If You’re Sick of Oats, Make This Cream of Rice Bowl Instead

High Protein Cream of Rice Bowl

This has been one of my go-to breakfasts lately. It’s one of those meals that you can make a hundred different ways and never get sick of. I always say it’s like a blank canvas, same idea as oats, just a little lighter and easier on your body.

Some days I still do oats, but I’ve been reaching for cream of rice more when I want something that digests quicker, sits lighter, and doesn’t leave me feeling overly full. Especially around training, it just feels better.

Base

• 1/2 cup cream of rice

• 1–1.5 cups water or almond milk

• 1 scoop protein powder

• pinch of salt

Cook until thick, then take it off the heat and stir in your protein. Add a splash of liquid if you want it creamier.

The one I make all the time

• blueberries (fresh or warmed)

• greek yogurt

• cinnamon

• cacao nib granola

The warm berries get a little syrupy and mix into the bowl so well. You get creamy, crunchy, sweet… it just works.

Why I like this over oats sometimes

Oats are great, but they can feel heavier and slower to digest. Cream of rice is a little more simple, so it’s easier on your stomach and gives you quicker energy.

I like it:

• before a run or ride

• after training when I want carbs + protein without feeling weighed down

• on days my digestion just feels off

It’s also super easy to customize depending on what your body needs that day.

Ways to switch it up

PB Banana

• banana

• peanut butter

• maple syrup or honey

• pinch of salt

Simple and always good.

Chocolate

• chocolate protein

• almond butter

• cacao nibs or dark chocolate

Feels like dessert but still fits your goals.

Tropical

• mango or pineapple

• coconut flakes

• vanilla protein

• honey

Lighter and really good in the summer.

Berry + Seed

• mixed berries

• flax or chia

• greek yogurt

• almond butter

Good balance of fiber, fats, and protein.

Apple Cinnamon

• cooked apples with cinnamon

• vanilla protein

• nut butter

• granola

Tastes like a cinnamon roll situation.

Higher Carb / Training Days

• banana

• dates

• peanut butter

• honey

If you’re doing longer workouts or just need more fuel, this one does it.

Savory + Sweet Options....

Not everything has to be a sweet bowl. This is where cream of rice really wins for me, you can take it either direction depending on what you’re craving or what you need.

Savory Bowl I’ve Been Loving

• ground beef

• sliced banana

• pinch of salt

• optional: drizzle of honey or maple

Sounds a little different but it works. You get protein, carbs, a little sweetness, and it’s super satisfying. This one is great when I want something more substantial, especially after training.

Sweet + Salty Combo (so good)

• vanilla cream of rice base

• chicken sausage on the side or mixed in

• maple syrup or honey drizzle

This is one of those sweet and salty combos that just hits. You still get the sweetness from the bowl but the sausage balances it out and adds more protein.

A few things that make it better

• add protein after cooking so it stays smooth

• don’t skip the salt, it actually makes everything taste better

• heat your berries so they melt into the bowl

• always add some crunch so it’s not just mush