What To Eat If You Are Staying Away From White Rice

We compiled a list of alternatives to white rice to satisfy your cravings without the carbo-loaded guilt.

The Best Alternatives To White Rice

1. Brown rice

   200-220 calories per cup

   Why it’s healthier: You stave off only a few calories per cup, but you’re getting more fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and aids in digestion.

2. Red or black rice

   600 calories per cup, but health experts suggest that 1/3 cup (200 calories) is enough for a serving

   Why it’s healthier: Although you have to consume less than your usual cup, red or black rice has higher fiber and protein content than brown or white rice.

3. Cauliflower

   When stir-fried in vegetable oil, it’s about 150 calories per cup. When steamed with no oil, it’s down to only 50 calories per cup.

   Why it’s healthier: Cauliflower rice has become the new “it” rice for the calorie-conscious. There are many recipes available online, and it usually involves chopping the fresh cauliflower until it reaches the consistency of couscous or rice grains, and then steaming or stir-frying it alone or sautéed with onions and other seasonings.

   ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

4. Corn

   124 calories per cup of sweet yellow corn

   It has lower GI (glycemic index), which is good news for diabetics, and has almost half the carb content of white rice. Corn also contains more protein, fiber, minerals, and anti-oxidants.

5. Sweet potatoes

   181 calories per cup of baked/boiled potatoes with skin, without salt

   Ever wondered why kamote is such a hit with the CrossFit community? It tops their diet list of Paleo-friendly carbs because it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

6. Quinoa

   222 calories per cup

   To stave off calories, health buffs mix only 1/3 to 1/2 cup of quinoa with veggies. The carb content is nearly the same as white rice, but the protein and fiber content is higher, which is why quinoa is a staple for most vegans.

7. Barley

   640 calories per cup

   Before you gasp at the calorie content, note that health buffs eat only 1/4 to 1/3 cup per serving of this cereal grain. It’s more nutritious in fiber, protein, potassium, and other minerals compared to white rice. It takes longer to cook and needs more water than brown rice. Make sure you pick the hulled, whole grain version because the pearled or refined version contains fewer nutrients.

   CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

   watch now

Calorie content sources: My Fitness Pal and Calorie Count

SHOULD I SKIP CARBS OR NOT?

I Tried The Keto Diet For 21 Days And Went Down A Pants Size

4 Pinays On Long-Term Keto Share How The Diet Changed Their Lives

I Love Sugar + Carbs And I Tried To Live Without Them For A Week

8 Reasons You Shouldn't Hate Pasta And Rice, aka Carbs

Visit Kate on KateWasHere.com and follow her on  Instagram  and Twitter.