Low GI vs higher GI carbs.

I know that many people here eat wholegrain and low GI carbs insted of their white, higher GI counterparts (ie sweet potato rather than white potato).

My understanding is that the main difference between these is that the wholegrain or lower GI carb sources will make you feel fuller for longer (and will also contain more fiber).

Fiber issue aside, for someone on a bulk, would it not be better to eat the white version (lets use white potato over sweet potato as example) due to the fact that feeling hungry again in 2 hours may be a good thing when bulking?

Am I way off here?

p.s..I'm also aware that GI is changed anyway when other macros are added, making me wonder even more why so much importance seems to be placed on going for low GI options.

High GI also creates a bigger insulin spike which in turn leads to greater fat deposition, and over time does bad things to your insulin resistance.

This is less apparent in a trained individual than it is in a sedentary person, but needs keeping in mind for long term health.

Wholegrain also contains more vits and minerals.

for long term health implications Low GI

for bodycomp, no preference

Thanks Tony, I knew there must be more to it than one just making you feel fuller for longer.

So, in a trained individual in a bulking phase, would you think eating white potato/pasta etc wouldn't make much difference (disregarding long term health)?

Btw, I'm not looking for reassurance or someone to tell me that eating higher GI carbs is ok, as I actually prefer wholegrain etc, just trying to get my head round it.

Edit:
for long term health implications Low GI

for bodycomp, no preference

R3261- just saw this, and that answers my question. Cheers.

evidence is also trickling through that unprocessed foods, wholegrain foods and such like have health benefits in lowering the risk of a number of diseases -

The problem is no one knows how; there are proposed elements like the work on beta-glucan - but actually what we find is that individual elements of foods give disappointing results on their own;
also research is equivocal about the effect of these foods on obesity and the other sexy areas of reasearch.

For a healthy indivdual exercising regularly - then as Tony says - short term - very little point - but long term could be a big pay off.

For me the advantage of the foods I recommend is that because they dont cause large quick rises in blood glucose levels, but promote stable levels is that they dont cause spikes and crashes in energy and mood

secondly - i would contest that although the peak insulin level is lower, the duration is much longer and that the net effect is greater anabolic action via insulin as a result of this.

Les

Thanks a lot for the input Big Les, a very informative post.

Is it alright to eat white rice?  If not, what is the alternative?  Do sweet potatoes taste considerably different to white potatoes?

Brown rice, preferably brown basmati over white rice

sweet potatoes are delicious, and yes, the flavour is very different to white potatoes, but they are not too sweet, so don't be put off by the name. They also cook in a lot less time than regular potatoes. Why don't you buy one from the supermarket and see what you think?

Brown rice, preferably brown basmati over white rice

sweet potatoes are delicious, and yes, the flavour is very different to white potatoes, but they are not too sweet, so don't be put off by the name. They also cook in a lot less time than regular potatoes. Why don't you buy one from the supermarket and see what you think?

I think I will!