Calculating GI Values For MealsMost of the time we don't eat servings of individual carbohydrate-type foods: we eat meals with a variety of foods containing varying amounts of carbs, as well as protein, fat and fiber. Thus in practice, for optimum blood-glucose management, we need to know the glycemic value of a meal, rather than simply the GI of individual foods. How to Measure the Glycemic Index Value of MealsTo calculate the GI value of a meal, you need to know two things: - The total grams of carbohydrates in the
meal. Once you know this data, which is typically obtainable from most food composition or nutrition tables, the GI calculation for a meal is simple:
Calculating GI For a Simple Meal
Calculation = GI X Percentage of carb contribution Toast: 70 X 81% = 57 The GI value of the meal is 62. Calculating GI Value of Meals Not Always PossibleIf we eat meals with non-standard foods that either do not have a GI rating, or are cooked in ways that have not been tested for GI effect, it is not possible to calculate a precise GI value for them. Even so, by using food composition tables and GI rating lists, it is possible to arrive at ballpark GI values for most meals. Next: How
to Reduce the GI Value of Your Meal |