Navigating the challenges of fast-paced modern life isn’t always easy. All too often, we find ourselves facing more than we have time to accomplish, or rushing to something important, or desperately seeking some downtime to rest and recharge. And in the midst of the hubbub, we often neglect one of the most important factors in keeping us going: clean eating! As we grab whatever unhealthy food we find next to us, our bodies aren’t properly fueled… which can cause a downward spiral of stress and poor health.
When you’re in a rush—or even when you’re lounging!—having clean snacks on hand is a necessity. Many people assume they don’t have the time for a healthy diet, but in reality, a large part of clean eating is simply being prepared. You won’t have to reach for a Snickers bar if you’ve got a healthy replacement at hand!
This is where hummus comes in. Year after year, hummus has dominated the world of clean eating snacks. Foodies, athletes, weight-loss specialists, and health experts alike constantly tout its incredibly healthy nutrient profile. And why not? Full of muscle-building protein, complex carbohydrates, heart-healthy Omega-3 fats, and a bevy of vitamins and minerals, hummus is one of the quickest and easiest clean snacks to grab whenever you’re on the go.
Recognizing Clean Hummus Brands
You might think that you can grab just any hummus off the shelf, but think twice! Many popular hummus brands are marketed as health foods, but a quick look at their ingredients proves otherwise. Common practices such as using canola oil instead of olive oil, depending on non-organic ingredients, and relying on synthetic preservatives such as benzoates and sorbates can turn your lovely clean snack into another modern compromise.
Thankfully, it’s not very hard to ensure that your hummus promotes clean eating. Clean hummus brands are identifiable by three simple criteria:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) – In order to maximize heart health, hummus should contain premium EVOO instead of cheaper olive oil or canola. Only genuine EVOO is guaranteed cold-pressed and full of Omega-3s, which makes it a major factor in determining clean hummus brands.
- USDA Certified Organic – The fact is, organic products must meet higher standards of health. The USDA Organic label on clean snacks means that from farm to fridge, they are free of pesticides and additives that have been proven unsafe for human consumption.
- High Pressure Processed (HPP) – The two main benefits of HPP, when comparing it to the cheaper alternative of combining high-heat treatment with synthetic additives, is that HPP does not heat hummus at all, for a fresher taste, and it is also much more effective in killing bacteria such as listeria and e. coli.
Clean Eating Ideas with Hummus
So now that you know how to identify clean hummus brands. How do you go about making clean eating snacks with it? Well, we’ve got you covered there as well… at HOPE Hummus, we have tasty recipes coming out our ears! Part of the magic comes from our delicious flavors, like Buffalo Bleu and Roasted Black Garlic, but the other part comes from the fact that we are proud to meet all the criteria of a clean eating hummus!
If you’re on the hunt for recipes, head to one of these three HOPE webpages for plenty of yummy delights:
With tons of clean eating snacks, along with recipes and instructions, our community can help you make sure that next time you’re on the run, you’ve got a healthy and clean snack to keep you fueled properly.
Every single HOPE Hummus flavor is proudly USDA Certified Organic and High Pressure Processed, and contains only extra virgin olive oil instead of any substitute. We can’t guarantee that everything in life will get easier soon, but we can definitely guarantee that your clean eating will!
As always, cheers and happy eating.