Low Glycemic Food Plans for Men

Dr. David Jenkins and a team of scientists originally developed the concept of the Glycemic Index in 1981 at the University of Toronto. The definition of Glycemic Index is the measure of the rise in blood sugar level after a food is eaten. Since its development, many books and plans have been created around the idea of consuming low-GI foods to prevent cravings and encourage fast weight loss. There are several eating plans that encourage adherence to low-GI eating habits.

Nutrisystem for Men

Nutrisystem offers a pre-packaged meal plan based on the Glycemic Index. Promoted by Dan Marino and Don Shula, Nutrisystem for Men takes the guesswork out of low-glycemic dieting by providing foods in pre-selected combinations meant to be paired with fresh produce you purchase on your own. This plan has an average cost of about $10 per day, and as long as you stick to the food provided, you can be sure you're within the requirements of a low-GI diet.

South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet rates foods based on their different glycemic loads, and emphasizes consumption of the lowest-GI foods, especially in the low-carb first phase of the diet. While carbohydrates are initially restricted similarly to a typical low-carb plan, The South Beach Diet still heavily endorses the idea that you don't have to give up carbohydrates completely to reap the benefits of a low-glycemic diet. The diet even provides a chart of low, medium and high-glycemic index foods for reference.

Atkins Diet

The Atkins Diet, one of the most popular low-GI/low-carb plans, focuses on restricting simple carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, sweets and flour while increasing consumption of proteins and unprocessed, non-starchy carbohydrates like green vegetables. The diet's four phases include Induction, Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance, and each phase is designed to control blood sugar and reduce cravings for carbohydrates. Scientists say that a low-carb plan like Atkins or South Beach may be the most effective weight-loss option for men. A study conducted by Jeff Volek at the University of Connecticut and published in the Open Access Journal "Nutrition & Metabolism" concludes that more than 70 percent of men placed on various diet plans lost more weight and body fat on a low-carbohydrate diet compared to men on low-fat or lower calorie plans.

eDiets Glycemic Impact Plan

eDiets.com is a tool that compiles the most popular diet plans into an online system for planning and support. The site offers many low-glycemic diet plans, including the Glycemic Impact, Hypoglycemic/Low-Sugar, and Living with Diabetes plans. The Glycemic Impact plan is a balanced, nutritious plan that provides 40 percent of calories from mostly low-glycemic carbohydrates like whole grains, 30 percent from lean protein like chicken and fish, and another 30 percent from healthy fats like olive oil. The diet emphasizes limiting simple sugars while increasing fiber intake to prevent blood sugar swings and cravings.