I was shocked to find out that my favorite store-bought hummus is made with canola oil! We want to avoid unhealthy fats like canola oil because they are inflammatory. Inflammation is a problem for everyone, but can especially worsen troublesome symptoms for our autistic kids.
Instead of inflammatory fats like canola oil, do your best to use healthy fats like these:
- Olive oil (unheated)
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
I’m back to making my own hummus now. Here’s my recipe:
- 1 head of garlic – roasted with avocado oil in oven until tender – usually 420 degrees F for 20-30 minutes
- 2-3 tbsp organic olive oil
- 2 cans of organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1/2 pound raw organic chickpeas, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup organic lemon juice
- 8 tbsp organic sesame tahini
- 6 tbsp water
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (to me, this amount adds flavor without making it spicy)
Blend all ingredients together (a food processor works best, but I usually just use a Blendtec blender). If it’s too thick, add a little more olive oil or water until the consistency is how you like it. Taste and adjust acid and salt levels as desired.
Another area where you can switch out unhealthy fats for healthy ones is in your salad dressing. We use organic olive oil and balsamic vinegar. My kids love it (and they don’t ask for ranch dressing)!
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing a great job.
I hope this information has been helpful to you as part of creating Your Autism Game Plan.
What have you done to incorporate more protein into your child’s diet? Email me at joya@yourautismgameplan.com
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