Forums: April 2011 Kickstart Forum: Disagreements regarding Glycemic Index
Created on: 05/02/11 08:30 PM Views: 2072 Replies: 3
Spiral Joined: 05/02/11 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2	Disagreements regarding Glycemic Index Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 at 8:30 PM I had been persuaded by Dr. John McDougall and Jeff Novick, over at the McDougall discussion forum, that the glycemic index is not worth paying attention to. This is true even for diabetics, assuming they eat a low-fat plant based diet and choose less refined, less processed foods. However, I see that this site believes that the glycemic index is useful. Since there is so much agreement on about most of what constitutes a healthy diet, why is there disagreement on glycemic index? Jeff Novick, the nutritionist who works with Dr. McDougall, mentions that when he worked at the Pritikin Longevity Center, they were successful in getting thousands of diabetics (type II) off of their medication. And they didn't use the glycemic index. In any case, I have been eating a plant based diet that is low fat and whole foods oriented for about 6 months now. I am not diabetic. But my father is diabetic. So, I'd like to be more knowledgable about Type 2 diabetes and the glycemic index. Let me ask my question this way: If my father (who has not yet been proscribed medication for diabetes) decided to switch to Dr. Neal Barnard's diet as described in "Program for Reversing Diabetes," but decided to eat white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes, would my father's health be in trouble due to the nutritional differences between the sweet and white potato? Thanks.
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Susan Levin Joined: 12/26/09 Posts: 1191	RE: Disagreements regarding Glycemic Index Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 at 8:49 PM The glycemic index is basically another way of monitoring intake of processed foods. As for white potatoes vs. sweet, I hear what you are saying. If your father's blood sugars can handle a high glycemic food like white potatoes, then I wouldn't worry about it. Plus the glycemic index is determined by food combinations. So if you are topping your white potato with bean chili or put potatoes in your lentil stew, then obviously it will not turn to sugar as quickly. Susan Levin, MS, RD PCRM Director of Nutrition Education
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Spiral Joined: 05/02/11 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2	RE: Disagreements regarding Glycemic Index Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 at 9:08 PM Susan, Thank you for your quick response. If I can persuade my father to adopt a whole foods, low fat, vegan diet, I will be too busy celebrating to be concerned about which type of potato he is eating.
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Bugsmom Joined: 09/13/10 Posts: 2072	RE: Disagreements regarding Glycemic Index Posted Monday, May 2, 2011 at 9:16 PM Susan Levin wrote: The glycemic index is basically another way of monitoring intake of processed foods. As for white potatoes vs. sweet, I hear what you are saying. If your father's blood sugars can handle a high glycemic food like white potatoes, then I wouldn't worry about it. Plus the glycemic index is determined by food combinations. So if you are topping your white potato with bean chili or put potatoes in your lentil stew, then obviously it will not turn to sugar as quickly. I tried a small baked potato several years ago and my blood sugar skyrocketed. However a few weeks ago, I tried another small baked potato - but this time (a) I had been keeping my glucose levels better controlled with the kickstart (b) I had steamed broccoli and not-cheese sauce with it (plenty of fiber from the broccoli). This time my glucose levels stayed well within the good range. Next time, I think I want to put some of hubby's yummy veg chili on my baked potato. I'm still making that a once in a while treat, but at least now I can have it sometimes instead of never. --Deb R
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