Is there such a thing as good rice and bad rice?
You’ve got the whole rice family, white, brown, wild, basmati, jasmine, organic, whole grain. It sounds like a health food aisle dream. But here’s the truth I hate to break to you: when it comes to blood sugar, rice is rice. Whether it’s white and fluffy or brown and hearty, it causes a big insulin spike. That’s just what simple carbs do. They convert quickly to sugar in your bloodstream, and your pancreas rushes to release insulin to bring that sugar down.
If this happens often, which it does for many of us, it leads to a hormonal rollercoaster: weight gain, brain fog, low energy, inflammation, and cravings that won’t quit. And rice? It’s basically the king of that rollercoaster. The label may say “natural,” or it may come with a fibrous brown outer shell, but nutritionally, it’s low in vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids just empty calories.
Whenever I choose what to eat, I ask myself: Is this food going to nourish me, or just fill me up and wear me down? And if you’re craving carbs, which is totally human, there are better ways to satisfy your body and your tastebuds.
My go-to carb of choice? Sweet potatoes. Yes, they’re sweet and yes, they will cause a slight insulin rise, but here’s the difference: they’re packed with nutrients. Think vitamin A for glowing skin and a strong immune system, vitamin C for collagen and healing, potassium for heart and muscle function, B6 and manganese for brain and metabolism support. And don’t toss the skins! The skin is a fantastic source of fibre, which your gut will love.
So no, carbs aren’t the enemy. But we can absolutely choose carbs that count, the ones that give something back, not just take energy away.
Thanks for spending these few minutes with me, here's to smarter carb choices, balanced energy, and wellness that works for real life.
-- Written by Hala Ali, founder of Dietapplements
