We should all be aware that it’s critical that we enjoy a balanced diet, inclusive of meat, fish, vegetables, dairy, fruit, carbohydrates, fats and sugars.
However, it is this balance that we may find difficult, especially when it comes to making a main meal. Carbohydrates are important and can often bulk out a meal.
Two of the most common and popular carbohydrates are rice and potatoes – but could you include them both on a plate?
This guide examines if it is okay to eat rice and potatoes together, how you might do so and what the potential results may be.
So, read on to learn more!
Can Potatoes And Rice Be Eaten Together?
While potatoes and rice certainly can be eaten together, the main question is whether or not they should be eaten together.
There are many dishes that rice and potatoes are served together, particularly curried dishes like biryani and people absolutely do enjoy eating them together.
However, it is not advised that you mix them together for one meal. There are a number of reasons for this, so we’ll look at some of these in more detail.
Potential For Weight Gain
Other than the fact that more food on a plate will almost always include more calories which can lead to weight gain, but carbohydrates are among the worst types of foods for people who are trying to manage their hunger levels.
This is because carbohydrates have a high glycemic index which means that when the foods are broken down, they rapidly break down into glucose.
This in turn means that the blood sugar levels rise and so do insulin levels. As a result, this means that you have an increased hunger level and therefore you are much more likely to overeat.
Whilst rice and potatoes are both carbohydrates, they act differently. On their own however, they can be enjoyed as part of a healthy meal – but together, you may feel full quickly but then almost as quickly feel hungry.
Conversely though, rice and potatoes are almost always fat free and are rich in protein. If you are a very active person, the carbohydrate levels and protein levels can be beneficial to your workout routine.
Less Likely To Eat Vegetables
If you pack out your meal with carbohydrates such as potatoes and rice, you are less likely to have room for vegetables – both on the plate and in your stomach!
In turn, you are not getting the nutrients, minerals and vitamins that your body needs that vegetables can provide you.
Therefore, it’s more important that you choose either rice or potatoes for the carbohydrate part of your plate and pack the rest of the plate with vegetables!
Is It Better To Choose Rice Or Potatoes?
There is not a great deal of difference between the two unless you choose something like brown rice. However, potatoes do have more macronutrients and are generally lower in calories and fat.
They also typically have much more fiber than rice which can promote a healthy digestive system and boost mental health.
What Vegetables Pair Well With Rice And Potatoes?
Many vegetables go well with rice or vegetables but some work better than others. With rice, you’re better off with peppers and onions to give the dishes a little spike of flavor.
Potatoes on the other hand will depend on the dish you are making. Once again, you could opt for peppers or onions – but sprouts, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower and lettuce all work well with potatoes too.
Really, it will depend on your own personal taste and preference. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that the vegetable inclusion will give your meal a healthy boost and therefore give your body a healthy boost!
I’m Trying To Lose Weight – Should I Choose Rice Or Potatoes?
If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s recommended that you reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you intake and instead focus on eating more vegetables.
This is not only because carbohydrates may lead you to feel hungrier after a meal, but because vegetables typically have a much less caloric value per portion than rice or potatoes.
This means that you will have to burn fewer calories to lose weight if you choose vegetables on your plate, as opposed to rice or potatoes.
Additionally, vegetables contain huge amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals which can help you power through a workout, leading to increased fitness levels and more calories burned.
However, when it comes to choosing rice over potatoes or vice versa, you should consider a few things.
The type of rice or potato will make a key difference. Brown rice typically is lower in calories and more healthy for example.
The way in which you prepare your rice or potatoes on the other hand is perhaps the most important.
For example, when it comes to rice – you want to avoid frying it if you are trying to lose weight. The most healthy way to prepare rice is by boiling it or by eating sweet potatoes.
With potatoes, boiling is once again the most healthy way to prepare them. Avoid mashed potatoes, roast potatoes and French fries due to the inclusion of butter, oil or fats.
Additionally, try to remove potato skins before you boil them to improve the healthier aspect of them.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to rice and potatoes, you should probably avoid mixing them together for one meal, but there’s nothing explicitly wrong with mixing them both together.
In South Asia for example, potatoes and rice commonly are mixed together – but in the United States, obesity is a real concern – so you’ll want to avoid having too many carbohydrates in your diet.
We hope this guide has been of use to you for choosing a healthy meal!
Hi, my name is Brett White, and I have a passion for cooking, and following a raw diet. Eating raw has completely changed how I view food, and has led me down a much healthier and happier path in life over the last three years.
Through Addicted To Veggies, I want to share with you my favorite raw recipes. From brownie recipes, to recipes containing pumpkin, my site is full of delicious and wonderful options to consider.
