The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies - Meri Raffetto [92]
If you really love your routine, then make it more challenging by increasing the intensity. For instance, if you're a walker, try going farther, faster, or hitting some hills. All of these actions will help increase the intensity of your walk.
Chapter 14: Finding a Support System
In This Chapter
Turning to a professional for help when you need it most
Identifying supportive friends and family members
Using the Internet as a tool for information, motivation, and support
Going to glycemic index-related programs in your area
Making any kind of health change requires a strong support system if you want to achieve your goals. A strong support system helps by
Giving you an outlet to vent when frustration hits
Providing assistance with overcoming challenges and obstacles
Holding you accountable so you can stay on track
Keeping you motivated
Making your transition to a low-glycemic lifestyle easier
Offering you advice when you need it
You can find support in a variety of arenas, from professionals and friends to the Internet and glycemic index-specific programs. I delve into these different support arenas in this chapter to help you find the perfect support system for you.
Knowing When to Seek Help from a Professional
For many people, the easiest form of support to find is professional help from a registered dietitian. You don't always need professional help, but when you have health issues, such as high cholesterol or a health condition commonly associated with insulin resistance, the advice and objective ear of a registered dietician is worthwhile. Professionals are also your best bet for obtaining accurate information when you do have questions and challenges. The following sections go into further detail about circumstances in which you may find professional help invaluable.
When you have a challenging health condition
Everyone is different, complete with his or her own individual health conditions. A one-size-fits-all solution simply doesn't exist, which is why some additional work may be necessary on your part to properly fit a low-glycemic diet into yor life if you have certain health conditions. For example, you may have insulin resistance and need to be stricter with your choices than others do, or you may have a completely different issue such as high cholesterol or hypothyroidism that needs to be addressed with a few other dietary changes.
If you have a challenging health condition and want to try the low-glycemic diet, the best way to ensure you're getting the most accurate information for your unique situation is to work with a registered dietician. I encourage you to seek out professional help if you have one or more of the following health issues:
Coronary artery disease
Food allergies
Gastrointestinal disorders
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease
Metabolic syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Prediabetes
Type 1 or 2 diabetes
Find a registered dietitian who specializes in the issues that you have and who's also familiar with a low-glycemic diet. You can then get sound advice and support for meshing your preexisting health issue(s) with a low-glycemic lifestyle.
When you're having trouble making changes
Professional help can be a good idea when you're struggling with making changes. As a registered dietitian, one thing I've discovered is that providing advice and information is only one piece of the puzzle. Coaching — helping people work these new changes into their lives — is an even bigger piece.
Making lifestyle changes usually takes a combination