Obviously the word is out that you should eat your vegetables if you want to maintain a healthy diet and body composition. However, for some of us it is harder than others. A great, healthy way to eat more veggies is to dip them in hummus! A traditional Middle Eastern staple, hummus is mostly made up of chickpeas and tahini (a sesame paste), with olive oil, salt, garlic, and lemon juice. There are many varieties available that may use roasted red peppers, artichokes, and other flavors to enhance the basic recipe.
The chickpeas are fiber and protein powerhouses, and the tahini and olive oil have heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Fiber and protein help keep you full and your blood sugar stable, which makes hummus a great afternoon snack to keep you from reaching for the candy bowl at work. Iron, Vitamins C and B6, and folate are also present in respectable quantities. When pairing with a variety of vegetables, hummus makes a low-calorie, but filling treat.
As with most food, while you can purchase store-bought dips—we always advise making your own if you have the opportunity. With the aid of a simple food processor or blender, basic hummus only requires a few ingredients. Making your own allows you to control the sodium content, as well as offers the chance add some flavor enhancements like herbs and spices or even experiment with edamame or black bean-based versions. In addition to using as a dip, you can also spread it on a sandwich to add some flavor and nutritional value.
Recipe- http://www.drjanet.com/pages/2011/06/walnut-hummus-and-vegetable-wrap/
Katie Jensen, CSCS
NPTI graduate
Fitness/Nutrition Coach
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