White Rice vs. Brown Rice

Whenever the word "diet" comes up people's mind tend to jump to low carb, whole grains, more fiber etc. aside from the initial "I will never eat anything good again" thought.

However, did you know that your body, especially your brain runs on carbs? That is your primary source of energy. Without getting too technically, you need carbs; but the right kind. The complex kind. These carbs come from whole foods that break down slowly in the body, verse simple carbs that are pretty much in the straight sugar form with no real nutrient value and enter our cells to quickly. If it isn't used, you don't lose it you store it!

Which brings me to the white rice vs. brown rice debate.

Naturally, you may assume brown rice should be the clear winner. After all we have been taught white bread is not the best choice; eat whole wheat. And honestly, I thought this too for years. Until recently when I learned the difference between the two.

White rice is brown rice but with out its thick germ layer coat. The problem is this germ layer, while it does have fiber and nutrients, has poor bio-availability. Simply stated our bodies don't get any real value from it and passes through our bowels without being used. While fiber is important to our diet this is the insoluble kind that just bulks up our stools.

Also while brown and white rice have the same amount of calories brown rice has more fat in it. Not much like 2g vs white rice 0g, but still that is an extra 18 calories per cup. {White rice 200 calories Brown rice 218}.

{source}

But why all the hype on brown rice then? Apparently the research on brown rice and its health benefits was done based on brown rice found in Japan. Here they take around 75% of the germ layer off, making it more bio-available and reaping the fiber health benefits. Here in the States our brown rice doesn't come that way. I suppose you may be able to find some, but I really haven't attempted too.

As with anything moderation is key. Chances are you are not consuming rice daily or more than 1-2x a week. So having the white rice isn't going to ruin your "diet." Remember eating should be diversified. Choosing to eat lots of different fruits, veggies, meats and grains. Each type offers your body something different. Branch out and try new things.

Is Obesity a Symptom of a Greater Problem?

Knock knock.
Who's There?
Remember ME?!
Yeah, didn't think so. Life sometimes has a way of getting in your way. {That makes no sense} But nonetheless I am back and going to try to post more regularly again.

But to ease myself back in; don't want to cause shell-shock I am going to link you to a fantastic blog article. Please read and let me know your thoughts!

What if Obesity IS the symptom... 

What did you think?

I found this completely eye opening. I have sort of had questions about this myself, but hearing about someone who seemed healthy to the naked eye live it, well, you can't deny his findings.

As a RD and someone who struggles with my own eating issues/disorder, as well as being part of the medical community we do need to approach individuals that are over AND under weight with care and respect. {Yes, that includes "skinny" people too!} Just because someone is deemed skinny doesn't mean there isn't something going on there or they are "so lucky they can eat a piece of cake." 

The bottom line is we as medical professionals need to determine the WHY. It could be due to insulin resistance, depression, an eating disorder or another deep seeded issue. It isn't fair to tell my patients or clients "do this, eat like this and exercise like that and boom you will be all fixed." There is no "right" size, and as a RD my main priority is make sure my patients and clients are healthy, number and lab wise, AND comfortable in their own skin. That is why I created Be-YOU-ti-Full nutrition consulting to help everyone achieve those goals.

If you are looking for a nutrition coach to help you in this area or other nutrition related areas contact me or visit my site for more information. Or leave me a comment telling me your thoughts on the article.