the body and brain. In addition, health professionals agree that following a diet that eliminates whole food groups is not a smart strategy. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a balanced diet with 45 to 65 percent of calories coming from nutritious carbohydrates like whole and enriched grains as well as fruits and vegetables. Rice is a good carbohydrate choice. It’s low in calories andfat, trans fat-free and pairs well with other healthful foods. Brown rice is 100 percent whole grain, while white rice is enriched with important nutrients such as folic acid and iron. In addition, according to a study conducted by Iowa State University, people who eat rice have healthier diets. It’s too many calories—notcarbohydrates—that leads to weight gain. For optimal health, visit www.MyPyramid.gov, consume a balanced diet, watch total calorie intake and get regular exercise. You can also try this healthy rice bowl recipe from USARice: Orange Chicken And Vegetable Rice Bowl Yield: Makes 6 servings 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 poundskinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips 2 cups broccoli florets 2 carrots, thinly sliced 1 medium onion,sliced 1 each yellow andred bell peppers, sliced Rice is a good carbohydrate source that partners well with other healthy foods as in this delicious chicken and rice dish. 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 can (14 ounces) lowsodium chicken broth % cup orange juice 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoonscornstarch 3 cups hot cooked white or brownrice Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet or wok; stir-fry chicken until lightly browned; remove. In sameskillet, heat remaining oil; stir-fry vegetables and ginger 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender crisp. Combine chicken broth, orange juice and zest, soy sauce and cornstarch in bowl andstir until smooth. Add to skillet, stirring constantly. Boil 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in chicken and cook until heated through. Spoon over or toss with hotrice. For more information on nutrition and carbs and greattasting, healthful recipes, visit www.usarice.com/consumer.
