Rosalee Brown
Results of Lent challenge, the 'rice junkie' wins
(Response to reader's query)
Dear Mrs. Brown,
I decided to take you up on the Lent challenge and cut something out of my diet for Lent. I could not commit to much, but I decided to portion control my rice intake (as I am a rice junkie).
- Reforming rice junkie.
RESPONSE
I asked readers at the beginning of Lent to test their self-control. I proposed that if they decided and could give up some types of foods, such as high fat and high sugar ones, or excessive amounts, they could reap some short-term success which, if maintained, could result in long-term results and accomplishment of goals. I received two pieces of correspondence, one from someone who decided to give up red meats for leaner choices and increase peas, beans and nuts and one from another person, who called herself a "rice junkie", who decided to cut her rice portions and increase her vegetable portions.
The rice junkie reports reduction in her abdominal fat, as she can now button clothes she formally could not wear and also that her overwhelming desire for rice has reduced after a week of 'withdrawal', and she can now be satisfied with smaller amounts.
Rice is one of those foods that persons consume in large portions, as it may be easier to go down than some foods that need more
mastication. Many person just swallow it. One cup of cooked brown rice (which is different from parboiled rice), is approximately 220 calories. This is a little bit more than white rice, although it has the advantage of the fibre, and some of the vitamins being in tact. One half cup of flour, which can yield three dumplings, depending on the size you make them, is approximately 200 calories. So rice junkies can easily put away a lot of calories especially if they eat very fast, do not spend much time chewing, unlike the ground provision group, who spend a little more time chewing. Ground provisions and starchy fruits such as breadfruit and green bananas are high in water and have some fibre in tact. The general rule however, is that many people can and should cut their portions to achieve their wellness goals.
The result of hard work is always sweet, but maintaining the result is the difficult part, as it calls on us to make the change a part of our lifestyle. There is no special period, such as the end of Lent that we are working toward any more. To assist you to keep your focus you must set new goals.
Here are some tips:
Aim for a set amount of pound reduction per month; make it realistic.
Aim for a set amount of inches reduction in waist measurement per month or two months.
Increase vegetable intake by a certain amount, say a cup, per week.
Increase vegetable variety per month.
Set realistic, manageable goals, and when you achieve them, celebrate and make new goals. Goals can include fitness emphasis, learning a new game, taking on a fitness challenge etceteras as also measures for relaxation and other wellness goals.
As you achieve your goals and make new ones, enjoy working toward them; make living fun and worthwhile.
You can do it!!
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietician/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
