It doesn’t matter what we’re up to in life, we always welcome more energy. This is especially true when it comes to Jiu Jitsu training. By consuming what is referred to as low GI foods, your body can maintain its energy throughout the day – leaving enough for that important Jiu Jitsu training or competition. So, rather than experiencing highs and very lows when it comes to energy reserves, GI foods can provide a steady supply of energy.

The GI Index

The Glycaemic index, or GI, refers to the rate at which carbohydrates in the body are taken up, thereby increasing blood glucose levels. A low GI food will help keep energy levels stable over a longer period of time. As such, you needn’t get those highs and horrible lows associated with sugary foods. Low GI foods don’t provide a huge spike and then leave you feeling exhausted afterwards.

GI Tips

• Low GI Foods. These include such foods as: nuts, wheat, grain, brown rice, whole wheat bread and legumes.
• High GI Foods. Refers to white bread, potato, white rice, white pasta and foods high in white sugar.
• Low GI Food Consumption. Eating low GI food a couple of hours prior to a competition will allow your body to digest the food and still give you sustained energy. Food stays in the small intestine and provides that much-needed energy for several hours.
• High GI Food Consumption. This is best taken post-exercise. Experts state that if taken following and up to one day after exercise, they’ll rapidly replace the energy lost during strenuous physical exertion.
• Low GI for General Fitness. Even if not eating low GI for sustained energy during a performance, low GI foods are recommended for general fitness and for losing weight. Low GI foods are particularly beneficial for those suffering from Type II diabetes.

All of us, no matter what we do or who we are, want more energy. This is especially helpful when training or exercising. By eating low GI foods, our bodies have more energy for longer. This not only improves our performances in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, it also stabilizes our energy levels for all our daily activities.

At Easton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Highlands Ranch, we believe in the importance of proper nutrition for sport performance. You need to eat healthy if you’re going to train hard.