The G. I. Handbook: How the Glycemic Index Works, and how to Choose the Right Carbohydrates for Weight Control and Sustained Energy Levels »

Barbara Ravage is a professional health writer who specializes in food, nutrition, and maintaining healthful dietary habits. She lives in New York.

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The world is currently in the grip of “carbophobia,” but are all carbohydrates really so bad? What about all the fiber, antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients found in grains, fruits, and vegetables? Devised in 1981, the glycemic index, or G.I., makes sense of the carb confusion by ranking foods according to the effect they have on blood sugar. High-G.I. foods cause blood sugar surges, which play havoc with insulin levels, appetite, and fat storage capabilities. If you are affected by any of these problems, understanding the glycemic index is a vital first step in helping you control sugar surges and achieving steady and permanent weight loss.

The G.I. Handbook explains how to use the G.I. for healthier eating. It gives you a formula for a lifetime lifestyle that will help you reduce the risk of contracting many diseases and achieve optimum health, no matter what your age. The book contains a wealth of solid, no-nonsense information in a single compact volume, the perfect size to slip into a purse or pocket, for ready reference at any time.

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The glycemic index (G.I. for short) is not a diet. It is a guide for healthy eating that can help you make the long-term changes you need to achieve your desired weight, reduce the risk of health problems, and get all the nutrients you need from a well-balanced diet. It allows you a wide range of choices without getting you hung up on numbers. Best of all, it offers freedom from hunger and cravings.

The G.I. Handbook is a compact guide to help you navigate the murky waters of the latest diet fads. It makes sense of the carbohydrate controversy, no matter what your goals. Find out all you need to know about: