Low Calorie Hummus Recipe

Hummus, if made right, can actually help you loose weight!  Here is why: 

Did you know that you lose three times more weight you eat high-fiber, low-calorie foods?  Based on this, hummus is an appropriate food to include in a weight-loss plan because of its high fiber, low caloric count, and that it provides additional beneficial nutrients.

Fiber is good!  A half-cup serving of hummus provides 7.5 grams of fiber.  Fiber is an indigestible plant material that fills you up and slows digestion of carbohydrates, which helps regulate the release of energy between meals rather than expending it all at once. The impact reduces snack cravings and supports healthy blood glucose. It also regulates digestion, which improves metabolism.  If you serve hummus with low-calorie vegetables, such as carrots, cucumber and red pepper slices instead of bread, it will cut out at least 200 calories!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/527080-does-hummus-help-you-lose-weight/

So hummus has 9.5 grams of protein in a half cup of which slows the absorption of its 17.5 grams of carbohydrates, which prolongs the effect of energy it provides. Maximizing the efficiency of metabolism reduces your caloric requirements. This helps in weight loss because it helps prevent unhealthy peaks in blood sugar that trigger hunger and overeating.

Phew!  So now that we know Hummus is good for you, here is my version of Hummus.  I really dislike using oils when I cook so I found a way to make Hummus without any!  Eat this for a snack with some veggies instead of your normal chips or candy and watch the pounds fall off.  Here is the recipe:

• 1 can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained
• 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2/3 cup plain non fat Greek Yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon cumin 
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
•  

In a food processor combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy.  Feel free to add more spices or lemon juice if needed. 

My favorite things to dip in Hummus:

Carrots 

Celery 

Broccoli 

Cucumber 

Cherry Tomatos

Low fat Pita Chips

Great source of protein from the yogurt and the beans and without using any oil, this makes for a very low fat recipe that will help you lose weight!