I promise myself that I will reduce intake of carbohydrate. Less rice consumption. From now on I will have half a cup of cooked rice instead of 2 cups of cooked rice per meal. What's the big fuzz? Well it's about dieting for good health. According to the documentary I watched rcently about Philippines where rice production is getting less and less and rice dealers are keeping stocks of rice hidden so that the demand will be greater and then they can sell sack of rice for higher price due to its public demand. I don't buy that rumor. The truth probably is listen to this >> Philippines, once the rice granary of the world is no longer the granary because the rice plantation that are supposed to be for rice production are then used for housing facilities, subdivison and used for commercial purposes. The rice granary located in Bulacan, Pampanga and other rice field close to Mount Pinatubo gone long time ago after the massive volcanic eruption. Rice plantations in Laguna are already subdivisions. There are some rice plantation in Quezon province and Baguio city thank goodness! However, not good enough. Other rice field were destroyed by typhoon, flood and earthquake including landslides. So what's left? Who are planting rice in Philippines? Only few farmers are left to produce rice. With hundred millions of people living in Philippines who can sustain the main staple crop such as rice, coffee, and other most in demand crops and commodities? Thailand is now becoming the number one producer of rice and other staple products. America should plant rice too and what about Egypt? Egypt once known as the main supplier of all crops but somehow after the ten commandments and Moses bible story, water is simply a number one problem over there. Where are you Nefertiti? Rice products will be mostly imported from Thailand and other asian countries who still favor rice as the main staple product.
Even here in our home where the main carbo diet is potatoes. My husband and kids love steamed potatoes with gravy, french fries, stew potatoes. Potatoes as an equivalent staple food for rice. Others would like steamed corn as an option. What about wheat? Barley, oats, rye? Bread in the form of buns, pandesal, pizza and pasta (noodles, spaghetti, rotini, macaroni pasta, etc.) are used to lessen rice consumption. I think it will help Filipinos to have other option. Banana and cassava are also being used as an alternative to the shortcomings.
What's in the rice that make us consume more viand for our daily meals? Steamed rice is flat when it comes to taste. But with delicious viand the combination is perfect. My daughter's intake of rice is unbelievably annoying sometimes (ayoko kasi syang tumaba) (kasi ako heto sobrang taba na) there is that kind of "flavour" maybe in steamed rice that make her eat more. Steamed rice are really great for the kind of food that I cooked and served at home. Curry flavor toppings are not good without rice. Sinigang surely is nothing without rice and so as adobo, afritada, caldereta and menudo. All kinds of seafood only great to have for gourmet food and only served with rice nothing else. However, I am really into diet and 1/2 cup of cooked rice on my plate is good enough for me every meal per day. PROMISE!
