What Foods Are Allowed on the Rice Diet? A Comprehensive Guide

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

Created in 1939 by Dr. Walter Kempner at Duke University to treat severe hypertension and kidney disease, the Rice Diet was originally a therapeutic regimen focused on a very limited selection of foods. Modern adaptations of this diet include a broader range of options, but what foods are allowed on the Rice Diet still depends heavily on the phase you are in.

Quick Summary

The Rice Diet is a phased, low-sodium, low-fat plan emphasizing whole foods like rice, fruits, and vegetables, with lean proteins added in later stages. It involves careful portion control and hydration, promoting health through reduced salt and calorie intake.

Key Points

Phased Structure: The Rice Diet is organized into phases, with stricter restrictions in the beginning and a gradual introduction of more food types over time.
Foundation of Grains: The diet is built upon a foundation of complex carbohydrates, primarily rice, supplemented by other grains like oatmeal and whole-grain bread in later phases.
Emphasis on Produce: Fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables are staples, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while remaining low in calories and fat.
Low Sodium and Low Fat: A core principle is the severe limitation of sodium and fat intake, with seasoning coming from herbs, spices, and citrus instead of salt.
Protein and Fat Reintroduction: Lean proteins (fish, skinless poultry, legumes) and minimal healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil) are reintroduced gradually in later stages.
Medical Consultation Advised: Due to its very low-calorie and restrictive nature, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting the Rice Diet.

The Foundation of the Rice Diet

Originally developed for medical purposes, the Rice Diet operates on the principle of drastically reducing sodium, fat, and protein intake while relying on complex carbohydrates for energy. This approach was revolutionary for its time, successfully treating patients with severe high blood pressure and kidney disease before modern medication was available. Contemporary versions, often used for weight loss, maintain the core low-sodium and high-carb philosophy but offer a more varied menu through progressive phases.

Allowed Foods by Phase

Understanding the phase-based structure is key to knowing what to eat. The diet typically progresses through three phases, with foods gradually reintroduced to prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote long-term, healthier eating habits.

Phase 1: Basic Rice and Fruit

The initial phase is the most restrictive, intended for a short-term 'detox' or rapid reduction of sodium and excess water weight. This phase primarily consists of cooked rice (white or brown) and all types of fresh or unsweetened frozen fruits. Hydration is encouraged with water, seltzer, and unsweetened herbal teas.

Phase 2: Adding Vegetables and Nonfat Dairy

In the second phase, non-starchy vegetables are added, providing essential nutrients and fiber. Other starches like beans, lentils, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal are also introduced. Additionally, one serving of nonfat dairy is included on most days.

Phase 3: Incorporating Lean Protein and Healthy Fats

The final maintenance phase allows for controlled portions of lean protein such as fish, skinless poultry, eggs, and plant-based options. Minimal amounts of healthy fats are also permitted.

Seasoning and Flavoring

The diet emphasizes using herbs, spices, vinegar, and lemon or lime juice for flavor instead of salt and high-sodium condiments. For more details on allowed seasonings, refer to {Link: SBA.gov https://wp.sba.gov.sa/virtual-library/iWVSvB/3S9065/TheRiceDietMealPlan.pdf}.

Comparison of Rice Diet Phases

A comparison of the core foods, protein, fat, and sodium intake, duration, and sample meals for each phase is available on {Link: SBA.gov https://wp.sba.gov.sa/virtual-library/iWVSvB/3S9065/TheRiceDietMealPlan.pdf}.

Conclusion

The Rice Diet is a structured, phased eating plan based on low-sodium, low-fat, and high-carbohydrate principles. The allowed foods expand as the diet progresses through phases. The restrictive nature can make it challenging long-term. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before starting this diet. Additional details can be found on {Link: Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rice-diet}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Rice Diet is not exclusively about eating rice. While rice is a central component, the diet includes other food groups like fruits, vegetables, beans, and eventually lean proteins and healthy fats, especially in later, less restrictive phases.

No, the Rice Diet is fundamentally a low-sodium plan. You should avoid table salt, high-sodium condiments, and processed foods. Flavor should be added using herbs, spices, vinegar, and lemon or lime juice instead.

Modern adaptations of the diet often favor brown rice due to its higher fiber and nutrient content. However, the original medical protocol used white rice, and both are acceptable as long as no salt or fat is added during cooking.

Yes, in addition to water, allowed drinks include unsweetened herbal tea, seltzer, and unsweetened fruit juices. Nonfat or plant-based milks are also added in later phases.

Yes, the Rice Diet can be easily adapted for vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Since the initial phases are plant-based, the diet can be followed by substituting animal proteins in later phases with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or additional legumes.

The maintenance phase (Phase 3) of the Rice Diet is designed for long-term healthy eating. It provides more flexibility by allowing larger portions and a wider variety of foods, including lean proteins and healthy fats, while continuing to emphasize low-sodium and whole foods.

Healthy fats are typically restricted in the initial phases. In the maintenance phase (Phase 3), minimal amounts of healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can be added to the diet.