Well, the numbers are in and it’s been a long hard fight between these two health food carb options – Brown Rice & Quinoa!
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just starting your health journey, you’ve probably heard of, if not eaten both of these healthy options. They are great for adding a little extra to your serving of protein and vegetables at lunch or dinner (or anytime in-between).
However, how do they stack up when pitted against each other? Do you know which one has more calories? More fat? We are here to get deep into the numbers and let you know which option is best for you and your meal plan.
Now, both are healthy, let’s start with that. But as you can see, there are some pretty huge differences that make these not so interchangeable. First, and most obvious, the calorie count. Quinoa ( like this quinoatmeal) has over three times the amount of calories as brown rice. However, before you run to your cupboards and throw your quinoa in the trash, there is a good reason why quinoa packs the extra calories in. Quinoa is a more complete nutritional food than brown rice. Quinoa has more healthy fats, fiber, and way more protein than it’s rice counterpart. The extra calories come from having more in it. Quinoa can be used as a more significant accoutrement in meals, not needing as much protein or healthy fats to go alongside it.
Brown rice (perfect brown rice recipe here) on the other hand is more of a piece of a whole. Unlike quinoa’s ability to provide a source of fats, protein, and carbohydrates, brown rice pretty much just stops at carbs. It’s a healthy way to get in necessary carbohydrates with meals because it is low GI and a bit of fiber. Yet, don’t forget the protein and fats because brown rice alone won’t get you far in terms of energy, muscle growth and recovery, or weight loss.
