The glycemic index is being observed more and more in scientific communities. One small British study published in March 2009 found that eating a low-glycemic breakfast enhances the fat-burning effects of moderate exercise among sedentary women.
The study’s participants were assigned either a high-glycemic breakfast or a low-glycemic breakfast. That’s the only variable that changed; the amount of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and calories stayed the same.
The women remained at rest for three hours after breakfast and then walked at a moderate pace on a treadmill for 60 minutes. During that time, fat oxidation was twice as high for those women who ate the low-glycemic breakfast compared to those who ate the high-glycemic breakfast.
Although this is very promising information for people working toward weight loss, it’s important to remember that this is just one small study. Further research is needed to confirm that a low-glycemic breakfast combined with moderate exercise helps burn more fat. Of course, enjoying a low-glycemic breakfast each day is still a good idea.