We Filipinos love rice. Some restaurants offer unlimited servings of rice. A lot of people boast about being able to settle for a tablespoon of ulam, just as long as they have rice. But what does this mean for us?

Why So Much Rice?

Rice is a staple dish for Filipinos. It’s ingrained in our culture. It’s easier to grow in our climate, and it’s cheaper than most crops. It’s also high in starch, so one could eat a cup of rice and already be satisfied. This is why a lot of kids choose rice over vegetables. Don’t get it wrong—vegetables are also filling, but incomparable to rice.

Why Is Balance Important?

Giving more tummy space for extra rice means that you’re giving up space reserved for grow and glow foods. Less fruits and vegetables means less fiber intake, which affects your bowel movement. Less meat means less protein for muscle development.

So How Much Should I Eat?

Starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta should make up just a third of the food you eat. Just remember to balance the variety of your food to make sure you get everything that your body needs.

Photo from: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/11/04/14/15/noodles-516635_960_720.jpg