White Rice Substitutes = Brown rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower rice - DeLand Foot & Leg Center (2024)

White Rice Substitutes = Brown rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower rice - DeLand Foot & Leg Center (1)Diabetics need to keep an eye on their sugar intake, but starches from white rice, potatoes and even whole grains can also raise blood sugar levels. All foods containing carbohydrates can affect your diabetes. A cup of white rice contains around 53 grams of carbohydrates; by comparison, a slice of bread has around 15 grams of carbohydrates. So here are some healthy alternatives and somerecipe ideaswith Kale, which is currently inseason in Central Florida.


Brown rice is a whole grain. It’s the entire grain, and it’s healthier because it contains more nutrients and fiber.

Long-grain brown rice = good for casseroles and other baked dishes
Medium-grain brown rice = more tender, good for paellas
Brown basmati rice = good for pilafs
Red rice = cooks faster than brown rice, has more iron and zinc than brown rice

Brown rice is healthy, but quinoa is even healthier. Quinoa is a complete protein. Also, it has more of the following nutrients compared to brown rice:

Riboflavin. A serving or quinoa has 12 percent of your daily recommended intake of essential B vitamin, which helps you produce energy and fights off harmful free radicals.
Folate. A cup of quinoa has 10 percent of your daily recommended value compared to brown rice’s two percent.
Iron. A cup of quinoa has 15 percent of your daily recommended value, while brown rice has only five percent.
Zinc.

Quinoa has 13 percent of your daily recommended value, while brown rice has eight percent. Zinc is necessary for a healthy functioning immune system.

Brown rice actually has more selenium (good for heart health) and vitamin B3 (needed for the production of sex and stress hormones) than quinoa, but quinoa is still the healthier choice.

Cauliflower rice is a grain-free, gluten-free and nutrient-dense way to replace the white rice on your plate. It’s a great way to eat what seems like rice without all those carbs.

To make cauliflower into rice, all you need is a food processor or a blender. Then, you can top riced cauliflower with the protein and veggies of your choice and even make a healthier “fried rice” that tastes like the real thing.


  1. Kale & Strawberry salad with Fried cauliflower rice and goat cheese
  2. Brown Rice Pilaf with Kale, Cashews and Veggies
  3. Hot or Cold Pistachio Kale “Pesto” Quinoa bowl
  4. Quinoa with Veggies, Cashews and Sun-Dried Tomatoes and a garlic & dill Greek yogurtdressing.
White Rice Substitutes = Brown rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower rice - DeLand Foot & Leg Center (2024)

FAQs

Which is healthier white rice brown rice or quinoa? ›

But is it as good as quinoa? Unlike white rice, brown rice has many health benefits including higher levels of fibre and lower blood pressure. Brown rice also has a low glycemic index, similar to quinoa, which keeps you fuller for longer by consuming a lesser portion of the food.

What to eat instead of rice for weight loss? ›

8 Healthy alternatives to white rice
  • Brown Rice. Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ. ...
  • Quinoa. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs. ...
  • Cauliflower Rice. ...
  • Wild Rice. ...
  • Barley. ...
  • Bulgur Wheat. ...
  • Farro. ...
  • Chickpea Rice.
Nov 28, 2023

Which is healthier, quinoa or cauliflower rice? ›

Brown rice actually has more selenium (good for heart health) and vitamin B3 (needed for the production of sex and stress hormones) than quinoa, but quinoa is still the healthier choice. Cauliflower rice is a grain-free, gluten-free and nutrient-dense way to replace the white rice on your plate.

What is the healthiest rice to eat everyday? ›

For example, whole grains are better for our health when compared to simple carbs – which is why brown rice or black rice are regarded as the healthiest options. You should certainly be looking into eating whole grain rice.

Can I eat quinoa every day? ›

A study by the Harvard Public School of Health stated that eating a bowl of quinoa daily may reduce the chances of early death risk from cancer, heart disease, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and other chronic diseases by 17%.

What is the best rice for weight loss? ›

Eating whole grains like brown rice has been found to be really good for weight loss, with one study finding that people who regularly ate high-carbohydrate whole grains such as brown or coloured rice had a higher resting metabolism and didn't absorb as many calories during digestion [9].

What can I replace rice with no carbs? ›

Here's some of the best keto rice alternatives:
  • Cauliflower rice.
  • Broccoli rice.
  • Shirataki konjac rice.
  • Riced cabbage.
  • Courgette rice.
Nov 22, 2022

What is the best vegetable as a rice substitute? ›

Vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, provide versatile rice alternatives that are extremely low calorie and packed with nutrients. If a person wishes to include whole grains in their diet, they can choose from bulgar wheat, barley, or farro.

Should I stop eating rice to lose belly fat? ›

Quitting Rice Alone is Not Likely To Result in Significant Belly Fat Loss. However, Reducing Your Overall Calorie intake By Making Healthier Food Choices And Engaging In Regular Physical Activity Can Help You Lose Belly Fat.

Are potatoes healthier than rice? ›

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.

Is banana a good substitute for rice? ›

This is a bit of a complex question, but overall, the idea that a banana can give you the same amount of energy as a bowl of rice is a bit of a myth. While bananas are a great source of natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals, they don't contain the same amount of carbohydrates as a bowl of rice.

Is it healthy to eat cauliflower rice everyday? ›

The fact that it's a vegetable makes cauliflower automatically good for you. Additionally, cauliflower is packed with nutrients that give it unique benefits, such as fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and choline. These properties give you a good reason to eat it frequently or even daily.

What's better, quinoa or brown rice? ›

Quinoa has more protein, amino acids, and micronutrients than brown rice, along with fewer carbs. However, brown rice has fewer calories than quinoa, which can be important to those watching their caloric intake. And for people on a gluten-free diet, both brown rice and quinoa are winners.

Is cauliflower really better than rice? ›

However, rice can be high in calories and carbohydrates, meaning it will fill you up without providing you with many additional nutrients. Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

Is quinoa a good carb or bad carb? ›

Quinoa is considered a whole grain, which is better for you than refined grains like white flour. Quinoa has a glycemic index of 53, which is a measure of how quickly it will raise your blood sugar levels. That score puts quinoa in the middle range of “good” vs. “bad” carbs.

Is brown rice actually healthier than white rice? ›

The bottom line

Brown rice is a more nutrient-dense product than white rice. Because of this, brown rice may help reduce blood sugar levels and aid in managing weight. But white rice is good for people with certain digestive issues and those who can't digest fiber-rich foods well.

What is healthier than quinoa? ›

While both provide excellent sources of fiber and protein, farro tops the charts and offers almost double the value compared to the same size serving of quinoa.

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