Can reheating rice cause food poisoning?
Yes, you can get food poisoning from eating reheated rice. However, it’s not the reheating that causes the problem, but the way the rice has been stored before it is reheated.
Uncooked rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. The spores can survive when rice is cooked. If rice is left at room temperature, the spores can grow into bacteria, which will multiply and may produce toxins that cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
The longer cooked rice is left at room temperature, it’s more likely to grow bacteria that will make it unsafe to eat. If you eat rice that has been affected by bacteria, you may be sick about one to five hours afterwards. Symptoms are relatively mild and usually last about 24 hours.
Ideally, serve rice as soon as it has been cooked. If that isn’t possible, cool the rice as quickly as possible (ideally within one hour). Keep rice in the fridge for no more than one day until reheating and when you reheat, always check the dish is steaming hot all the way through. Do not reheat rice more than once.
I’ve tried different diet plans, which have all failed. How can I avoid binge eating while I’m dieting?
While taking up a diet plan is a step in the right direction, sticking to it remains an issue for many. As we have discussed it many times before, one of the best ways to keep your hunger pangs at bay is to keep sipping water throughout the day. More often, it’s your thirst, and not hunger that has you craving for food.
It always helps to plan your day properly. The more structured and well-scheduled your day is, less are the chances of you thinking of food. Aim at beginning your day and ending your night early. It is also a good idea to break large meals down into smaller portions. Leaving long gaps between your meals can increase your hunger and have you snack on unhealthy foods. Make sure you devise a diet plan for yourself based on your daily calorie needs, given your BMI. You can do it in consultation with your doctor or nutritionist.
If there are certain foods that you enjoy, but are avoiding while on a diet plan, don’t give them up completely. There’s nothing wrong with giving into your cravings once in a week, in moderation. Along with your food choices, it’s also good to have an exercise plan that contributes to your overall health and wellness. Exercising will encourage you to stay on track with your diet plan as you start observing positive changes, not just physically, but also mentally.
