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WHAT TO EAT WITH HUMMUS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Hummus, a delicious spread originating from the Middle East, is made with a nutty combination of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice. Although hummus originates from the Middle East, its high fiber and protein content have made it a popular snack choice for people around the world. Many people trust and use hummus as a dish in their weight loss menu. However, for it to be truly effective in losing weight, you should focus on foods that can be combined with it. Let’s learn about the perfect combinations with hummus in the article below.

CAN YOU HAVE HUMMUS ON A DIET?

Hummus is a spread made from blending chickpeas with oil, tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, and lemon juice. That’s how it’s traditionally made, but there are many different versions from around the world.

Some people add herbs and spices like parsley, cumin, or sumac to give hummus a special taste. Others use white or black beans instead of chickpeas. No matter what ingredients you use, hummus provides many essential vitamins and minerals, such as copper, manganese, and B-complex vitamins.

If you buy hummus from the store, 100 grams usually have about 237 calories, including 7.8 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates (with 5.5 grams of dietary fiber), and 17.8 grams of fat (including 2.6 grams of saturated fat). However, if you make hummus at home, the nutrition might be a bit different.

Making hummus at home is simple, and you can change any ingredient based on your preferences. For example, you can use olive or flaxseed oil instead of cooking oil to reduce calories and increase the omega-3 fatty acid content.

IS HUMMUS GOOD FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS?

HIGH PROTEIN

Hummus has protein and fiber. Protein makes you feel full, and fiber makes digestion slower, keeping you full for a longer time. This is good because it helps you control how much you eat, which can be helpful for losing weight.

NUTRITIOUS OPTION

Hummus has important nutrients like iron, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins. These are good for your body’s metabolism and can give you more energy.

While hummus has many good things, it’s important to eat it with other healthy foods as part of a balanced diet. Just eating hummus by itself won’t make you lose weight. Also, choose healthy things to eat with hummus, like fresh vegetables instead of high-calorie chips or bread.

LOW-CALORIE

Hummus doesn’t have a lot of calories compared to other similar foods. Normally, two tablespoons of hummus have about 70 calories. But remember, you should be careful with how much you eat because the calories can add up if you eat a lot.

While hummus has many good things, it’s important to eat it with other healthy foods like fresh vegetables instead of high-calorie chips or bread. Just eating hummus by itself won’t make you lose weight.

vERSATILITY

You can use hummus in different ways. It can be a spread on sandwiches, a dip for veggies, or part of a protein-packed salad. This makes it easy to include in your meals.

INCORPORATING HUMMUS INTO YOUR MAIN MEALS

Here are some suggestions for using hummus in your main dishes

Hummus as a Sauce: Use hummus as a creamy and flavorful sauce for your pasta or grain bowls. It adds richness and a unique taste to your favorite dishes.

Hummus-Stuffed Wraps or Sandwiches: Spread hummus on whole-grain wraps or bread and layer it with your favorite vegetables and proteins like grilled chicken or turkey. It makes for a satisfying and nutritious sandwich or wrap.

Hummus Topped Proteins: Add a dollop of hummus on top of grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. The combination of protein with the creamy texture of hummus creates a delicious and wholesome main course.

Hummus and Veggie Stir-Fry: Incorporate hummus into your vegetable stir-fry for a creamy and savory twist. It blends well with a variety of vegetables, adding both flavor and nutrition.

Hummus Pasta: Mix hummus into your pasta dishes for a creamy and nutritious alternative to traditional sauces. It works well with both warm and cold pasta preparations.

Hummus Salad Dressing: Blend hummus with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs to create a wholesome salad dressing. Drizzle it over your greens for added flavor and nutrients.

Hummus-Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Swap out traditional toppings for baked potatoes with a generous spoonful of hummus. It adds a creamy element while boosting the nutritional profile of your meal.

Grilled Chicken Wrap with Hummus: Make a healthy wrap by spreading hummus on a whole grain wrap. Add tasty grilled chicken and colorful vegetables on top. This wrap is a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and important vitamins.

Hummus and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mix of quinoa and hummus, then bake until it’s just right. Quinoa has lots of protein and fiber, making this meal not only delicious but also great for weight loss.

Whole Grain Pita and Hummus: Whole grains have fiber that keeps you full for a long time. Pairing a whole-grain pita with hummus makes for an easy and nutritious meal or snack.

Hummus Topped Salmon: Before baking, cover a piece of salmon with hummus. Salmon is full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to weight loss and overall health benefits.

What to Eat with Hummus for Weight Loss

Here are some great choices to eat with hummus if you want to lose some weight without sacrificing taste:

Cucumbers:These are refreshing veggies with low calories and lots of water. They’re the perfect match for hummus and taste really good.

Carrots:Carrots are high in fiber and low in calories. They taste yummy with hummus and will keep you full while giving you vitamin A.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you want a tasty protein option, try hard-boiled eggs with hummus. Boil an egg, slice it, and dip it in hummus to satisfy your hunger for a long time.

Small (Cherry) Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a juicy option to pair with hummus. Cherry tomatoes are high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins, and they’re low in calories.

Bell Peppers: Whether they’re red, yellow, or green, bell peppers go amazingly well with hummus. These veggies are full of fiber and vitamins A, C, and E, making them a top choice for weight loss.

Avocado and Toast: Transform your typical avocado on toast snack into a healthy weight-loss option by adding hummus. It’s also a great choice for breakfast.

Broccoli, Cabbage, or Cauliflower: If you enjoy munching on green veggies, try them with hummus for a fantastic low-calorie, weight-loss snack. Cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage are rich in fiber, promoting fullness and digestion.

FAQ

1. How much hummus can I eat a day?

Consuming over 4.5 tablespoons of hummus may pose a risk to your body.

2. Is hummus a carb or protein?

Hummus is an excellent provider of plant-based protein.

3. When should you not eat hummus?

If unopened, hummus can last for two months, and once opened, it is advisable to consume it within 7 days. The duration may change if hummus is left unrefrigerated for extended periods, especially after opening. 

4. Is it OK to eat hummus every day?

Hummus is a healthy snack that’s good to eat a little bit of every day. It’s even better when you have it with different kinds of food.

5. Do hummus and scrambled eggs go together?

Yes. Putting hummus on eggs makes them taste even better, and it adds more protein.

CONCLUSION

When you eat hummus with things like veggies, lean meats, and whole grains, it makes your meals taste better and keeps you full. Hummus has good stuff like fiber, proteins from plants, and healthy fats, making it helpful for losing weight. Just make sure you don’t eat too much and pick healthy foods to go with your hummus to get the most benefits for your health and wellness goals.

20 BEST FOODS TO REDUCE BLOATING 

Feeling puffy and uncomfortable? Bloating can be a real drag, but the good news is that there are plenty of foods that can help reduce it. If you’re struggling with bloating, it’s a good idea to keep a food diary to track what you’re eating and see if there are any foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. In this article, we’ll share 20 of the best foods to fight bloating and get you feeling your best.

FOODS TO HELP YOU EASE BLOATING

AVOCADOS

Avocados boast high nutritional value, delivering a significant amount of folate, along with vitamins C and K in each serving. Additionally, they are abundant in potassium—an essential mineral crucial for maintaining fluid balance and regulating sodium levels to prevent water retention. Furthermore, their richness in fiber promotes digestive regularity, aiding in the prevention of constipation and bloating as it moves slowly through the digestive tract.

BANANAS

Bananas pack a potassium punch. According to a study, women who consumed a banana before each meal experienced less bloating compared to those who did not. Experts believe this effect may be attributed to the bananas delivering specific gut bacteria that contribute to reducing gas production in the abdominal region.

CUCUMBER

Cucumbers consist of approximately 95% water, making them an excellent hydrating food choice. Consuming foods with a high water content is beneficial for maintaining hydration and fulfilling your daily fluid requirements. This not only helps in preventing water retention but also plays a crucial role in alleviating bloating that may arise from dehydration. Ensuring that your body stays well-hydrated through the consumption of water-rich foods like cucumbers contributes to overall well-being and helps in managing fluid balance effectively.

CELERY

Crunching into some celery not only gives you a hydration boost to keep your digestion moving but also offers additional benefits for combating inflammation in your body, including your gut, thanks to certain flavonoids—tiny plant molecules. Including celery in your diet is a great choice for what helps with bloating, as it provides hydration support and contributes to reducing inflammation, promoting overall digestive well-being.

YOGURT

Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria crucial for maintaining gut health. Research indicates that probiotics can enhance stool frequency and consistency, promoting regularity. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that incorporating probiotics into your diet may help get rid of bloating and alleviate abdominal distension associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a prevalent disorder affecting the large intestine.

TURMERIC

Turmeric, a bright yellow spice from the Curcuma longa plant, is known for helping with stomach issues, like bloating. The active part of turmeric, called curcumin, has good stuff in it that fights inflammation and acts like an antioxidant, which can be good for your digestion. Trying turmeric in your food or taking it as a supplement might be a natural and quick way to learn how to get rid of bloating fast. The anti-inflammatory part of turmeric can calm your stomach and might reduce the swelling and discomfort that comes with bloating. People’s experiences can be different, but some folks feel better by adding turmeric to what they eat, making it part of their overall plan to keep their digestion in good shape.

BERRIES

Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for your body. What’s more, they are rich in fiber. Take blackberries, for example, which have nearly 8 grams of fiber per cup. Including more fiber in your diet is a helpful way on how to help with bloating. By boosting your fiber intake, you can improve your gut health and make your stool softer, which can prevent constipation and reduce bloating.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint capsules help relax the muscles in your tummy, making it easier for gas to move and reducing bloating. This happens because of active stuff in peppermint, like menthol, that calms the muscles. Peppermint tea, which has the same soothing stuff, can also help calm your tummy muscles and reduce bloating. Using peppermint in capsules or tea is a natural and helpful way for people who want to feel better when their tummy is uncomfortable and bloated.

GREEN TEA

Choosing green tea is a great way to stay hydrated and avoid excess fluid retention. Containing many antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea can fight harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation. In addition, the presence of caffeine in green tea stimulates the movement of the digestive tract and acts as a natural laxative, promoting regular bowel movements. This indicates that green tea may be a useful option to eliminate bloating after eating.

GINGER

The zesty flavor of ginger plays a vital role in stimulating the juices in your gastrointestinal system. This not only aids in the digestive process but also accelerates the emptying of your stomach contents. As a result, the swift movement in your digestive system facilitated by ginger can effectively prevent the occurrence of bloating, promoting a more comfortable and efficient digestive experience.

CELERY

Celery is a healthy veggie that’s mostly made up of water. Along with being super watery, celery has something called mannitol, a kind of sugar that helps make stools softer. This helps keep things regular by bringing water into your digestive system. Also, the bottom part of celery is like a natural diuretic. That just means it makes you pee more, which is good for getting rid of extra water and salt in your body and can help make bloating feel better.

ASPARAGUS

Asparagus is also a great way how to decrease bloating by promoting digestive health. With a special effect on urine odor, it boasts a notable attribute being its content of inulin, an insoluble fiber. Inulin serves as a valuable nutrient for the beneficial bacteria that reside in your intestines, promoting their growth and contributing to a balanced digestive system. This process plays an important role in maintaining regularity. By incorporating asparagus into your diet, you can support the growth of these beneficial bacteria, offering a natural and effective method of how.

KOMBUCHA

Kombucha is a kind of drink made by fermenting black or green tea. It’s full of probiotics, which are good for your gut and help with regular digestion. Kombucha can also keep you hydrated and add more antioxidants to your diet, which fight inflammation and can help with bloating. But be careful because kombucha is fizzy, like soda, so drinking a lot might make your stomach feel uncomfortable, and you could get bloated.

FENNEL

This root vegetable and its seeds contain a special compound that has the ability to relax spasms in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When these spasms are reduced, gas can move through your gut more smoothly, preventing the build-up of bloating. The compound in this vegetable acts as a natural relaxant for the muscles in your GI tract, promoting better digestion and minimizing the discomfort associated with bloating.

PAPAYA

Papaya is a yummy tropical fruit with a sweet taste and a smooth, creamy feel. It has lots of water and fiber, which are good for your body. Papaya also has something called papain, which helps your body break down amino acids. This helps with digestion and might stop bloating from happening.

TOMATOES

Incorporating tomatoes into your diet provides a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties throughout your body. Lycopene helps reduce inflammation, contributing to overall well-being. Additionally, tomatoes are packed with potassium, a mineral that helps regulate sodium levels in your body. 

By balancing sodium levels, potassium can effectively decrease the retention of water, alleviating bloating and promoting a healthier fluid balance. Including tomatoes in your diet not only adds flavor but also offers these beneficial effects for your overall health and well-being.

KEFIR

Kefir is a special kind of drink that can be really helpful if you have a bloated tummy. It’s full of good things called probiotics that are like tiny helpers for your stomach. These probiotics can work to balance out the good and bad bacteria in your belly, and that’s important for keeping your digestion in check. When your stomach has a good balance, it can help reduce bloating and make you feel better overall. So, drinking kefir might be a tasty and natural way to get your tummy feeling less bloated.

OATS

Having a bowl of oatmeal in the morning is a simple and effective strategy to fight against bloating. Oats are packed with fiber, providing 4 grams in every half-cup (40 grams) serving. Additionally, they have a special kind of fiber called beta-glucan, which is really good at reducing inflammation in your body. So, starting your day with oatmeal can be a tasty and helpful way to tackle bloating.

PINEAPPLE

Pineapple is a yummy tropical fruit that has lots of good stuff for your body, like vitamin C, manganese, and B vitamins. It also has something called bromelain, which is like a helper for your tummy and has been used in traditional medicine to help with stomach problems. In some studies, bromelain has been shown to fight inflammation, which can make things like bloating and swelling feel better. So, eating pineapple can be a tasty and natural way to take care of your tummy.

QUINOA

If you often feel bloated after eating things like pasta, crackers, and bread, you might want to consider trying gluten-free grains like quinoa. Eating foods with gluten can lead to tummy problems, including bloating, especially for people with celiac disease and those sensitive to gluten. Quinoa is a good choice because it not only doesn’t have gluten but also has helpful things like fiber and antioxidants. These can work together to fight against bloating, even if you don’t follow a gluten-free diet.

WHAT FOODS MAKE BLOATING WORSE?

If certain foods and drinks make your belly feel funny, you might have food sensitivities. To help with things like gas and tummy discomfort, it’s a good idea to eat less of some things. These include soda, beans, veggies like broccoli, grains, dairy, beer, and garlic. Paying attention to these foods and not having too much of them can make your belly feel better. Changing what you eat based on what your body likes can make your digestion better overall.

OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT BLOATING

First, try eating and chewing your food slowly. This can help stop you from swallowing too much air, which can make gas in your belly. Another way is to take supplements like probiotics or digestive enzymes; they might make your digestion feel better.

Also, pay attention to what you eat by keeping track of it. This can help figure out if certain foods are causing your tummy problems. Some foods like beans, dairy, and garlic can make some people feel gassy and bloated. Don’t forget to get enough sleep and do exercise regularly; these things can help your digestion and prevent bloating. 

Lastly, if your bloating doesn’t get better, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out if you have any food sensitivities or other things that might be causing your bloating, like IBS.

FAQ

1. Can a 24-hour fast reduce bloating?

Yes. Taking a break from eating for 24 hours can give you a short-term break from bloating. 

2. Does drinking water reduce bloating?

Yes. Drinking water regularly throughout the day is important if you want to reduce bloating.

3. How long does it take for bloating to go away?

If your bloating is caused by something you ate, drank, or hormonal changes, it should start to get better within a few hours to a couple of days.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating these 20 best foods into your diet can be a valuable and natural approach to reduce bloating. The selection of nutrient-rich and digestion-friendly options, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic-rich foods, provides a holistic strategy for promoting digestive health and minimizing discomfort. Remember, individual responses may vary, so it’s essential to pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your diet accordingly. 

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