Rice - avoid?

So, is all rice bad?   

No, rice is awesome especially when paired with beans and peppers or a salsa chicken dish. Well, those are my two favorites anyway. Just remember to measure your portions and balance out your meals with veggies and protein when you eat rice. =)

Rice is a fantastic, versatile staple.  The starchy white long-grain stuff is a bit tasteless but even that is a good source of energy.  Basmati is a lovely, delicate flavour and the grains are less starchy.  Brown rice takes a little longer to cook but you get more fibre and vitamins.  Short grain Arborio rice makes terrific risottos. And then there are some delicious 'wild' rice you can get such as Carmargue red rice which have different properties all together.

Watch the portions and rice is excellent.

So of all of the different types what is best for me if the goal is weight loss?

Go with the one you prefer and just watch the portions.  They're all roughly the same cals per 100g but if you want to get the most 'bang for your buck' the brown or basmati rices are nutritionally superior and will keep you satisfied for a little longer.  But if you want to eat a little regular long-grain from time to time, it really won't hurt how fast you lose weight.

A good-size portion for rice is 40-50g dry weight.  If you stick with that, you won't go far wrong.

I've never met an over-weight oriental person yet.  Rice is a good thing.  I'm particularly fond of Wild Rice (I buy in bulk since those 4 oz boxes that are $4.xx each irritate me.  I also like brown rice.  My rice steamer is a good friend of mine.  And, as with everything else, eat reasonably; watch your portions.  Good luck.

Rice is awesome! Even white rice is not bad for you. Yes brown rice has a bit more stuff, but if the rest of the diet is balanced go with whatever tastes better. :)

UD

Of course not! Too much of ANYTHING is 'bad'. You just have to watch your portion control and not have too much at a time...

Rice.  Is.  Awesome.  :D 

For amplified health benefit, go for brown or wild.  White rice is okay, but we all know that the more natural it is, the better.

Do any of you rice lovers use a rice cooker? 

Oh heck yeah. I have the one with "fuzzy" logic sensor, or whatever they call it. End result it cooks the rice untill it's done, then keeps it warm. It also has a timer on when to start cooking, and can be used as a steamer (althought I never used it in that capacity).

UD

Original Post by gi-jane:

Rice is a fantastic, versatile staple.  The starchy white long-grain stuff is a bit tasteless but even that is a good source of energy.  Basmati is a lovely, delicate flavour and the grains are less starchy.  Brown rice takes a little longer to cook but you get more fibre and vitamins.  Short grain Arborio rice makes terrific risottos. And then there are some delicious 'wild' rice you can get such as Carmargue red rice which have different properties all together.

Watch the portions and rice is excellent.

MMmm Basmati rice smells amazing when cooking too! I have a rice cooker and I love it- you can't mess up the rice and it just seems like a safer way to cook!

I would say that rice is better than other starch staples like pasta. Diet-wise, brown and wild rice are probably best, because they have roughly the same calories, but fill you up more. (Wild rice does take quite a long time to cook though...)

Yes, I have a rice cooker.  I use it for more than just rice.  Vegetables, chicken, shrimp...........the list goes on.  Well worth the investment.  I got mine at a second hand store for $5.00, but would have bought a brand new one if this came along first.