The Glucose Revolution Life Plan

The glycemic index--a system of ranking foods according to how fast they affect blood sugar levels--started out as a dietary tool for people with diabetes. Foods with the highest GI values cause a fast, high-blood-sugar response; foods with the lowest GI values break down slowly, releasing glucose into the bloodstream gradually. Now the GI concept has spread as a way to evaluate carbohydrates for people who are not diabetic. High-GI carbs (to be avoided) include processed breads, most cold cereals, potatoes, short-grain white rice, and some fruits. Low-GI carbs (fine to eat) include whole grains, brown rice, pastas, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats, and some fruits. The book also includes discussions of good/bad fats, the Mediterranean diet, and why high-protein diets don't work long-term.

The Glucose Revolution Life Plan emphasizes how to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and lean meats for a satisfying, low-GI diet. After you understand the concepts, four different seven-day menus (including one for "busybodies") help you get started. Then 50 recipes follow, with dishes as diverse as Pepper, Corn, and Barley Patties; Apricot and Muesli Muffins; Vegetable and Sesame Noodle Stir-Fry; Tuna-Veggie Toss; Thai Chicken Curry; and Summer Pudding. The authors also coauthored The Glucose Revolution: The Authoritative Guide to the Glycemic Index and other books in the Glucose Revolution series. --Joan Price