White rice is a staple in many cuisines we love. It’s filling, makes a great base for a multitude of toppings, and tastes great. However, when it comes to weight-loss, it’s best left on the grocery store shelf.
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We’ve known for a while that white starches aren’t good for your body. But, why is white rice still a popular choice for grains? The main reason is that it’s inexpensive and we’ve trained our taste buds to crave it.
White rice is stripped of fiber and protein, making it just empty calories. According to the USDA, 186 grams of white rice supplies:
242 calories, 53.2 g of carbohydrates and 0.56 g of fiber. It's quickly digested and absorbed, making your blood sugar rise faster. Once it hits your bloodstream, it’s no better than eating a candy bar.
Simple carbohydrates cause an increased hunger for more processed carbohydrates or sugary treats. In the end, it’s just extra calories with no other nutritional value.
The next time your recipe calls for white rice, it’s always better to go with brown or wild rice, or even another whole grain, like quinoa. They make healthy substitutes for any rice dish and they will add fiber and protein to your diet. Best of all, whole grains and brown rice will leave you feeling satisfied sooner, so you’re less likely to keep on eating. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a tad longer to cook, so that needs to be factored into your recipe’s cooking time.
