The Glycemic Index and it's glorious contribution to my weight loss.

I've been asked a few times about what kind of diet I was on when I dropped the last part of the weight.  A few good friends of mine suggested that I eat foods low on the glycemic index. Basically anything that didn't have a lot of sugars in them (natural or other).  

In addition, I was supposed to eat at minimum 5 times a day...  The conversation went similar to this... 

Friend:  "You need to eat at minimum 5 times per day... 6 to 7 preferably" 

Me:  "WHAT!?!? okay.. put on the brakes right there.. I'm supposed to do what!?  Eat MORE?"

Friend: "Yes, eat more... You will need to eat at least every 2 1/2 to 3 hours."

Me: "So let me get this straight... I'm supposed to eat MORE to LOSE weight?? huh?  Ohhhh kay then.  Please explain."

Friend: "Well, your metabolism is currently firing slowly because it's saving the energy and food that you ate, say 4 hours ago, for energy you might need in say, 2 more hours... so when you eat more often, your body becomes used to it and knows it's going to get it's fuel to keep your energy up, therefore your metabolism starts to climb and you feel better and on and on... "

Me:  "hmmmm, okay... well, so what kind of food should I be eating so often?  I mean, I can't exactly go and eat a sandwich every 2 1/2 hours right?  Doesn't that defeat the purpose?"

Friend:  "Exactly.  You need to start with the glycemic index.  Eat the foods that are scored at 55 points and below and you will start to see results."  

Me:  "55 and below huh?  Okay, so can you tell me more about this glycemic index and how it works?"

Friend:  "It's better if you research it on your own.  You'll understand it better and then you can print off the list and go off of that."

Me: "okay, deal... Thanks 'Friend'! "

So the research began.  The massive list of foods ( Glycemic Foods List ) and their rating. This link is the one that I used to go off of.  Yup, it's a long one... You can always buy a separate book as well.. and there many, many, many sites out there about it.  It's what a lot of diabetic diets are based on ( The Glycemic Load ). I started weighing my food and eating a TON of raw veggies (by choice).  I stuck to it... and still do.  It was an amazing thing for me.  It worked.  I was so excited about the  information that my good friend had told me that I try to pass it along as much as possible.  Because it works. I didn't write down the points.. I didn't tally it up... I just followed the portion size.  The pounds at times seemed like they were melting away.  Of course it wasn't all from eating right... exercising had a ton to do with it.. but I'll save that for another post. :)