Rice v/s mashed potatos....which is better

I am wondering this because I made a wonderful dinner last night.
Left over chicken with cream of chicken soup
rice and broccoli.....
Kids devoured it! I ate everything but then got to thinking, should have I not eaten the rice?
It was maybe a tablespoon of it and of course I ate the chicken first but would have mashed potatos been better????  

I know I am rambling but still wondering?

Well, I guess I am kind of carbophobic but I wouldn't have eaten either or if I did just a bite, like you did. If I had to choose between the two I would choose the potatos only because I am afraid of rice swelling but I have had a bite of both before with no problems.
If I am making a dish that requires either one I use cauliflower. It can be both mashed and riced to substitute for either one.

Hi Stacey,
I have eaten mashed potatos for quite a while, also just started eating a little rice, but only brown rice.  My NUT told me to just eat a little because it swells up.  I'll bet you ate the chicken first, then the broccoli, then the bit of rice.

I'm struggling because I'm hungry all the time.  Head hunger, real hunger, who knows, I just want to eat!

I have had maybe a bite or 2 of mashed potatos in the past and tend to stay away from all white carbs, I had cooked the rice too long and it was not only sticky but very soft (I could cru**** in my fingers)  This was my first time eating the rice since surgery and have had no problems with it (thank fully)
I did eat the chicken first, broccoli and then 3 small bites of the rice, it was the only carb for me yesterday.

I am struggling with the always hungry thing too, I am home all day, clean all day, facebook all day, DO NOTHING! so is it head hunger for me, probably

Stacey, I dont know that one is less carby than the other one.  Ive eaten both though.  Yesterday we had meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  I had approx 3 oz of meatloaf and 2 bites of mashed potatoes.  As a pre op I loved mashed potatoes, swimming in gravy of course  ;)    As a post op, If I want a bite or 2 of potatoes, I have it....only after I get my protein in first. 

Oh, and as far as rice goes, my NUT had me scared to death of rice.  I just tried it for the first time a month or so ago.  Again, I only had 2 bites, after my protein. I had no problems with it swelling or getting stuck.  Its not something I would eat on a regular basis, but it was a tasty treat.

Like I had said this is the first time since surgery almost 7 months ago and nothing I would eat everyday, I was just worried it was the wrong choice...Boy was it good though LOL 

My NUT told me I can eat rice, bread and pasta but to just eat a little and make sure its brown rice, and whole wheat bread or pasta.  She keeps reminding me that my goal is to eat like a "normal" person.  I'm not sure what it feels like to eat without worrying all the time.  It sounds like you're eating just like you're supposed to.  Your weight loss is terrific.

There really isn't a substitution for rice but there is for mashed potatos...they're called Faux Mashed Potatoes. Gina has had them at Ruby Tuesday, I think, under another name, similar recipe:

Faux Mashed Potatoes 
•    1/2 large head cauliflower, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces(8 gr)
•    salt
•    2 Tbsp. whipping cream .8 gr
•    2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 0 gr
•    2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese .2 gr
•    2 Tbsp. Cream cheese .3 gr

Cook the cauliflower over medium heat in a large pot of lightly salted water until completely tender, 20-30 minutes.

Drain the cauliflower into a colander. With a bowl or small plate, press on the cauliflower to remove all the water. Toss the cauliflower and continue pressing. This step is very important to the texture of the dish.

Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor. Add the cream and puree until completely smooth. If you like a chunkier texture, mash by hand, adding the cream after the cauliflower is mashed.

Return to the pot. When you are ready to serve the puree, heat over low heat, stirring constantly. Add the butter, Parmesan and cream cheese. Stir until incorporated and season with salt if necessary. Serve immediately.

2.3 grams carbohydrate per serving.  Makes 4 servings

I use cauliflower in place of most of my carbs. Can shred it in a food processor (with a grating disk, raw) or with a cheese shredder (also raw) then microwave with some water and it's fakey-rice

Cook it up and ma**** with butter and cheese and voila! mashed faux-tatoes!!!

Cook it up, shred it up with the cheese shredder or ricer or grating disk in a food processor, mix with an egg and mozzarella and spices, spread out on a pan, bake it and you have a pizza crust

it's giving me the chance to replace things I once thought I couldn't live with out

like mockafoni and cheese!

Cooked cauliflower into a  cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk blend and baked.... yom!

if you want more specific recipes let me know.

but to answer your question, a bite or two won't kill you as long as you can stop after a bite or two and get your protein in first, which you did, so go you! i do think that rice has a higher glycemic index than potatoes though.

I had not thought to use the cauliflower in mac & cheese.  Thank you so much for this idea.  I made home made faux mac & cheese with cauliflower tonight and it was one of the best things I've had in a long time.  I love mac & cheese.  I had tried to make it with spaghetti squash but it just was not as good but the cauliflower had enough substance to make it delicious!!!  Almost like my mom used to make it.  Even my DH loved it.
Thanks for the idea.
Linda