Fall Favorite Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake

Pumpkin pie—love it or hate it, it's a traditional part of Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season.

And odds are that if you're still reading this, YOU are a pumpkin pie fan (like me)! With that sweet and rich filling, the buttery crust, and the gentle warmth of the pumpkin spice...you probably wish pumpkin pie was around all year long. You may even count down the days until Pumpkin Spice Latte season rolls around… But, what if you feel guilty downing all this pumpkin pie flavored goodness??

Now, even though pumpkin IS a vegetable, pumpkin pie itself is certainly no salad. Which got us thinking—what if we could get that pumpkin pie flavor in a better-for-you format—say, a healthy pumpkin pie shake!—so we could enjoy those delicious flavors guilt-free all year round?

Well, look out pumpkin lovers, because we've done it.

Introducing the Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake!

Just in time for all things fall, this quick and delicious pumpkin spice shake featuring Xyngular’s Lean Vanilla is a great way to mix up your morning routine, and the perfect solution for the next time you're craving that extra slice of pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake Recipe

Servings: 1

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 137 / Fat: 3.8g / Protein: 11.5g / Carbs: 15.5g

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Ice
8 oz Almond Milk
1 scoop Lean Vanilla
2 drops Vanilla Extract
1-2 Tablespoons Canned Pumpkin
1 Low-Fat Graham Cracker
A sprinkle of your favorite pumpkin spice mix

INSTRUCTIONS

Add ingredients in the order listed to your blender.
Cover with lid and blend until smooth.
Pour into your favorite glass or shaker bottle and enjoy your Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake immediately!

Are Shakes and Smoothies a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Let’s start with this: the RIGHT shakes and smoothies are a great way to lose weight!

Traditional fruit smoothies tend to be laden with sugar—albeit unprocessed sugars—that take them out of the running for weight loss aids. Likewise, creamy smoothies that add sweetened yogurt or even ice cream are also a no-no if you’re looking to lose weight. But high sugar content isn’t the only thing you have to be on guard for.

What should you look for in a proper weight-loss shake or smoothie? The right combination of ingredients.

A smoothie or shake that is high in protein, low in calories and unhealthy fats, and high in nutritional value fits the bill. So it’s not just a matter of tossing any old protein powder into a shake in order to lose weight. You want something that can also add in plenty of nutrients, particularly if you’re using your shake as a meal replacement.

That’s where Xyngular’s Lean comes into our Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake recipe. Lean Vanilla not only offers 10 grams of full-spectrum, low-calorie protein per serving, but adds to it a load of vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and all 9 essential amino acids! This is what sets Lean apart from other protein shake options and makes it far more effective for weight loss as it helps to curb cravings, ease digestion, and keep you fuller longer.*

TRENDING SMOOTHIE RECIPE: Our Lean Green Protein Smoothie

How Do You Make a Smoothie Taste Better?

There are countless ways to make a smoothie taste better, and not all of them involve sweetener!

For instance, many green smoothie recipes suffer from being so green that they start to taste like the dirt they grew out of! And no one needs a dirt smoothie. A great way to combat the earthy taste that can come from adding nutritious greens to your smoothie is with a small splash of vanilla extract. It effectively alters and enhances the flavor profile in all the right smooth, floral ways without adding unnecessary calories or sugar. PRO TIP: Use pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation vanilla, for the best flavor. And remember, a little goes a long way.

Sometimes a smoothie is just bland. Pumping up the flavor in a boring smoothie can be as simple as adding a small handful of berries, a spoonful of your favorite nut butter, or even tossing in a savory herb or ground spice (think cardamom, red pepper, or pumpkin spice just like in this Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake recipe!) can really enhance your smoothie experience and awaken your senses to a whole new level of smoothie heaven.

What Can I Add to My Shake for Flavor That Is Healthy?

Ready to take your shake to the next level? It’s not just about making a smoothie taste better, though we all want that. Adding ingredients that not only increase our temporary enjoyment but help us reach our weight loss and health goals is where the magic happens. Here are a few healthy ingredients to add to a smoothie that tastes great!

Squeeze of lemon—brightens the flavor, cuts through sweetness, and can help jumpstart metabolism and detoxify the body
Fresh greens—dark leafy greens can be an awesome source of antioxidants, boosting immunity while adding new, bold flavor if you use greens such as arugula, but you could also hide gentler flavored greens like spinach in this Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake!
Peanut butter—some of our most popular smoothies recipes contain the all-time smoothie favorite and protein-booster, natural peanut butter
Spices—warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and even cayenne can pack a punch both in flavor and possible health benefits
Xyngular Lean—an obvious go-to if you want to add great flavor, plenty of protein, and a solid dose of vitamins and minerals to your smoothie or shake

If you’re on the lookout for more healthy and delicious recipes like this Pumpkin Pie Lean Shake, make sure to bookmark our System Recipes page and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest dishes!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.