood sugar remains; the higher the score, the more sugar is released into your blood. |
 | For a low glycemic index diet to work, one must have working knowledge of the best low glycemic index foods available. Read on for the basic information you need. |
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Dr. Christaine Northup talked about how a low glycemic diet is important for our health, especially women's health. |
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