{"id":1143,"date":"2023-12-09T05:56:50","date_gmt":"2023-12-09T05:56:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fitnessthoughts.com\/?p=1143"},"modified":"2023-12-09T05:56:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T05:56:51","slug":"what-to-eat-with-hummus-for-weight-loss-15-yummy-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fitnessthoughts.com\/what-to-eat-with-hummus-for-weight-loss-15-yummy-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Eat with Hummus for Weight Loss? 15 Yummy Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hummus, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, has gained global popularity not just for its taste but also for its health benefits, especially in weight loss diets. This creamy spread, traditionally made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a nutrient powerhouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pairing Hummus for Weight Loss:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Vegetable Sticks:<\/strong> A classic and effective way to enjoy hummus is with vegetable sticks. Nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos suggests, “Red pepper slices are ideal, as the vitamin C they contain helps your body absorb the iron from the hummus.<\/strong>“<\/em> Other great options include cucumber, zucchini, carrots, or asparagus spears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. On Sandwiches and Crackers:<\/strong> Dietitian Cynthia Sass, in a Shape.com article, recommends using hummus as a lower-calorie substitute for mayo-based condiments on sandwiches and crackers. This simple swap can significantly reduce your calorie intake.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Portion Control:<\/strong> Livestrong advises, “A 2-tablespoon serving of hummus contains around 70 calories.”<\/em> They suggest including up to three servings per day in a balanced diet for weight loss.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        15 Delicious Ways to Eat Hummus With<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        • Veggie Dip:<\/strong> Dip carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes in hummus for a healthy snack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus Toast:<\/strong> Spread hummus on whole-grain toast and top with avocado slices, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or fresh herbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Pita Sandwich:<\/strong> Stuff pita pockets with hummus, mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus Wraps:<\/strong> Spread hummus on a whole wheat wrap, add grilled chicken or tofu, and fresh veggies for a filling lunch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Stuffed Bell Peppers:<\/strong> Fill bell pepper halves with hummus, top with crumbled feta cheese, and bake until warm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Salad Dressing:<\/strong> Thin out hummus with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to make a tasty salad dressing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • With Grilled Veggies: <\/strong>Use hummus as a side to complement grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Deviled Eggs:<\/strong> Mix hummus with egg yolks for a twist on deviled eggs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus Pizza:<\/strong> Replace traditional pizza sauce with hummus on a flatbread, then top with your favorite veggies and bake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus Pasta:<\/strong> Toss cooked pasta with hummus, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a quick meal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Baked Hummus:<\/strong> Top hummus with pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil, then bake until golden for a warm dip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus Quesadillas:<\/strong> Spread hummus on a tortilla, add cheese and veggies, then grill until crispy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Roasted Potato Dip:<\/strong> Use hummus as a dip for roasted potato wedges or sweet potato fries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus and Avocado Bowl:<\/strong> Combine hummus with sliced avocado, quinoa, and a squeeze of lemon for a nutritious bowl.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hummus and Egg Breakfast: <\/strong>Spread hummus on toast and top with a poached or fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Health Benefits of Hummus:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Fiber and Protein Content:<\/strong> Hummus is a good source of fiber and protein. It keeps you full for longer, aiding in appetite control. A study cited by HurryTheFoodUp concluded that “eating chickpeas may help with bodyweight management by suppressing appetite and energy intake.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Low Glycemic Index:<\/strong> Hummus has a lower glycemic index than chickpeas alone, making it beneficial for maintaining balanced blood glucose and insulin levels, and crucial for weight loss, especially in type-2 diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Nutrient-Rich: <\/strong>Hummus provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, folate, and plant-based iron, particularly important in vegan or vegetarian diets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Making Hummus Work in Your Diet:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Homemade Options:<\/strong> Making your own hummus allows you to control the ingredients and calorie content. We suggest, “Blend the basic ingredients until smooth, substituting in a little water for some of the oil if you’re looking to lower the fat content.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Mindful Selection:<\/strong> When buying hummus, choose brands with lower calorie content, especially those that don’t use excessive olive oil or added flavorings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Facts about Hummus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          • Ancient Origins:<\/strong> Hummus has a rich history, with some sources tracing its origins back to 13th century Egypt. This long-standing culinary tradition has made hummus a timeless dish, enjoyed across various cultures and regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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            • Cultural Symbol:<\/strong> Beyond its nutritional value, hummus serves as a cultural symbol, with countries like Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey each claiming it as part of their culinary heritage. This highlights the dish’s significance in cultural identity and culinary diplomacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n