Rice cakes seem like the perfect, no-guilt snack food because they are low in calories, low in fat and come in many different flavors that can make them fun to eat. But the truth is that rice cakes are an unhealthy food disguised as something different.
Most would be surprised to learn that rice cakes can cause your blood sugar to spike, which can lead to more frequent hunger and cravings for sugar. A long period of blood sugar spikes can cause your body difficulty with regulating blood sugar effectively, which may even lead to type 2 diabetes.
For all of their low-calorie and low-fat nutrition facts, rice cakes are also low in protein and fiber. These are two important nutrients your body needs to maintain a clean bill of health. When you are looking for a healthy snack, it is important to pay attention to calories, fat, and sugar, but it is just as important to make sure you are getting a good portion of protein and fiber in your foods.
The best way to eat rice cakes is to pair them with another food that is high in protein, fiber or both. You can try eating rice cakes with hummus, peanut butter, avocado, cream cheese, cold cuts or tuna salad for a delicious and healthy snack that is low in calories but high in protein.