They've already helped people become healthier by reading their cookbook, Low-Glycemic Meals in Minutes.
Now Laura Kalina and Cheryl Christian want to take thing a step further.
The Kamloops women are this month launching their newest project, the Low GI Challenge — an online program that challenges participants to eat healthier and exercise more.
"What we're doing is just getting people excited about changing their lifestyle," said Kalina.
"It's a challenge, and basically it includes fitness and nutrition — how you can actually transform your body and just your overall life to get in shape and feel better about yourself."
Kalina is a dietician and Christian is a personal trainer. They have combined their 40 years of experience into the Low GI Challenge.
On Tuesday, Oct. 23, the pair is introducing the challenge during a free seminar at Kamloops Library at 6:30 p.m.
The audience will learn about weight management and weight loss using the glycemic index, which the authors believe is the best way to maintain a healthy diet.
"You're avoiding foods that spike your blood sugar," said Kalina.
Heavily processed such as white rice, white bread and pastries are considered high glycemic. When people eat those foods, they experience a rise in blood sugar and a release of insulin.
"People go through life always eating these higher-glycemic foods and they spike their insulin over and over and eventually they become insulin resistant and they start putting on weight," said Kalina.
"Eventually your body becomes like a fat-storing machine, always triggering the release of insulin."
When people adopt a low-glycemic diet, they lose weight, gain energy and — combined with exercise — become healthier.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the glycemic index can reserve a seat at the free seminar by calling the library at 250-372-5145.
Kalina and Christian are also holding a free online seminar (a repeat of their Oct. 23 presentation) on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. via www.lowgichallenge.com/live. Anyone can tune in to view the webinar.
