A viral post said, “When dietitians say rice is essential, they’re not promoting nutrition. They’re promoting addiction.” SOOO let's break down why that statement oversimplifies both nutrition and human biology. We’ll talk about the difference between rice as a food and carbs as a macronutrient, why dietitians don’t actually say rice is essential but acknowledge that carbs are the body’s preferred energy source (hello, 32 ATP 👋). We’ll also dive into what food addiction really means (and what it doesn’t), and why rice can feel addictive when the body isn’t getting enough energy or is stuck in a restrict–binge cycle. This episode isn’t just about rice—it’s about food, culture, and how fear-based messages can warp the way we view everyday meals. Let's unbox this.