Eating For Abs: Flab-Blasting Forbidden Rice

Black rice is commonly referred to as "forbidden rice" because thousands of years ago in China,  it was reserved only for royalty and the very wealthy, and strictly forbidden to be grown or consumed by the common people. Luckily, today we can find black rice at most supermarkets.  

In Chinese Medicine, black rice is considered to be an excellent food for strengthening the kidneys, stomach, and liver.  ​This sweet, nutty flavored whole-grain is one of the top sources of anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds found in berries.  Anthocyanin intake has been associated with increased brain function, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and more favorable cholesterol ratios. 

Forbidden rice has the highest protein content amongst the many varieties of rice at 8 grams per 100 gram serving. The fiber content of black rice makes it an excellent slow burning fuel source to keep your body in fat-burning mode. Indulge your tastebuds and improve your waistline by incorporating this Flab-Blasting Forbidden Rice recipe into your healthy eating lifestyle:

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Flab-Blasting Forbidden Rice

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black rice
• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 tsp black salt or Himalayan sea salt
• 1 Tbsp unrefined virgin coconut oil 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1Tbsp shiro miso
• 1 8oz package frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp basil 

Directions: Rinse rice with water and drain. Add two cups filtered water to medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat to simmer. Add salt and coconut oil and stir. Cover for 45 minutes and cook through until water has been absorbed and desired texture is reached. Reduce heat to lowest setting, add coconut milk and miso and stir until combined. Add edamame, golden raisins, black pepper, and basil; stir until combined. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and enjoy!