2nd Burning Question: Can I stop eating rice to lose weight?

by Sanjana - Dietitian on 25. Jul, 2008 in 5 Burning Questions

One of the most common questions asked to me…Although rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, all the cereals such as wheat, ragi, maize etc have the same amount carbohydrate content ie. 70-80 grams of carbohydrates for 100 grams.

Many ask me whether rice has fat. If the intake of any carbohydrate or protien exceeds more than necessary, it is converted to fat. Hence the servings of cereals should be eaten as per requirement and if it exceeds, then it will be converted to fat.

Carbohydrates are a source of fuel and should give 50-60% of the daily calories in our daily diet. Carbohydrates from the complex form such as whole grains like brown rice, wheat pasta, whole grain breads or whole legumes and pulses will help to prevent spikes in the blood sugar and stabilize the glucose levels in the blood and can help in weight control as they are very filling

Carbohydrates which are refined such as refined wheat flour/maida, white/polished rice, white breads, cornflour, sugar etc are very bad for health and are nutritionally poor.

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6 Responses to “2nd Burning Question: Can I stop eating rice to lose weight?”

Ranjitha 29. Jul, 2008 at 8:12 pm #

Will intake of rice in the night increases weight? In case if we want to have rice in the night, what time can we eat it so that it does not increase the weight? Can we have rice in the afternoons.

[Reply]
Sanjana - Site Dietitian 29. Jul, 2008 at 8:32 pm #

No it wont. This depends on how much you are eating, ie how many servings you are eating. 1 serving is 25grams(5 tsps.) of raw rice. But if your intake exceeds more than necessary, then it can trigger weight gain. Any cereal can cause weight gain if you eat more than necessary.

It is always good to finish dinner atleast 2 hours before going to bed. 7:30-8:30 p.m. are the best times. If dinner is eaten a little earlier too, will help. But earlier than the time mentioned, may require you to eat a snack such as a fruit or a glass of milk before going to bed.

Yes, rice can be eaten in the noon without any fear. Stick to unpolished rice which is very good for health.

[Reply]
Dhruv 12. Oct, 2009 at 12:08 pm #

The rice that we get normally in the market is polished rice…right?

Where can we get the unpolished rice? I’ve inquired a lot but haven’t found yet.

Also eating brown rice is really difficult and good quality brown rice is pretty expensive and not easily available

[Reply]
Sanjana - Dietitian Reply:
October 12th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Availability of unpolished rice depends on where you reside. You can try at shops where they sell whole grain products. Unpolished rice is very easily available in the coastal belt of my home town, Mangalore and also in Kerala.

Remember to ask for brown rice too.

[Reply]
murali 09. May, 2010 at 9:44 am #

Hai,Im working in a BPO which is obviously a night shift job,so im in a situation to eat rice at night everyday.
Does eating rice at night not bad, if i don’t sleep at night?

[Reply]
Sanjana - Dietitian Reply:
May 12th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Hi Murali,

All carbohydrates such as rice, chapathi,oats are all the same. It depends on the quantity you eat as this can give your calorie intake.. Your diet will needed to be adjusted as per your working times

[Reply]