Dear Komal
I have been eating rice twice a day. But now I want to have it just once.
I have been told that rice is full of carbs and, given the lockdown and lack of exercise, I would like to replace it with chapati.
I am working from home and do not get time to exercise.
I would like to know what would be a healthier option: having chapati for dinner or lunch?
Would you suggest I give up rice and have chapati twice a day?
Is consuming carbs really bad or is it okay to consume carbs if I have a balanced diet?
Krishna
Ans: Carbohydrates provide energy to our body to function.
There is a minimum requirement for our body’s need which, if not provided, may lead to debilitation.
Both chapati and rice provide carbs.
Chapati, in addition, provides fibre from whole grain cereal whereas rice is a refined cereal, without fibre content.
Fibre is an essential component of our diet as it provides bulk, increases immunity and improves gut health.
As activity levels are lower at night, our metabolism is also lowered. So it is advisable to have more fibre and less carbs at night.
You need to include whole grain cereals in your diet.
Rice may be had alternatively, provided you eat additional fibre sources along with it.