As an athlete and a health enthusiast I have experimented with a variety of diets, supplements, and foods.  After being a meat eater, a white-meat-only eater (is there a name for that?  those that don’t eat red meat), vegan for 2 years, and now a pescetarian, I have definitely played around with my diet.  But no matter what limitations I put on my nutrition intake, one thing I know for sure is that as an athlete I NEED PROTEIN.  Even if you aren’t an athlete and just a modest exerciser you still need a good amount of protein, fiber and healthy fats.  I have always loved hummus (I love to dip carrots and celery along with pita in it) so when I came across this edamame hummus recipe my mouth was watering.  And now I am passing it along. ENJOY!  Oh and I like to pair this with my Lemon or Citrus flavored Vitalyte.

HUNGER SATISFYING RECIPE: Edamame Hummus
Beans are an awesome source of protein, but to change up this dish typically made with chickpeas (aka Garbanzo beans) try using the superpower of the bean world – soybeans.  Soybeans are the only bean that contains complete proteins by themselves and edamame (green soybeans which are picked before full maturity) have a whopping 22 grams of protein in every cooked serving.  Chickpeas have only around 14 grams per serving.  This dish also has a great amount of fiber; so really it’s a win-win.

1 cup frozen shelled edamame
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 Tbsp tahini
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp water
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil

Boil frozen edamame 4 to 6 minutes; drain. Combine edamame in a food processor with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, water, and salt; blend well. Drizzle in olive oil. (If the texture is too thick, add another tablespoon of water).  For a zesty kick, stir in 1/2 tsp sriracha, a Thai hot sauce found in your grocery store’s condiment aisle.