Canned Food

by Ling

Visitor Question:

Does all canned food have a high glycemic index?

Lifetime Fat Loss Answers:

No, absolutely not! Only if high glycemic preservatives have been added, like sugar or high fructose corn syrup, will foods become high glycemic when canned. Read labels carefully to make sure only the food is in the can. Generally speaking if a food is low glycemic fresh then it will be low glycemic in a can. For more information about how to read labels check out this page.

There are lots of foods that are good to have on hand in cans because they are so convenient when you are making spaghetti or forgot to soak your beans. I recommend having chopped tomatoes with garlic or herbs on hand, also whatever beans whole and refried you like and tomato paste for wholewheat pizza. It's nice to have canned olives, pickles, chilis, peperoncinis on hand too to spice things up.

When fruit is out of season I buy canned fruit in water. It's great with cottage cheese or some good quality yogurt that is low in sugar or plain yogurt and add agave syrup or another low glycemic sweetener.

It's great to stock up on tuna (Albacore or Skipjack) packed in water and there's even Alaskan salmon in cans that is often on sale and fairly cheap. You can use the fish in salads and make a whole meal.

If it's difficult to find fresh foods in your area or you don't have time to cook, canned or frozen foods are a fine option as long as they aren't loaded with high glycemic additives or sugar. In fact, it's better to buy your fresh food locally and when it's not in season buy canned or frozen foods rather than having it shipped in.