Rice has been vilified for decades as something which causes an increase in weight. Therefore, this is one question everyone asks me: “Does rice make your belly fat” and an associated question “Will Quitting Rice Help in losing Belly Fat?” Rice is a non-essential carbohydrate like wheat and other grains. Cutting out grain carbs is one of the ways to reduce weight. But it is a rather simplistic way of looking at obesity.
Belly fat signifies increased cardiovascular (heart health) risk. And belly fat is a little different than fat in other body parts. Now, nothing can push your stomach out like that (as you can see in the image above) unless you have chronic indigestion. Being a little overweight does not necessarily mean that your belly has to hang out like that. So you can be somewhat overweight but with a flat stomach.
So there are a few questions you must ask yourself:
- Are you making enough stomach acid?
- Are you taking drinking Soda, Eno, Gelusil or any other antacids on a regular basis?
- Have you taken more than two courses of antibiotics in a year? If yes was it followed up with a high potency probiotic?
- Do you have any food allergies?
- Are you constipated?
Most people who have chronic indigestion will be unable to digest fiber, starch and carbs. So if you have a belly that is hanging out, it essentially means that you are eating a lot of things that your body is unable to digest. A large number of people suffering from stomach imbalance and indigestion are also constipated, meaning they retain stool and fail to expel it for days if not weeks. And of course, anything that you can’t digest is considered as a toxin by your body. You must have heard – “One man’s food is another man’s poison”.
So you want to lose the belly fat???
There is only one answer – Heal Your Stomach.
So how do we do that? Here’s How:
Step 1. Stop all Sugar (All the colas, sodas, diet sodas, sugar in tea/coffee etc.)
Try stevia instead. We must stop the sugar so that we can stop the harmful pathogenic bacteria from growing in your stomach. Remember that sugar-eating bacteria and fungus are dangerous for us.
Step 2. If you can afford, supplement yourself with a betaine HCL tablet with every meal. (Hope you include some animal protein in your meal)
Or you can do the alternative if you do not want to spend. Drink warm water with a couple of spoons of apple cider vinegar (organic if possible) before and during meal times to acidify your stomach. This may take a little while longer than betaine HCL to correct your stomach acid levels. Remember this is a critical step because without sufficient stomach acid your body cannot absorb any nourishment or vitamins from your food.
Step 3. Stop all Junk Food; all restaurant bought food, all processed food (anything from a packet).
Well doing that is the best thing you can do for your health. When you do this, you are cutting out all food colour, all additives, all preservatives; all taste enhancers (MSG and others), all trans fats, and nearly all possible sources of contaminated and unhygienic food. That’s really a lot of benefits. Remember most of these additives and enhancers are addictive, and you will have some craving, but the benefits of sticking to your guns will be enormous.
Step 4. Remove food allergens and add digestive enzymes to your meals to deal with the food sensitivities.
However, that is just a quick fix and will not solve your digestion problem for the long term. Instead, I recommend removing all allergens temporarily from your sensitive stomach. This is beside the Step 3 above. Most common allergens are soy, peanuts, all dairy, eggs (commercial or non-free-range), gluten (wheat), commercial chicken. Besides this, all grains are difficult to digest (you can refrain from using them temporarily). Interestingly, rice is the grain most people react less too. If you have problems with starch, you can boil it in an open colander and drain the water. Or the better alternative is to ferment them as the south Indians do for dosa and idli recipes in India. This reduces the starch content significantly. Also, limit your serving if giving up is difficult. Remember you should eat what you can digest. One man’s food is another man’s poison.
Step 5. Add a high potency probiotic to your diet.
There are many options available, anything above or close to 100 billion CFU’s is good. 2 or 3 or 10 billion will not even scratch the surface of your stomach problem. If you want something more potent, I am happy to inform you that it is free. Make and use Sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is a German recipe for fermented vegetables. It is very high in vitamin C and delivers the probiotic content in trillions in a small single serving. Just google how to make it. And remember that without probiotics there cannot be any stomach healing or recovery.
Step 6. Other little things
Don’t eat uncooked veggies or salads during this period. In an unbalanced stomach, raw fibre produces flatulence (gas). All vegetable to be consumed must be cooked. Switch to cooking oil you are not allergic to. I recommend coconut oil. It is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Other good options would be whatever your grand or great grandparents were eating 70 or 80 years ago before the food industry changed the way we eat. So now you know you don’t need to spend anything for good health. Instead, you will save money, time, and possible future complications. Just go back to the basics. And finally, you cannot exercise away a bad diet! If you liked this article and if it helped you in any way, please leave a comment and share it. Thanks for reading this far.
FAQ’s on Rice & Belly Fat
Does eating rice increase weight?
Everything is relative. Rice u003cstrongu003edoes notu003c/strongu003e cause any more weight gain than wheat. But yes rice can cause a blood sugar spike as it is metabolized faster compared to other grains. Grains should always be eaten in moderation. Eat more cooked and raw vegetables compared to wheat or rice.u003cbru003eTIP: Fermenting rice with fenugreek seeds (as in dosa/idli) can help reduce the blood sugar spike. Eating your fermented rice pancakes with olive oil/coconut oil/ghee will further reduce the blood sugar spike. And yes ghee does NOT make you fat. Sugar, vegetable oils, trans-fat u0026amp; too many grains are the biggest contributors to obesity.
Is puffed rice good for weight loss?
Rice or any other grain for that matter is not really a great choice for weightloss. However, compared to other grains puffed rice has lower calories. But remember that while puffed rice is lower in calories it is essentially a filler. So I would not recommend making it your go-to snack. A bowl of steamed/stir fried veggies with some delicious dressing beats any cereal any time of the day!
How is flattened rice for weight loss?
Rice or any other grain for that matter is not really a great choice for weightloss. In most cases you can assume that grains = sugar. If you are struggling with weight loss, you probably have digestion issues. Research has now proven that out gut microbiome is responsible for how fat or thin we are. So if you want to correct your weight, listen to your stomach. Sugar, vegetable oils, trans-fat u0026amp; too much grains are the biggest contributors to obesity. And yes ghee does NOT make you fat.
Are rice cakes good for weight loss?
Rice cakes have been getting much attention lately as a healthy snack food. It turns out that rice cakes may not be the best choice for those looking to shed a few pounds. While they are low in calories and fat, they are also high in carbs, making it more difficult for you to lose weight.u003cbru003eRice cakes are also not very filling and can leave you feeling hungry shortly after eating them. This makes it harder to stick with your diet plan since you may snack on even more unhealthy foods later in the day.u003cbru003eAlthough rice cakes may not be the best choice for people trying to lose weight, they can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet overall. Just remember to eat them in moderation and focus on choosing other snacks that will keep you feeling full longer. Not to mention, there are better options out there for weight loss. For example, you could try eating a handful of nuts or some fresh fruit instead of rice cakes.u003cbru003eThe best way to lose weight is by making healthy choices in your overall diet and exercising regularly.
Which is the best rice for losing weight?
Many different types of rice can be beneficial for weight loss. However, it is important to choose the right type of rice to reap these benefits.u003cbru003eBrown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice and will not cause spikes in blood sugar levels as quickly as white rice does.u003cbru003eWhole grains such as brown rice also have more fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full longer.u003cbru003eBasmati rice is another good option for weight loss as it is lower in calories and has a lower glycemic index than other types of rice.u003cbru003eJasmine rice is also a good choice for those trying to lose weight, as it has a similar nutritional profile to brown rice.u003cbru003eWhen choosing the best rice for weight loss, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences.
What are the benefits of eating brown rice for weight loss?
Brown rice is a whole grain that is rich in fiber and nutrients. It has been linked to several health benefits, including weight loss.u003cbru003eA diet that includes whole grains like brown rice may help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. Brown rice is also a good source of resistant starch, boosting metabolism and promoting fat loss.u003cbru003eIn addition to its weight loss benefits, brown rice is a nutritious food that can offer other health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has also improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and improved blood sugar control.u003cbru003eFor people looking to lose weight, brown rice can be a healthy and nutritious addition to their diet. It is filling and may help to reduce calorie intake. It is also a good source of resistant starch, which can help boost metabolism and promote fat loss.
Is black rice good for weight loss?
Black rice is a type of whole grain that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which may help promote weight loss. Additionally, black rice has a lower glycemic index than other types of rice, meaning it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels. This is important because stable blood sugar levels can help prevent cravings and overeating.u003cbru003eOverall black rice is a nutritious food that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. Adding black rice to your diet may help you achieve weight loss goals.
Should I avoid rice to lose weight?
While it’s true that rice contains a high amount of carbohydrates, it also has several other nutrients, such as minerals and vitamins. Rice provides energy for our body, but it also helps us feel full and satisfied after a meal. So if you’re trying to lose weight, you don’t need to avoid rice altogether. Just make sure to eat it in moderation.u003cbru003eTo lose weight, it’s important to have a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. You should also do regular exercise to boost your metabolism and burn calories.
What rice is good for weight loss?
Many different types of rice can be beneficial for weight loss. However, it is important to choose the right type of rice to reap these benefits.u003cbru003eBrown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice and will not cause spikes in blood sugar levels as quickly as white rice does.u003cbru003eWhole grains such as brown rice also have more fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full longer.u003cbru003eBasmati rice is another good option for weight loss as it is lower in calories and has a lower glycemic index than other types of rice.u003cbru003eJasmine rice is also a good choice for those trying to lose weight, as it has a similar nutritional profile to brown rice.u003cbru003eWhen choosing the best rice for weight loss, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences.
How brown rice helps losing weight?
Keep this as an important note to yourself that weight loss cannot be achieved overnight. However, incorporating brown rice into your diet can help you achieve significant results over a while.u003cbru003eBrown rice is considered a healthy alternative to white rice due to its high fiber content. Consuming brown rice can help promote weight loss as it reduces the feeling of hunger and keeps you full for longer durations. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which further promotes weight loss. Incorporating brown rice into your diet can reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks and foods. Also, the high amount of vitamins and minerals present in brown rice protects you from various diseases.
Is boiled rice good for weight loss?
The answer may surprise you – while boiled rice has some benefits when it comes to weight loss, there are also some potential drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at both sides of the issue.u003cbru003eBoiled rice is a whole grain, and as such, it contains all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in the unprocessed grain. This makes it a very nutrient-dense food.u003cbru003eIn addition, boiled rice is relatively low in calories. Another advantage of boiled rice is that it is very filling. This is due to the high fiber content – when you eat boiled rice, you will feel fuller for longer, which can help reduce your overall calorie intake for the day.
How is matta rice for weight loss?
There are a lot of different opinions on whether or not matta rice is good for weight loss. Some people believe it can help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss, while others find it too high in carbs and calories to be beneficial. Whether or not to eat matta rice for weight loss comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. Avoiding matta rice may be a good idea if you want to cut back on carbs and calories. However, if you feel it doesn’t impact your weight loss goals, it is not harmful to include it as part of a healthy diet.
Hello Madam,
I regularly Drink 2-3 Glass of whiskey in summer and Rum in winter from last 20 Years.currently iam 45
from last one Month my cholestrol is very high .
what i should eat to control my cholestrol
excellent site , keep it up Anupama , at the end again give quick summary .
Anil Nahar , Muscat Oman
Thank you so much for sharing this information
I found it helpful for my stomach worms problem and digestion issues.
some of parts i agree but we have been eating grains for centuries so i fail to understand why so much hype i think author anupama tries to give only a part of justification while on other hand she also advertises products sounds fishy
Dear Nagesh,
I understand what you are saying. Let me try to explain.
Betaine HCL and digestive enzymes are super helpful for indigestion. Like I mentioned above if you dont want to spend money on a supplement you can substitute betaine HCL tablets with a tsp of apple cider vinegar with some water at meal times. You can buy both anywhere online, not necessarily here. I recommend braggs apple cider vinegar as it is made from organic apples and bottled in glass not plastic (remember the wax coating discovered on commercially grown apples?)
Digestive enzymes will help you digest your food while you heal your stomach and make the switch to healthier eating habits. Like I said betaine HCL/apple cider vinegar are long term solutions and digestive enzymes are a quick fix for a month or so.
Both these natural supplements and diet changes are much cheaper and without side effects compared the health care bills one can run up with antacids+ antibiotics.
I will recommend some brands but please note that they will ONLY be the best and the most economical. Please note that all supplements are not the same.
Do note the long list of studies conducted on wheat listed in the references section.
Thank you for reading.
Good article Anupama.
I have a okay physique, exception is my belly.
I always feel bloated after a meal and feel pretty uncomfortable.
My belly hangs. The rest of the body is in shape.
What is the diet I must follow in the morning and evening to reduce this bloating and indigestion problems I suffer from
Very informative,will try your steps.tell me imp things to follow in breakfast, lunch,dinner.
Thank u.
nice info , just wanted to confirm that betaine HCL should only be taken with meals
Hi Rajeev
You are correct Betaine HCL should only be taken with meals. Please follow the below instructions when you take it:
1. Take Betaine HCL with every meal, if you are eating protein in it.
2. If you are not taking Protein at all (which is unlikely and not advisable) you can take Betaine HCL once in a day with the heaviest or your largest meal of the day.
3. Every person is different so is their stomach condition, therefore determine Betaine HCL dosage by trial. Start with dosage instruction on the product you have bought and if you feel good, continue. However if you feel heartburn reduce the dosage. Do not worry it is completely safe when taken within prescribed dosage limits.
Request you to kindly share this article with friends and family who might find this helpful.
Warm Regards
Anupama
Nice info , will surely follow , like you said about Betaine HCL just wanted to know that it shall be only taken with meals
Hi Rajendra
You are correct Betaine HCL should only be taken with meals. Please follow the below instructions when you take it:
1. Take Betaine HCL with every meal, if you are eating protein in it.
2. If you are not taking Protein at all (which is unlikely and not advisable) you can take Betaine HCL once in a day with the heaviest or your largest meal of the day.
3. Every person is different so is their stomach condition, therefore determine Betaine HCL dosage by trial. Start with dosage instruction on the product you have bought and if you feel good, continue. However if you feel heartburn reduce the dosage. Do not worry it is completely safe when taken within prescribed dosage limits.
Request you to kindly share this article with friends and family who might find this helpful.
Warm Regards
Anupama
Thanks so much Anupama , i have been going to gym from last 3 years and tried all sorts of diet variations but no effect on belly fat , and after reading your post i feel like i have got the answer why my belly fat is not going ,can i add a dose of yakult for probiotic
Dear Rajendra,
Being able to keep a regular exercise regimen for 3 years is indeed an achievement. To answer your question, yakult has a very low probiotic count (approx 6 billion). To make any real impact you need a dosage of above 100 billion. Besides personally I doubt on the actual count at the time the customer purchases the bottle. In my knowledge the storage of any probiotic to retain its efficiency must be between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, or the little organisms will not survive. I doubt that the company is able to maintain that since they ship to grocery shops and not pharmacists. Of course I can be wrong. I would advice you to look for a more potent probiotic. Also consider adding sacheromyces boulardii apart from the probiotics. Hope this helps.
Thanks anupama , it was really informative , had been always thinking whats going wrong with my diet and i think i have got the answer.
Heal your stomach , i took it seriously and am following your recommendation , like have started taking sauerkraut , ACV , and betaine Hcl too , and its really helping , Thanks once again.
Dear Rajendra
Excited to know that it is working for you. Please note that when most people start on stomach healing, their gut flora will begin to change. The die-off (of bad bacteria) can cause some bloating and mild discomfort for a short period of time, it is called herxheimer reaction. Beyond that everybody does fine. Let me know if you need more help.
While I sincerely appreciate your support, I feel fortunate enough to find your article here on this site .
i have been using antacids from years but have stopped taking completely and this was because on your suggestion , yes i feel some discomfort due to bloating but the burning senasation due to acid reflux(G E R D) has almost gone , will surely contact if i need some more help.
Thanks
Informative article particularly explaining the reason of belly fat which everybody ignores now a days.
Dear Jagriti
Thanks a lot for your comment. Please share with your loved ones as well.
Warm regards
Anupama
Informative., particularly sauerkraut…
Dear Mr Kumaragurubaran
Thanks for your feedback. Yes Sauerkraut is an incredible and potent probiotic. The best part is that it always works.
Warm regards
Anupama
I ill definitely try this. As I am trying to loose my weight. Thanks for the information.
Hello Thejaswi
Great to hear from you. Let us know your feedback. In the interim, if you need any assistance, feel free to connect with us.
Best wishes
Anupama
Interesting, informative and implementable. Thanks.
Hello Mr Durgesh
It is a pleasure to know that you liked this article. Please share with your loved ones, so that they can get benefit out of it.
Warm Regards
Team VitSupp