The holiday season is one of merriment, celebration, family togetherness, and — all too often — overindulgence. It’s likely that you ate your fair share of Christmas cookies and other sweets, not to mention all those enticing dips and spreads (and the chips that accompany them) at various potlucks. And, it’s also likely that you’re regretting your calorie intake and resolving to eat better in 2016.
The good news is that you don’t have to give up all your favorite dips and spreads! There are some, like hummus, that are a better option for the rich, cheese-laden appetizer dips that are party staples. What makes hummus dips such a great choice?
- Hummus is low in sodium. Two tablespoons of hummus spread contains just 130 milligrams.
- Hummus is high in protein. A quarter-cup of the delicious stuff is equivalent to a serving of meat, according to Canada’s Food Guide. That’s great news for anyone who’s thinking of cutting back on their consumption of animal products.
- Hummus is rich in folate, containing 36% of the recommended daily serving of folate in one cup. Folate has been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, like colorectal cancer, and of high blood pressure.
- Hummus is an easy-to-serve crowd-pleaser. When it comes to easy appetizers, it’s hard to rival a container of hummus — you just pop the top off and start snacking! Of course, you can also scoop some into a bowl if you feel like being fancy.
- Hummus is versatile. If you’re wondering what to dip in hummus, well, the sky’s pretty much the limit. Pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzel rods, crackers, crudites are all great dippers.
Hummus is a super sub for condiments. Some of the most popular uses for hummus spread are as a sandwich filling and as a bagel topping, instead of mayo or cream cheese. Hummus provides a creamy texture, without sacrificing taste, for fewer calories.
What are you waiting for? Add hummus to your new year’s resolutions — and your grocery list!