Contestants on ITV's hit reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! are famously subjected to meagre rations, with a diet heavily featuring plain rice and beans. Now, a leading nutritionist has revealed there is a significant health and scientific reason the show insists the two foods are eaten in combination.
The Science Behind the Jungle Rations
Nutritionist, best-selling author, and consultant Jenny Tschiesche has provided a clear explanation for the show's staple meal. She states that when eaten together, rice and beans form a complete protein, something neither can achieve alone due to missing essential amino acids.
"The soluble fibre and resistant starch in the beans will slow the absorption of the carbohydrates in the rice, keeping the contestants fuller for longer," Tschiesche explained. This is crucial for stars facing long, physically demanding days with limited food.
Furthermore, she highlights the complementary nutrients: beans provide folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins, creating a "nutrient powerhouse" when paired with rice.
Empty-Handed Nights and Calorie Counts
This series has seen several nights where celebrities returned to camp without winning extra food, surviving solely on their basic portions. When the camp was split into Win City and Doomsville, stars including Martin Kemp, Kelly Brook, Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi, and Aitch have gone hungry after failed challenges.
Another group, featuring Lisa Riley, Ruby Wax, Jack Osbourne, Vogue Williams, Alex Scott, and Angry Ginge, also endured a night with no additional sustenance.
Ant and Dec previously showcased the daily rations in a TikTok clip. The plain rice and what appear to be dried haricot or navy beans (rehydrated before cooking) come in pre-packaged portions. This basic daily allowance totals roughly 800 calories, often supplemented by exotic trial wins like kangaroo tail, crocodile meat, and ostrich eggs.
The Final Showdown
The competition concludes with the crowning of the King or Queen of the Jungle on Sunday, December 7. The final will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX from 9pm.
Until then, the remaining celebrities will continue to rely on the strategically paired rice and beans to fuel them through the final trials, a testament to the simple yet scientifically sound approach to nutrition in the gruelling jungle environment.
