To be honest, I'm really not a huge fan of beans, but for some reason they've become more and more appealing to me as time goes on. I'm not sure I'm ready to tackle them plain at this point but as long as they're served in things or disguised a bit, I don't seem to have a problem. In fact, hummus has become a favorite and it's a bean dip of all things!
Hummus is made of primarily chickpeas, and even though I haven't attempted to make my own hummus at this point, I hear it's very easy. I have realized after trying several types of hummus, I tend to be pretty picky about which one I buy, but I think part of it is just the fact that I'm not a huge fan of beans so my taste buds get a little defensive when thrown too many new bean flavors.
The nutritional benefits of hummus can be rooted down to each of its ingredients. For one, chickpeas are very healthy because they do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats. They are also rich in protein. This makes hummus a favorite among vegetarians. Chickpeas are also known to be effective in preventing build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Apart from that, it can maintain correct blood sugar levels.
Hummus also contains plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for maintaining a healthy heart. (This is a bonus for me considering the high risk of heart disease that runs in my family.) On top of it all, this dish also has iron, vitamin B6, manganese, copper, folic acid, and amino acids. I read recently that tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are the amino acids found in hummus that can promote good quality sleep and uplift one’s mood. All the more reason we should be consuming hummus right?
Even if hummus may not be your thing, maybe try it again in a different way or serve it differently than what you tried it with before. Some of the ways I seem to enjoy my hummus are with raw veggies, spread on a whole wheat tortilla as a snack, or added to my whole wheat pasta instead of using a sauce. I know others who have used it as a sandwich spread. I'm not sure that sounds altogether appealing to me, but whatever works for you is what you want to go with.
Happy hummus eating! And just think about all the awesome nutrients you're pumping your body with by eating these little chickpeas.
This is my favorite hummus at the moment. I've seen it in several stores but I choose get mine in a bigger tub from Costco.
P.S. Another "snack food" my kids have fallen in love with!
P.S. Another "snack food" my kids have fallen in love with!
Thank you for sharing your amazing story, and all these wonderful hints and tips! I stumbled across your blog, and am so appreciative of your willingness to help others by putting your honest feelings and experiences out there. You are truly an inspiration. I am excited to try some hummus and quinoa!
ReplyDeleteI love hummus! I actually just had some with a small high fiber tortilla. It is easy to make, but I have never been able to get the smooth texture when making my own. Still tastes great and is SUPER cheap!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind hummus. I make a no added fat one sometimes. I like to spread it on a wrap and then add salad veggies, roll it up and eat it. I make patties with equal weights of chick peas and either cooked carrots or cooked sweet potato. Add some onion, herbs, salt etc. I mix a couple of slices of bread and some oats in a food processor and turn it into crumbs. Add the herbs etc. Take out and then put in the chick peas (cooked) and puree. Add all them to a bowl along with the warm mashed vegetable. It's a little soft. Let it cool. Stick it in the fridge a couple of hours and then cut it into sections like a pie/tart. Shape into patties. A little bit of oil in a non-stick frypan and cook until browned on each side. I freeze them by putting them on trays overnight. Then bag them. To cook I thaw them, and then put them in a non-stick frypan, no oil, and heat gently while I cook veggies. They are delicious used for homemade hamburgers too. I'm not a big fan of straight beans with a little onion etc and then made into patties. Too dense for me. But nice and tender when using equal quantities of a vegetable with chick peas. I've done it too with cooked lentils and carrots with the same result.
ReplyDeleteGeez Paige you've got me thinking about making up some hummus when I get back from our weekend away!!!
Wow..I never knew that much about hummus! I just loved it! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove Sabra it is prob the best brand the garlic flavor or original is the best. When I first started out it was a way to eat my veggies without ranch. I have gotten away from it a bit but maybe with summer coming and veggies from farmers markets it is the perfect time to bring it back.
ReplyDeleteWe call it hummus yummus! I have to make it homemade as my 2 yr old is severely allergic to tahini (sesame seed paste). We use sunflower seed butter in place of it. She would literally swipe the stuff off your plate! One of our fave meals around here would be veggies, flatbread and hummus!
ReplyDeleteOur family loves hummus! Occasionally my husband will pick up one that is a bit too garlicky for my tastes, but usually I'm not too picky. My favorite is from a local Mediterranean restaurant - only problem is that I could buy 3x the grocery store versions for what I would spend at the restaurant. With my upcoming surgery, hummus is on my list of "must haves" to help get the amount of protein I'm going to need.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for following my blog. Your before and after pics are amazing!! You are truly an inspiration :)) I love your header photo by the way ... sweaty and happy .... that says it all!
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
My Running Shortz
That is my favorite hummus. I try to make my own as often as possible because I have more control over what is in it and how many calories I'm eating, but I also love that brand too!
ReplyDeleteSarah
notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com
I just tried the dried hummus from the bulk section at Winco. You add water and olive oil to it--kind of like the dried refried beans from the LDS church cannery (but I've never tried those). The hummus was pretty good. I really like Sabra too.
ReplyDeletethat is my absolute favorite hummus!!! yum!
ReplyDeletecindie
It's so nice to hear that someone else besides me has an aversion to beans, lol. And like you, I have learned to like hummus as well. It helps greatly to have a husband who enjoys all types of ethnic food. He has broadened my tastes over the years. Thanks for sharing all the healthy benefits of hummus.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight on hummus! I'm impressed you really have educated yourself which helps those of us who are just starting out to get educated on what's good to put into your body! :)
ReplyDelete