Let's face it, counting calories and grams of sugar isn't for everyone and no one can keep it up all the time. There has to be another way that isn't a diet or a fad. You're right! It's called the Glycemic Index. This Index ranks foods based on carbohydrates effect blood glucose levels. Some carbohydrates break down slowly and release glucose gradually into the blood stream. These have a lower Glycemic Index (GI) rank. 

By eating foods with lower GI rankings can help increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, improve diabetes control, reduce the risk of heart disease, and reduce cholesterol levels. It can also help reduce hunger and keep you fuller longer, prolong physical endurance. A diet consisting of lower GI foods can help people lose and control weight, minimize carb cravings and help minimize energy crashes. Higher GI carbohydrates can be helpful in the right time and place such as refueling after exercise.

So I love the chart on this link! It is so easy to see what the best options are for lower glycemic foods and it give a great description of each type of GI listing. 

Some examples of lower GI foods are asparagus, avacados, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, lettuce, spinach, squash, Flax Seed, Seafood and Meat and most spices. Most fruit, nuts, lentils, dairy and whole grains have a middle to upper GI listing. And potatoes are one of the highest! One of my favorite resources for a complete list is the South Beach Diet Reference Guide. It has a near complete list of foods along with their portion size, Total Carbs, Total Sugars, Fat, and Fiber. But head on over to Google and find your own favorite list!

Whether you count grams of sugar or use the glycemic index, just find something that works for you! And find an accountability buddy. Someone who will help support you to meet your goals! 

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/glycemic_benefits_index.htm

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=faq&dbid=32#surprising