A recent study by Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, revealed a connection between women who made regular snacks of hummus and slimmer waistlines. Apparently, it's all about the fiber.

Doctors and nutritionists have long known that fiber keeps you fuller longer, and chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus, are full of it. It's also rich in good fats and slow-digesting carbs and protein, say the researchers, which makes it such a virtuous — and effective — snack for keeping hunger at bay.

Feeling snacky all of a sudden? Treat your waistline to one of these deliciously healthy hummus recipes:

Herbed Hummus

<p>This year, revamp party food with recipes that make it easy to have the gang over and keep your resolutions intact. Jazz up purchased hummus with a combination of fresh herbs that add bright flavor to this green dip.</p><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/herbed-hummus-recipe-mslo1112" target="_blank"><b>Herbed Hummus</b></a></p>
Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Hum-Dinger Hummus

From Big Snacks, Little Meals
Steve Mann

Red Pepper Hummus with Hot Paprika

<p>Using jarred roasted red peppers makes this hummus super-easy and fast. A generous sprinkle of hot paprika and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil are all that are needed to dress it up.</p><p><strong>Recipe:</strong> <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/red-pepper-hummus-hot-paprika-recipe-fw0313%22%3E%3Cstrong%3ERed Pepper Hummus with Hot Paprika </strong></a></p>
Heather Chontos

Homemade Hummus

<p>Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.</p><br /> <b>Recipe: </b><a href="/recipefinder/homemade-hummus-recipe-mslo1211" target="_blank"><b>Homemade Hummus</b></a>
Courtesy of Martha Stewart

White Bean Hummus with Kalamata Relish

<p>Joan Rivers and Martha make hors d'oeuvres inspired by the best picture nominees, including this White Bean Hummus topped with salty, savory Kalamata Relish.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/white-bean-hummus-kalamata-relish-recipe" target="_blank"><b>White Bean Hummus with Kalamata Relish</b></a></p>
Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Cucumber Dill Hummus

<p>Fragrant dill makes this hummus a natural accompaniment to smoked salmon, cucumber crudités, or rye bread.</p> <p><strong>Recipe:</strong> <a href="../../../recipefinder/cucumber-dill-hummus-recipe-opr0811" target="_blank"><strong>Cucumber Dill Hummus</strong></a></p>
Ditte Isager

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