Is Rice Abstinence Effective for Weight Loss?
According to Dr. Truong Hong Son, Director of the Institute of Applied Medicine of Vietnam, “completely cutting out carbohydrates for weight loss is a mistake. Carbohydrates, the main component of starchy foods, play an important role in the body.”
Rice is a staple food in Vietnamese households. It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, sodium, calcium, starch, and potassium, which are essential for a healthy body. However, eating too much rice can lead to an excess of energy, which the body will use instead of burning stored fat. This can result in increased fat accumulation. While abstaining from rice may cause the body to turn to fat reserves for energy, prolonged rice abstinence can have adverse effects.
Riya Desai, a senior dietitian at Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road, India, warns that prolonged carbohydrate deficiency can lead to nutritional deficiencies and make the body susceptible to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, resulting in muscle loss. As a result, weight loss may occur, but it is due to muscle loss rather than fat loss.
Therefore, completely eliminating rice and carbohydrates from your diet may initially lead to a decrease in metabolic rate, giving a false sense of weight loss. However, this approach is counterproductive and can lead to weight gain in the long run. Before embarking on a weight loss journey, it is crucial to identify the true culprits of weight gain, such as snacks like afternoon tea, cakes, boba milk tea, and fried chicken.
Can You Lose Weight While Eating a Balanced Diet?
Pooja Makhija, a renowned dietitian at Max Healthcare in New Delhi, suggests that to lose weight effectively, one should consume a sufficient amount of basic calories to maintain metabolism, along with adequate protein and a balanced diet. Essentially, all foods are good as each type of food contains some important nutrients, contributing to a complete and nutritious meal.
In addition, it is recommended to include a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats in each meal to achieve optimal physical condition.
It is possible to lose weight while continuing to eat rice in moderation. Two bread slices, a bowl of rice, or a bowl of noodles per meal are considered appropriate amounts of carbohydrate intake. However, it is best to avoid fried rice and minimize the consumption of oil and sugar, as these can have negative effects on health.
Effective Weight Loss Secrets for a Healthy and Youthful Body
Many women are currently practicing the 16/8 intermittent fasting method, but regardless of the chosen eating control method, changing your diet will undoubtedly lead to weight changes. The book “Why Do We Overeat?” discusses the body’s “set point,” which observes your eating and living habits to establish a target weight. To lose weight effectively while maintaining health and youthfulness, it is crucial to strike a balance between diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
Instead of strictly adhering to a specific diet, it is advisable to listen to your body and adjust your eating and exercise habits accordingly.
- Drink enough water: Water plays a crucial role in weight loss. It helps flush out toxins, boosts metabolism, and aids digestion. Drinking enough water makes you feel fuller for longer, reducing unnecessary snacking. It also maintains energy levels, supports muscle function, and reduces water retention.
- Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night: Adequate sleep is essential for effective weight loss. When you sleep for 7-9 hours each night, your body has time to recover and balance hunger hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin. Lack of sleep increases ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decreases leptin (the satiety hormone), leading to increased appetite and weight gain. Moreover, sufficient sleep improves metabolism, provides energy for daily activities, and reduces stress, all of which contribute to weight loss.