I don’t always want a full meal before I work out.

Sometimes I just want something small, quick and satisfying that won’t leave me feeling too full while I’m exercising.

That’s where rice cakes come in.

They’re simple, crunchy and make an easy base for all kinds of toppings. And depending on what I add, I can make them sweet, savoury, higher in protein or simply something that takes the edge off before I head out.

These are three combinations I enjoy — and they’re all very easy to put together.

1. Almond Butter, Banana & Cottage Cheese Rice Cake

This is the one I shared on social media, and it is probably the most unusual combination of the three😂

Start with a rice cake and spread over some almond butter, then add sliced banana and a small dollop of cottage cheese.

Then comes the fun part:

• Sesame seeds
• A drizzle of honey
• Cinnamon
• A small sprinkle of salt
• A little hot sauce
• An almond on top

I love the contrast between the sweetness of the banana and honey, the creaminess of the cottage cheese and almond butter, and that little bit of heat at the end.

It sounds like an odd combination until you try it — and then it somehow works.

2. Avocado, Tuna & Capers

If sweet isn’t your thing before a workout, this is the savoury option.

Mash or spread some ripe avocado over your rice cake, add tuna and finish with a few capers.

That’s really all you need.

You could add black pepper, chilli flakes or a squeeze of lemon if you like, but I tend to keep this one simple.

The avocado gives it creaminess, while the tuna adds protein and the capers bring that lovely salty, sharp flavour.

It’s a completely different snack from number one, which is exactly why I like having a few options.

3. Cottage Cheese, Berries & Honey

And this is the one I added because I apparently only had two ideas when I started writing a post called 3 Rice Cake Snacks😂

But I’m very glad we needed a third.

Top your rice cake with cottage cheese and add your favourite berries. Strawberries, blueberries or raspberries would all work beautifully.

Finish with:

• A small drizzle of honey
• Chia or hemp seeds
• Cinnamon

This one is fresh, creamy and slightly sweet, and it feels a little more like a treat while still being a simple snack.

And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I want.

What I Look For In A Pre-Workout Snack

What works before exercise is different for everyone.

Some people can eat a full meal before training. Others prefer something much lighter.

For me, I want something that:

• Doesn’t feel too heavy
• Gives me something to eat before exercising
• Contains some protein where possible
• Is quick to prepare
• Actually tastes good!

And that’s really the point.

Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.

These are snack ideas rather than rules. How much you need will depend on your own appetite, your workout, when you last ate and what feels comfortable for you.

Which One Would I Choose?

Honestly?

It depends on the day😂

If I’m craving something sweet, I’ll go for the almond butter, banana and cottage cheese combination.

If I want savoury, it’s avocado, tuna and capers.

And if I want something fresh and slightly sweet, the cottage cheese and berries wins.

Three rice cakes.

Three completely different snacks.

And very little effort.

A Little Note From Me❤️

As I’ve become more active, I’ve realised that what I eat around my workouts matters to me — not because I’m trying to follow a perfect diet, but because I want to feel good while I’m moving my body.

My fitness is also one of the reasons I tend to have a larger lunch and prefer a much smaller dinner.

I’m not interested in food being punishment disguised as a meal.

I want food to nourish me, give me energy and, most importantly, be something I actually enjoy eating.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Chicken & Rice Bowl — particularly because it’s another substantial lunch idea.
• Air Fryer Beef Bites — high-protein and easy.
• Mediterranean Egg Muffins — another great high protein snack.
• Healthy Beef Bowl with Sweet Potato & Couscous  — another colourful, satisfying bowl with protein, fibre and plenty of flavour.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Your comments help other readers and are always one of my favorite parts of sharing recipes online.