Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon Brown Rice Breakfast Bowl... with Protein! (Crockpot Recipe!)

It's a blizzard here today, so NO GYM FOR ME! I'm not risking life and limb for it! But does that mean no workout? No freakin' way! It's my favorite day... LEG DAY! And you know what they say, right? You can't spell legendary without leg day! So there is no way this girl is skipping her leg day. I did my leg weightlifting routine in my home gym bright and early this morning! Now... onto the breakfast recipe for the day!

We all know the wonders of brown rice--- it's high in fiber which helps you feel fuller longer, and its a whole grain which means it hasn't been processed to heck and back. As people start eating healthy, brown rice quickly becomes a staple for most. But the old chicken, veggies, and brown rice meal can get very old very fast. So what to do? Chuck the brown rice out the window in frustration because you can't fathom eating plain old brown rice one more time? No way! Here's an alternative way to incorporate this healthy carb, high in selenium, manganese, and antioxidants, into your diet--- brown rice breakfast bowls!

Move over savory brown rice... here comes sweet brown rice!

Okay, okay... I know what you're thinking: "brown rice? for breakfast? Muddy Melissa, I had my suspicions, but you've just confirmed it--- you're crazy!" No denying that, guys! But I have to say, this dish is delicious! You've had savory brown rice before, now give sweet brown rice a chance too. This brown rice breakfast bowl is sweet, cinnamon-y, with a hint of vanilla. And, of course, it incorporates protein powder for a balanced meal. Oh, and the best part? It's a snap to make--- just an hour in the slow cooker! Perfect to pop in the slow cooker before you hop in the shower to start your day off! Onto the details now!

Recipe:
Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon Brown Rice Breakfast Bowl With Protein (Serves 2)

1/3 Cup brown rice
2 Scoops vanilla whey protein (I used About Time/SDC Nutrition's protein powder in Birthday Cake)
1/2 13.66 Ounce can of light coconut milk
2/3 Cup Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
3 Truvia/Stevia packets
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients, except for the vanilla whey protein powder. Cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The brown rice is ready once the majority of the liquid has been absorbed. Just before serving, stir in the vanilla whey protein powder Serve with some additional cinnamon and stevia sprinkled on top as garnish. Eat and enjoy!

Nutrition information calculated using the SparkPeople recipe calculator

See? It couldn't be simpler! This breakfast bowl is a sweet way to start your day off with a healthy balance of carbs and protein--- perfect for a pre-workout breakfast! I hope you guys enjoy this recipe!