Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 5/30/2007

Question
What is GI? Is it glycemic index? What is the difference between High, intermediare & Low? I am 61 yrs old & do long distance Mountain bike. No high speed but 6 hours at a time is no problem. I have to eat every hour but what of the 3 is the best GI to eat?
Many thanks - Ian

Answer
It is glycemic index and the different levels just differentiate the sugars (glycogen) in the different foods in those categories and how they break down in your body.  The highest gi are the simple sugars.  You want to eat the lower end of the gi because that is complex carbohydrates and take longer to digest.  This keeps your energy level up longer without the spikes in blood sugar.
Hope that answers it for you.
Linda