The Glycemic Index is the science behind the NutriSystem Nourish plan. The Glycemic Index, (or GI), ranks foods based on their effect on blood sugar in your body.

Each food on the Glycemic Index receives a "score" according to how much your blood sugar level increases within a few hours of eating it. When following any weight loss diet based on this concept, you'll be choosing from foods that have a low GI rating.

A potato, for example, is very high-GI food as are candies, cake, some fruits, and many other foods. These foods raise blood sugar very quickly after being consumed. Berries, on the other hand, have a low-GI rating, so they don't cause your blood sugar to spike. (The longer it takes a carbohydrate to break down after being consumed, the lower its GI.)

According to glycemicindex.com, Home of the Glycemic Index, following a diet comprised of lower GI foods can offer the following benefits:

• A less significant rise in blood glucose following meals;
• Can help you lose weight;
• Improves insulin sensitivity;
• Assists in diabetes control;
• Provide a longer sense of satiety (fullness).

Related Resources:
 What is NutriSystem Nourish?
 How NutriSystem Works

Suggested Reading:
 The G.I. Handbook by Barbara Ravage
 NutriSystem Nourish Weight-Loss Plan
 The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Fats Guide