Turkey vs. Hummus

I'm really bad at determining the health benefits of one thing vs. another. So...tomorrow my sister and I are going to go searching for reception places for her wedding, and as such will be stopping at one of her favorite coffee shops for lunch. I know that I will either have:

a.) Turkey pita with lettuce and sprouts

or

b.) Pita with lettuce, sprouts, and hummus

I have never had hummus before but have heard it is good for you. Which option would be less calories, fat, etc...or just better? If one even is better compared to the other. I'm not going to get cheese on either, which should help with calories as well as fat. (The fact that we may be sampling deserts and whatnot is something else I am trying to take into account.)

Thanks for any help you offer!

Either is a healthy choice.  Turkey is possibly lower fat, but the fat in hummus is good fat so not something to be concerned about.  In terms of calories, 4 oz. of turkey (assuming white meat, no skin) is about 100 calories while 2 tbsp. of hummus is about 60 calories.  So, which is higher calorie depends on how much they use of either.

Since you've never had hummus, I'd recommend trying the hummus option, but that's just for the sake of trying something new.

in my own kitchen, its easier for me to eat less turkey than hummus, but if you've never had hummus, its worth trying at some point. you might like it! and it can be used in a variety of combo's . . . . 

I'd probably be careful with the hummus because it can be loaded with calories, depending on how it is prepared, since to make hummus you have to process chickpeas with tahini (sesame seed paste - essentially like peanut butter), sometimes olive oil is also added, plus a ton of salt.  If it were me, I would go with the turkey...

so should i limit my hummus intake? i always thought of fit as kind of a healthy snack? with some veggies? i guess not! thanx for letting us all know!!!!  :)

It is a healthy snack, skater - go back and read susiecue's post.

Never could get into Hummus, I would do the turkey for the lunch. Try hummus in your home maybe you will like it yourself. I have seen it with olive oil, small amounts will be best.

Here's a thought.... Order 1 turkey and 1 hummus pitta between you.  Cut them in half when they arrive and then you can enjoy both!!! 

(Turkey is a nasty dry flavourless meat that doesn't deserve houseroom in a sandwich btw but that's just my rather biased and grumpy old woman's opinion...)

Well, fine, jane - you aren't invited to Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Not that you'd come, anyway... seeing as how you live on the other side of the ocean.

Like cc31 said, hummus CAN be loaded with calories, depending on how it is prepared, but it isn't bad at all. I get the pre-made kind at the grocery store (Atheno's brand) and it has like 50-60 cals per 2 TBSP. However, i've seen other brands that you can actually see the oil sitting on top and have higher calorie counts. It is really good though and definitely worht trying. Getting one of each between the two of you is a great idea!  That way if you don't like it, you still have something you know you will like!

Original Post by amethystgirl:

Well, fine, jane - you aren't invited to Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Not that you'd come, anyway... seeing as how you live on the other side of the ocean.

 Don't worry, we may not do Thanksgiving but I still get subjected to the awful creature every Christmas.  Brrrr.....

Both, Turkey-Hummus Pita FTW!

Hummus has a respectable amount of protein and fiber, it is also high in unsaturated fat.

Sorry!  I in no way meant to say it wasn't a healthy snack!! However, just as many other prepared foods, hummus CAN be a calorie buster depending on who makes it and the quantity/quality of ingredients used.  Peanut butter can also be healthy, just you have to watch the quantities if you're counting calories.  I was just trying to answer the "which option would be less calories/fat" part of the question.  That said, I agree that hummus is definitely a healthful snack with good protein and fiber, as well as delicious.  Especially if you make it yourself at home (SO easy!)

Hummus/houmous is heaven, imo. You can get low fat versions. I like one with a harissa spiced chickpea topping. And I've seen pesto toppings too.

I say share!

Gram for gram, turkey and hummus are relatively equal (so long as the hummus is not made with ++ amounts of olive oil, added yogurt/sour cream/ cottage cheese). But when making the pita, the coffee shop would most likely fill the pita with more grams of turkey than they would grams of hummus, so in terms of choosing your filling other things to consider are: turkey is a great source of vitamin B, protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids;hummus contains healthy unsaturated fats and fiber and some protein, hummus has no cholesterol, and is high in folate and magnesium. Both have their benefits, so the choice depends on your personal taste!

I love both turkey and hummus! If they let you, you could probably ask for a little bit of hummus to be added to the turkey pita. And if they don't, then since you've never had hummus before I'd be adventurous and go for that pita.

Personally I'd go with turkey AND hummus

like that mean old lady GI jane says, lol, turkey can be rather dry and flavorless... so the moisture and fat content of the hummus would spruce things up, adding flavor and more nutrition... and keep you satisfied with the mixture of healthy fats and protein

yes hummus can be high calorie, but I find it quite salty so I never need much (1-2 tablespoons should be plenty) and if it's made with quality natural ingredients and not have a ton of additives then it's all the better and more healthy for you... it contains healthy fats plus protein and some fiber

turkey= protein, and protein = filling... BUT what kind of turkey do they use? If it's deli turkey AVOID it! That stuff is usually full of unessary additives like extra salt, fillers, and SUGAR... if it's REAL turkey, then eat it

ALWAYS ask for it on whole wheat, don't add extras like mayo or sugary sauces, and LOAD it up on veggies

both options really arn't bad for calories, even if you get both.. the important thing though is that if it's REAL turkey and REAL hummus, then the calories are coming from QUALITY sources, which how you should choose your foods for optimal health and get the most nutrition for your calories

but if low calories are THAT important then you might as well just get a small lettuce pita with a diet coke, and only eat half...