RICE?!?!

2

Replies

  • DamieBird
    DamieBird Posts: 651 Member
    toxikon wrote: »
    DamieBird wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    toxikon wrote: »
    If you really want to slash your rice calories, give riced cauliflower a try. Low carb, low calorie and full of vitamins and minerals. I personally don't eat rice, it's very easy to overeat (and consume way too many calories) and it doesn't keep me full at all. I'd rather spend my calories on something full of nutrients.

    This is my literal reaction to riced cauliflower and all cauliflower substitutes, lol

    y3PWaHz.gif


    And honestly, I have tried a bunch of recipes.. never got into it.

    This ^^^^^^

    Cauliflower "substitutes" make me irrationally angry. There's nothing wrong with rice or potatoes. DO NOT tell me that cauliflower 'rice' or 'mashed potatoes' is basically the same. No. NO IT IS NOT!! They do not taste the same, they do not have the same texture, and they will never satisfy the same.

    That being said - cauliflower on its own roasted with some garlic, is freaking delicious! I love all manner of roasted veggies, and I eat some version of them just about every day. Please stop messing with tasty, tasty cauliflower and trying to make it into something that it's not meant to be, and PLEASE leave my rice and mashed potatoes alone!

    *opinions in this post are mine alone, and as previously stated, I am well aware of my bias against cauliflower 'fakes' ;)

    Of course it's not the same, but it is a good substitute. If you're eating low-carb or simply want to reduce your calories, it gets the job done. Sure, there's nothing inherently wrong with potatoes or rice, but some people choose to make substitutions for different reasons... I dunno why that would make you angry!

    I think mashed cauliflower with some cream cheese, butter and salt is hella tasty and satisfying and close enough to the real thing that I don't mind it.

    TBH, I can't really pinpoint why, either, I just know that something about it irks me to no end. I'm aware that it's irrational. I'm all for people eating what they like in amounts that fit whatever their lifestyle/diet choices are, and I think part of the reason why I hate the substitute thing is because when it was first blowing up all over Pinterest and other places, it was touted as this magical swap that would make everything *so much better*. I was surrounded by a lot of paleo-ites at the time, too, so part of my reaction to the cauliflower swaps could also be tied up in the idea of all those paleo treats that people thought were so much healthier for you, that were actually just an extra 300 calories worth of nut flours and agave. It drove me crazy.

    In the end, if you enjoy a vegetable prepared a certain way, by all means enjoy that veggie! It just makes me sad/mad that people feel like they have to deprive themselves of something that they enjoy because some website or blog or other says that swapping *this* for *that* tastes just that same! and it's so much healthier! (to be clear - not what I think you're doing :) ). I was watching one of those 'how to make holiday food healthier' specials a couple of years ago, and they did exactly that with the mashed potatoes vs. mashed cauliflower and I practically yelled at the TV on behalf of all of the poor people who want to be healthy but also love mashed potatoes.
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
    DamieBird wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    toxikon wrote: »
    If you really want to slash your rice calories, give riced cauliflower a try. Low carb, low calorie and full of vitamins and minerals. I personally don't eat rice, it's very easy to overeat (and consume way too many calories) and it doesn't keep me full at all. I'd rather spend my calories on something full of nutrients.

    This is my literal reaction to riced cauliflower and all cauliflower substitutes, lol

    y3PWaHz.gif


    And honestly, I have tried a bunch of recipes.. never got into it.

    This ^^^^^^

    Cauliflower "substitutes" make me irrationally angry. There's nothing wrong with rice or potatoes. DO NOT tell me that cauliflower 'rice' or 'mashed potatoes' is basically the same. No. NO IT IS NOT!! They do not taste the same, they do not have the same texture, and they will never satisfy the same.

    That being said - cauliflower on its own roasted with some garlic, is freaking delicious! I love all manner of roasted veggies, and I eat some version of them just about every day. Please stop messing with tasty, tasty cauliflower and trying to make it into something that it's not meant to be, and PLEASE leave my rice and mashed potatoes alone!

    *opinions in this post are mine alone, and as previously stated, I am well aware of my bias against cauliflower 'fakes' ;)

    I love rice but unfortunately as a diabetic I find that it spikes my blood sugar worse than any other food. It might as well be candy, even a small amount such as 1/4 cup of cooked rice makes my numbers freak out. I can eat potatoes all day long with no problems, bread is only a problem if I eat a lot, any rice is too much rice.

    When possible, I substitute quinoa, which has just as many carbs but doesn't spike my sugars. Unfortunately there are Chinese and Indian meals which are just not the same without rice. Enter cauliflower rice. Yes, it sucks, but it's better than nothing.

    By the way, I don't like cauliflower mashed potatoes by themselves, but roasted cauliflower half and half with sweet potatoes and a little garlic, butter and milk makes the best mashed "potatoes" ever.
  • DamieBird
    DamieBird Posts: 651 Member
    DamieBird wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    toxikon wrote: »
    If you really want to slash your rice calories, give riced cauliflower a try. Low carb, low calorie and full of vitamins and minerals. I personally don't eat rice, it's very easy to overeat (and consume way too many calories) and it doesn't keep me full at all. I'd rather spend my calories on something full of nutrients.

    This is my literal reaction to riced cauliflower and all cauliflower substitutes, lol

    y3PWaHz.gif


    And honestly, I have tried a bunch of recipes.. never got into it.

    This ^^^^^^

    Cauliflower "substitutes" make me irrationally angry. There's nothing wrong with rice or potatoes. DO NOT tell me that cauliflower 'rice' or 'mashed potatoes' is basically the same. No. NO IT IS NOT!! They do not taste the same, they do not have the same texture, and they will never satisfy the same.

    That being said - cauliflower on its own roasted with some garlic, is freaking delicious! I love all manner of roasted veggies, and I eat some version of them just about every day. Please stop messing with tasty, tasty cauliflower and trying to make it into something that it's not meant to be, and PLEASE leave my rice and mashed potatoes alone!

    *opinions in this post are mine alone, and as previously stated, I am well aware of my bias against cauliflower 'fakes' ;)

    I love rice but unfortunately as a diabetic I find that it spikes my blood sugar worse than any other food. It might as well be candy, even a small amount such as 1/4 cup of cooked rice makes my numbers freak out. I can eat potatoes all day long with no problems, bread is only a problem if I eat a lot, any rice is too much rice.

    When possible, I substitute quinoa, which has just as many carbs but doesn't spike my sugars. Unfortunately there are Chinese and Indian meals which are just not the same without rice. Enter cauliflower rice. Yes, it sucks, but it's better than nothing.

    By the way, I don't like cauliflower mashed potatoes by themselves, but roasted cauliflower half and half with sweet potatoes and a little garlic, butter and milk makes the best mashed "potatoes" ever.

    I'm sad that you have so many problems with rice :(. As you said, some dishes just aren't the same. . . .

    I should also be clear that I have no hate for mashed cauliflower, or cauliflower puree - done right it's very tasty. I just cringe at people calling mashed *not potato*, "mashed potatoes". Although - with at least half sweet potato as an ingredient, I think your recipe qualifies (and sounds delicious ;)! )
  • finallychelle
    finallychelle Posts: 350 Member
    Well I certainly didn't mean to offend by suggesting cauliflower-- but, then again, this is the age of strong reactions to minor things, so I'll be more careful in the future.

    Trigger Warning: I will be mentioning cauliflower again. Please don't read any farther if this might offend you.

    I'm not a fan of steamed cauliflower or any of the other "wet" versions. I do love it roasted, however. And my breadsticks and pizza crust are pretty popular, when I make them.

    The secret to creamy cauliflower mash, without driving the calories way up, is to blend it with (trigger warning for sodium watchers: contains lots of sodium) condensed cream of mushroom (or cream of celery or chicken). If you're watching your sodium you could always make homemade.

    I also deeply apologize for my comment that there's no good rice for dieting. I should have said "there's no good rice for dieting if you're the kind of person who, like me, isn't satisfied with only 1 cup."

    When I eat rice I like to dive into the deep end and I don't come up until I've eaten 2 to 3 cups.

    Carry on.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    I usually buy plain white rice (it's the cheapest) - I typically use it for rice & beans (with meat & veggies and spicy seasonings). I used to splurge on basmati sometimes (I love the taste) but rarely do now that I count calories (rice is so calorie dense, that I either need to bulk it out with a lot of veggies or eat a miniscule portion - so I usually just buy the cheapest).

    On nutrition: Yes, whole grain starchy stuff typically contains slightly more fiber & protein, but it is an extremely miniscule difference. As in it won't really make a dent in meeting requirements.
  • love2smock
    love2smock Posts: 5 Member
    Rice is still a carb (if you are limiting them). I think I love all kinds of rice, but have to avoid it. Try cooking your rice in non-fat chicken broth. MMMMMM.
  • finallychelle
    finallychelle Posts: 350 Member
    It's calorie dense.
  • DamieBird
    DamieBird Posts: 651 Member
    I love rice-- all kinds-- and am told by many that I make the absolute best. (I use Basmati.) Unfortunately, there's no good rice when you're dieting. Brown rice at least has more fiber but it's still high in calories and has a high glycemic index.

    I've tried turning cauliflower into rice with a food processor and microwave, but I'm not impressed. (Although I've had great luck making breadsticks and pizza crust out of cauliflower.)

    Here's my favorite rice substitute:

    Buy a 1 pound bag of store brand frozen cauliflower florets and dump it into a one gallon zip lock bag. Drizzle in a little olive oil and shake it up until it's distributed. Pour it out onto a cookie sheet and broil (on low) or bake (at 400 degrees) until many of them are golden brown. A few black spots are okay, too.

    It's okay to turn them once or twice but don't overwork them.

    About a minute before they're done, sprinkle some garlic powder, onion powder, and even a little cayenne on top.

    I've found that all that yummy brown roasted flavor almost has a paella flavor and the cauliflower is delicious enough to use wherever you would otherwise use rice. You can put tomato sauce over it, or a light mushroom sauce, or just eat it plain.

    Don't throw the zip lock bag in the trash. I put mine in the vegetable crisper, in the refrigerator, and use them a few more times since we eat roasted vegetables every day.

    BTW-- try using the same method for fresh string beans and let them get good and brown and a little crispy. You'll never miss french fries again. I still can't believe how good they are-- especially since I'm normally only lukewarm on string beans.

    Can you tell me why rice isn't good for using when trying to lose weight?

    Rice is fine, it's just relatively calorie dense, so you need to be more aware of your portions is all. For volume eaters, it may not be the best option in terms of amount of food for the calories. If you're satisfied with 3/4 to 1 cup serving of rice along with your meat and vegetables, or can otherwise fit however much you like to eat into your goals, there's nothing wrong with it at all!
  • finallychelle
    finallychelle Posts: 350 Member
    You obviously didn't bother to read the heartfelt apology in my comment, above.

    You go ahead and eat whatever your heart desires.

    I hadn't posted in the forum in a few years and hadn't realized how easy it is to get people riled up nowadays.
  • pinuplove
    pinuplove Posts: 12,871 Member
    edited May 2017
    Edit nevermind I see it now.

    I will eat whatever my heart desires :smile: And lose weight doing it. We're not riled up, just pro-rice :lol: And admittedly a bit tired of hearing 'You can't eat this, this, or that and expect to lose weight!' which is just not true.

  • DamieBird
    DamieBird Posts: 651 Member
    You obviously didn't bother to read the heartfelt apology in my comment, above.

    You go ahead and eat whatever your heart desires.

    I hadn't posted in the forum in a few years and hadn't realized how easy it is to get people riled up nowadays.

    To be fair, the apology part halfway down the post might've gotten lost in all the sarcasm that you opened with *shrug*.

    Who knew that it was such a polarizing topic?!

    Seriously, though - to each their own and I'll second the bolded part above.
  • JenHuedy
    JenHuedy Posts: 611 Member
    apullum wrote: »
    They all taste a little different. I currently have brown, red, black, and smoked Basmati in the pantry.

    I've never heard of smoked Basmati until just this moment but now I desperately need it in my life...
  • SCoil123
    SCoil123 Posts: 2,110 Member
    All of them depending on what it's with. Jasmine rice on Thai night, brown rice usually with fish, Spanish rice on taco Tuesday, plain white rice with Chinese food, and I prefer long grain wild rice with pork chops or steak. Why choose one?
  • Rocknut53
    Rocknut53 Posts: 1,794 Member
    Here's a different take on rice (I eat all of it in moderation, but mostly basmati):
    http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/01/how-much-arsenic-is-in-your-rice/index.htm
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    You obviously didn't bother to read the heartfelt apology in my comment, above.

    You go ahead and eat whatever your heart desires.

    I hadn't posted in the forum in a few years and hadn't realized how easy it is to get people riled up nowadays.

    I wasn't riled by your comment, I just wanted to ask why you said that because we do have a lot of lurkers and newer members who take statements like that to heart. I didn't want anybody to think that one is required to avoid rice in order to lose weight because it isn't true.

    While it's true that people are more successful when they identify the calorie-dense foods they personally have trouble moderating, those foods are going to be different for everyone. For everyone who struggles to eat rice in a moderate portion, there are people like myself who have no issues incorporating it into their calorie goals.
  • Theo166
    Theo166 Posts: 2,564 Member
    There was an excellent post here awhile back that compared white vs brown rice with major brands. It showed the benefits to brown were nominal. You'll get your fiber and key nutrients from the rest of your healthy diet, some white rice won't do you any harm.

    I used to eat lots of jasmine rice but not so much on my weight loss journey. I may throw in a cup when I'm making a soup or stew.
  • nissarayna
    nissarayna Posts: 70 Member
    I sometimes eat brown rice 3-4 times a week, I only use half a serving size and I fill rest of plate with veggies and chicken/fish/pork.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    Theo166 wrote: »
    There was an excellent post here awhile back that compared white vs brown rice with major brands. It showed the benefits to brown were nominal. You'll get your fiber and key nutrients from the rest of your healthy diet, some white rice won't do you any harm.

    I used to eat lots of jasmine rice but not so much on my weight loss journey. I may throw in a cup when I'm making a soup or stew.

    http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/brown-rice-vs-white-rice/
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    It's calorie dense.

    By that logic......we should all be go back to the 1980's low fat craze.....because fat is calorie dense.

    I don't eliminate.....anymore. I'm not going to be substituting cauliflower for rice 10 years from now. I love to make Chinese food. So I figure I should learn what a regular portion looks like.
  • nevadavis1
    nevadavis1 Posts: 331 Member
    I didn't want anybody to think that one is required to avoid rice in order to lose weight because it isn't true.

    For me in particular this was important. I'd failed diets in the past because they insisted I either had to give up rice or eat only brown rice. I LOVE basmati and jasmine rice and frankly, to me, I just don't like the brown versions of those rices as well. I'd feel deprived not ever having my favorite things and give up.

    Moderating the amounts, fitting it into my calories, but still getting to taste my favorites on a regular basis was a lifesaver for me.

    But everyone's personal experience varies. Clearly if someone has an issue with rice, like the blood sugar problems above, or just can't control themselves around it, then it's better for that individual person to avoid it I suppose. But for me rice is something I'm not really successful without.

    It's worth noting though that many "wild rice blends" are mostly white rice, so depending on your goals, read the labels, so you'll know what you're getting.
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    psuLemon wrote: »
    Eat whatever rice you want. They aren't that nutritionally different. And besides, diets are defined by the whole, not the component.

    This. Read the labels. You'll be surprised at how similar they are nutritionally.
  • Rabbitsocksgardener
    Rabbitsocksgardener Posts: 74 Member
    Hello! Wild rice ("manoomin" or "the good seed" in the Anishnaabe first nations language) is an AMAZING rice for diabetics. It actually helps regulate insulin levels which makes it kind of a superfood! I would suggest mixing it in with a different rice/grain because of its harder texture. Look for exciting ways to prepare it too like a wild rice pudding or in chicken and wild rice soup! It is seriously so unique and good for you and so special to indigenous cultures.
  • cronus70
    cronus70 Posts: 191 Member
    Tilda branded rice....in a pouch, microwave 2 mins and done. Loads of flavours to choose from and makes me a happy bunny.
  • MsHarryWinston
    MsHarryWinston Posts: 1,027 Member
    Ugh. I'm one of those people that if I eat rice once I start I want to eat the entire bag of it. This week I'm giving it a go again to try to incorporate a single serving into a meal. If it just makes me more hungry then I'll avoid it again for a while. If I've found a satisfying combination of foods then I'll have found a way I can eat it for now without going completely off my head. I'm one of those ppl that believe in eating anything you like so long as it fits your calories. But I also understand that certain things can be trigger foods for people that can be hard to eat in moderation. Rice is one of mine.
  • Wynterbourne
    Wynterbourne Posts: 2,225 Member
    Ugh. I'm one of those people that if I eat rice once I start I want to eat the entire bag of it. This week I'm giving it a go again to try to incorporate a single serving into a meal. If it just makes me more hungry then I'll avoid it again for a while. If I've found a satisfying combination of foods then I'll have found a way I can eat it for now without going completely off my head. I'm one of those ppl that believe in eating anything you like so long as it fits your calories. But I also understand that certain things can be trigger foods for people that can be hard to eat in moderation. Rice is one of mine.

    I'd be in deep trouble if I ate my entire bag of rice. :wink:

    xi2xgt25qk4i.jpg

  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
    Wild rice isn't actually rice!
    My preference is jasmine rice - I can't eat any whole grains (because gut disorder) so brown rice is out. Rice is one of the few carbs that doesn't leave me bloated and in pain.
  • fishgutzy
    fishgutzy Posts: 2,807 Member
    Rice causes carb induced narcolepsy even among the Chinese. :tired_face: When I'm in our China Office, for a month at a time, they all eat rice at lunch and pass out after lunch. The people at the register always act as if I forgot my rice. Nope.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    psuLemon wrote: »
    toxikon wrote: »
    If you really want to slash your rice calories, give riced cauliflower a try. Low carb, low calorie and full of vitamins and minerals. I personally don't eat rice, it's very easy to overeat (and consume way too many calories) and it doesn't keep me full at all. I'd rather spend my calories on something full of nutrients.

    This is my literal reaction to riced cauliflower and all cauliflower substitutes, lol

    y3PWaHz.gif


    And honestly, I have tried a bunch of recipes.. never got into it.

    When I want rice, I eat real rice, but I do love the "riced" cauliflower blend - the one that includes riced cauliflower, broccoli and carrots, too. I don't eat them as fake rice, though. I use them in spring rolls and potstickers. No more tedious chopping. Super convenient. They also work in creamy soups. It's described as "riced" because it has been processed through a ricer, which chops things into fine particles about the size of rice grains. I guess people cued into the name and decided to use it as actual rice, though? LOL.
  • MsHarryWinston
    MsHarryWinston Posts: 1,027 Member
    Ugh. I'm one of those people that if I eat rice once I start I want to eat the entire bag of it. This week I'm giving it a go again to try to incorporate a single serving into a meal. If it just makes me more hungry then I'll avoid it again for a while. If I've found a satisfying combination of foods then I'll have found a way I can eat it for now without going completely off my head. I'm one of those ppl that believe in eating anything you like so long as it fits your calories. But I also understand that certain things can be trigger foods for people that can be hard to eat in moderation. Rice is one of mine.

    I'd be in deep trouble if I ate my entire bag of rice. :wink:

    xi2xgt25qk4i.jpg

    Bahahaha! CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

    I'm also pleased to say that the meal went really well and I was full and happy after the single serving of rice which is a first for me, woo hoo!