The Rice Diet Program

The Rice Diet is an outpatient day program located at a Durham North Carolina clinic that specializes in weight related diseases and reversing obesity. The clinic is called “Rice House” and the attendees are referred to as “ricers”. The Rice Diet program is well known and respected because of its long history and proven track record. Developed in 1939 by Dr. Kempner at Duke University (developers of the Duke Diet), the diet is low fat/ low salt based with heavy emphasis on brown rice (white rice will not suffice) and fruit.

Although it is encouraged to eat a bowl of brown rice with every meal the meal plan is varied and includes lots of other foods, all of course without sodium. The day program at Rice House consists of classes and workshops, constant medical supervision, a full physical exam, routine lab tests and 21 meals per week. Patients are closely monitored and receive a high level of support and motivation. Exercise is strongly encouraged emphasizing walking and swimming, as are spiritual activities such as yoga and Tai chi.

Now for the bad news, which is the extremely high cost of the Rice Diet Program. The staff encourage patients to participate in the program for 6-8 weeks to reap the maximum results. The price tag for 8 weeks at this facility is $8560.00 and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Furthermore this price does not include lodging so you are looking at additional fees for eight weeks of accommodations and all travel expenses. Ouch. If that’s a little too rich for you, you can get started by checking out the book ‘The Rice Solution’ authored by Robert and Kitty Rosati.