Rice Cakes
- Rayki Goh, MSc
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Dear food people,
Proper nutrition is the foundation of a sustainable lifestyle and the key to lasting good health. As both a science and an art, mastering nutrition allows you to achieve natural weight loss with minimal effort. In this series of articles, we explore vital health and nutrition facts that are commonly overlooked in modern times, offering practical insights to help you effortlessly improve your well-being. Our goal is to help you understand how nutrition works and how to incorporate simple health hacks for a better lifestyle.
As the old saying goes, you are what you eat.
Now, let’s get to it~
RICE CAKES
Rice cakes, while often marketed as a low-calorie and seemingly healthy snack, can have some unintended effects on your blood sugar levels. These puffed rice treats are made by compressing cooked rice under high pressure, which gives them their airy texture. However, this processing can lead to a high glycaemic index (GI) for rice cakes. The GI measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels, and rice cakes can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar soon after consumption.
When you eat rice cakes, the body quickly breaks down their carbohydrates into glucose, causing a sharp spike in blood sugar. This spike can lead to a subsequent drop in blood sugar levels, which often results in feeling hungry again quite soon after eating. This cycle can make it challenging to maintain steady energy levels and might lead to increased snacking or overeating.
To mitigate this effect, it's beneficial to pair rice cakes with foods that have a low glycaemic index and are rich in protein or healthy fats. For example, spreading almond butter on a rice cake can be an effective strategy. Almond butter adds protein and healthy fats, which help to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This combination can help to maintain more stable blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for a longer period.
By understanding the science behind how rice cakes affect your blood sugar, you can make more informed choices and better manage your hunger and energy levels.
3 Simple Health Hacks for a Better Lifestyle:
Pair Your Rice Cakes with Protein: To avoid the blood sugar spikes that can come from eating rice cakes alone, try adding a source of protein, such as almond butter, cottage cheese, or hummus. This combination will slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, helping you maintain steady energy levels and feel fuller for longer.
Opt for Whole-Grain Alternatives: Instead of choosing traditional rice cakes, look for whole-grain options like those made from quinoa or brown rice. These alternatives have a lower glycaemic index, which means they won’t raise your blood sugar levels as rapidly, providing a more balanced energy boost.
Mind Your Portion Sizes: While rice cakes are low in calories, it’s easy to over consume them, leading to the very blood sugar spikes you want to avoid. Stick to a reasonable portion and combine them with nutrient-dense foods to create a balanced snack that supports your overall health.
The information provided in our articles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on our website, including articles, is not meant to endorse or promote any specific medical treatments, products, or procedures. The information provided is based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. Medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, and what may have been accurate at the time of publication may not be current or applicable today.
