The 10 Smartest Things You Can Do for Your Body This Summer

Eat Low-Glycemic-Index Foods

The glycemic index (GI) is a system that ranks carbohydrates in food on a scale from 1 to 100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels. Foods like white bread, white rice, and white potatoes rank higher on the GI than foods like stone-ground whole wheat, brown rice, and nut butters. In addition to causing spikes in blood sugar levels, high-GI foods can stimulate excessive insulin, leading to increased inflammation and blood pressure and higher triglyceride (storage fats) levels; eating these foods may also lead to the sugar blues. To help avoid this, consume carbs in moderation and focus on healthy sources.