Tomato rice is an easy-to-prepare South Indian dish made with rice, mustard, lemon, tomatoes, urad dal and other masalas. White rice is a rich source of carbohydrates and has a high GI, leading to a spike in glucose levels after consumption. Therefore, pairing it with other macros is better for maintaining glucose levels.
Here are some tips to make tomato rice healthier
• Try pairing carbs with fibre, proteins and fats such as ghee and chicken to slow the release of glucose.
• Lower the intake of carbs and replace it with simple carbs such as brown rice, red rice and basmati rice.
• Try not to pressure cook the rice; you can throw away the starchy water while cooking. It helps in maintaining weight and glucose levels.
• Pair the rice with some proteins such as egg curry and dal.
Overall, rice is rich in carbohydrates, and it can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. It is essential to be mindful of portion sizes and the type of rice used in the recipe. Carbohydrates will be broken down and absorbed more slowly when the glycaemic index (GI) is lower, resulting in a more stable and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream.