Pumpkin Protein Mousse

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours

ingredients
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
3/4 cup 2% cottage cheese
1/4 cup chia seeds
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 graham cracker sheet, crushed (optional)

Instructions
– Add 1/2 cup almond milk, 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup chia seeds, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt to a high-powered blender.
– Blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed. Keep blending until the cottage cheese is completely smooth and the chia seeds are finely ground. Taste and add up to 1 more tablespoon maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
– Divide the mousse between two jars, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until thick.
– Top each jar with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt and half of the crushed graham cracker just before serving.

Today’s Pumpkin Protein Mousse tastes like pumpkin pie, but with about 10 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein per serving. Protein and fiber both help you feel satisfied, so you stay fuller between meals.

The secret is cottage cheese, which blends into a silky base, so you get a protein boost.  

It’s also no-bake and easy to make ahead. Blend everything, divide it between two jars, and let it chill until thick and creamy.  Add a dollop of Greek Yogurt and a sprinkle of nuts on top, and enjoy even more protein!

This creamy mousse is perfect for a breakfast or afternoon snack and captures everything you love about pumpkin pie in a lighter, protein-packed spoonful.

Fuel your morning with fall flavor!

Why Protein is So Important With Age

You hear it all the time… strength training is key to maintaining muscle as you age. But just as important as training your muscles… is feeding them.

As you get older, your body doesn’t absorb protein as efficiently, and your muscles become less responsive to its signals. That means you need more protein!

Here’s the bottom line: Aim to have 20-30 grams of protein in each of your meals. For most adults, a protein intake of 0.75 – 1 gram per pound of lean body weight is ideal. For example, a 130-lb person with 100 pounds of lean mass should consume 85-100 grams of protein daily to maintain lean body mass.

Getting adequate protein at each meal helps optimize fullness. Plus, the protein and fiber combo will keep your blood sugar balanced.

If your goal is to stay strong, steady, and full of energy, protein is your new best friend.

“I’m Finally Losing Weight Without Losing Strength.”