Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern food that has gained popularity and become an everyday snack for many people around the world. Made from ground chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and other ingredients depending on personal preference or variations of recipes and regions. Besides its delicious taste and flexibility in use with various foods like pita bread or carrots as dip or spreads; hummus is also known to have several health benefits due to it being rich in vitamins B6 and C, fiber (if not too refined), proteins if extra protein is added but at the same time high in carbs making it unsuitable for some diets like keto. In this article, we will explore different options on how hummus fits into a keto diet, alternative low carb dips that can be used instead of hummus among other topics to enable you to make informed decision when planning your keto meals / snacks while keeping them interesting.
Table of Contents
Hummus Basics
What are the nutrients in hummus?
I absolutely love hummus! It’s not just a tasty treat, but it’s also filled with crucial nutrients. The main ingredients of hummus are chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Chickpeas provide an abundance of protein, fiber and Folates which is essential for healthy cell DNA development.
Tahini contains omega-3s fats that are beneficial in maintaining brain health along with Vitamin E. Garlic works wonders in lowering blood pressure levels and fortifying the immune system.
Not only that but the lemon juice packed with vitamin C keeps infections at bay while phenolic acids from olive oil keep inflammation under control – thus suppressing risks linked to heart ailments and various cancers.
So why not try incorporating this wonderful dip into your Keto diet? Eating hummus regularly can help you attain an overall nourishing lifestyle – making sure your body gets all the richness of nutrient-dense foods!
Is Hummus Keto-Friendly?
I have always loved hummus and it’s a staple in many of my meals but recently I’ve been exploring the idea of incorporating it into my keto diet. However, upon researching, I realized that traditional recipes use chickpeas which are high in carbs making hummus not ideal for those following a ketogenic diet. A single serving alone can contain between 10-15 grams of net carbs, which is significantly higher than what most keto followers aim to consume.
That being said, don’t worry if you’re a fan of hummus because there are ways to continue enjoying it with caution on the keto journey. Firstly, one could try experimenting with homemade versions that swap out chickpeas with low-carb substitutes such as cauliflower or avocado. Alternatively, look out for keto-friendly hummus brands that replace traditional ingredients with lower carb alternatives.
It is important to note though that while these substitutions may mimic the taste and texture of traditional recipes; nutrient content such as protein and fiber may vary. Therefore doing our research before consuming any food product is something we should all make habitual.
Moreover portion control is essential when consuming hummus on a keto diet. Rather than loading up on excessive amounts that could jeopardize your daily macros, garnishing small amounts would be an alternative solution. Also favoring dipping veggies like celery sticks or bell pepper strips instead of pita bread chips will further aid reducing carb intake without compromising textures.
In summary
Being observant about food options helps us make intentional decisions about what we consume on our wellness journey. Keto diets strictly factor macro-nutrients; therefore foods like Hummus scrutinized primarily because its primary ingredient “chickpeas” has relatively good amount carbohydrate concentration per serving size. But fear not – substituting Chick Pea with lower-carb equivalents like Cauliflower or Avocado could suffice in getting us savory solutions for our cravings alongside some due diligence as far as nutritional content goes! And remember, moderation and portion-control is key in enjoying hummus on your Keto path either as a dip or garnish served with low-carb veggies like celery sticks.
How many carbs does hummus have?
Oh boy, do I love hummus! This dip is widely known for its luscious taste and bountiful health benefits. Originating from the Middle East, hummus includes chickpeas, tahini, oil, garlic and lemon juice in its recipe. While this food has become a global sensation, those of us on low-carb diets or keto diet must pay close attention to how many carbs they can sprinkle on it.
Typically, one tablespoon of traditional hummus contains around 0.5 grams of net carbs. Keeping an eye on serving size is paramount—about two tablespoons have up to 1 gram of net carbs. We can still eat moderate amounts of hummus while adhering to the keto diet but keeping track makes all the difference.
If you’re particular about your carb intake or prefer generous helpings of dips and spreads (for obvious reasons), then there’s good news: you don’t have to give up on your favorite snack entirely! Keto-friendly hummus alternatives exist such as cauliflower hummus or zucchini-based dips that typically have fewer carbs than traditionally made chickpea-based counterparts.
At last, whether incorporating regular hummus into your keto diet depends solely on personal goals and dietary restrictions—some people may integrate smaller amounts without breaking ketosis completely whilst others might choose alternatives altogether.
Stay Healthy!
Alternatives to Hummus for Keto Diet
Nutrition and benefits of alternative keto dips
When diving into the world of keto, we all find ourselves on a quest for replacements to our favorite carb-heavy foods. As much as it hurts to say, chickpea hummus is definitely on that list. But don’t fret, because there are plenty of delish and nutritious options out there!
One popular route is using avocado dip or guacamole as a stand-in for your dips needs. Avocado is packed with healthy fats and contains very few carbs – making it a win-win situation! Even better yet, you can add spinach to boost your fiber intake and enhance its nutritional value.
If you’re really missing that chickpea flavor profile, spin dip made with Greek yogurt or cream cheese is another low-carb alternative. It’s heavy on protein too – so you’ll feel full and satisfied!
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous – try eggplant-based Baba ganoush! Using roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas makes this option extra low in carbs without skimping on taste. I like pairing this one with crisp celery sticks (yum!).
Remember when subbing out foods always check the macros and ingredients to make sure they align with your goals. Keeping track of serving sizes will also help prevent accidentally going overboard and kicking yourself out of ketosis state.
Happy snacking (keto-style)!