Designing a weight-loss meal is essentially making sure the calories absorbed are greater than the calories consumed by your body. Therefore, calculating the calorie count of foods is extremely important. Here are 42+ zero-calorie foods must-try for weight loss.
Do you know what are zero-calorie foods?
In fact, there are very few foods that do not contain any calories. Most of the foods featured in this article still provide a certain amount of calories. Nevertheless, the calories needed to digest these foods balance the calories needed to absorb them. Thus, they are considered. “zero-calorie” foods.
These foods keep you full for a longer time with fewer calories. As a result, you don’t have to worry about eating these foods in large quantities.
Fruits are absolutely zero-calorie foods
1. Apple
A medium-sized apple contains about 100 calories but digests about 120 calories. Apple peels contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that helps boost metabolism. On the other hand, folic acid prevents weight gain.
2. Apricot
One serving of apricots provides 40 calories. At the same time, apricots are an excellent source of fiber, which helps the body break down the sugar found in fruit. It also contains high levels of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system.
3. Clementine
One clementine (74gr) contains 60% of the DV for vitamin C and just 35 calories. They are also known for their high vitamin C content.
4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains 42 calories per 100 grams of serving. Furthermore, it reduces bloating by flushing water out of the body.
5. Papaya
Papaya is a fruit rich in vitamin A and a good source of potassium. One cup (140 grams) of papaya has only 55 calories.
6. Strawberry
Studies show that eating berries can help protect you from chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. There are less than 50 calories in one cup (152 grams) of strawberries.
7. Watermelon
Despite its natural sweetness, watermelon is a low-calorie food. One cup of watermelon provides only 80 calories. Besides, watermelon contains arginine, an amino acid that aids in weight loss.
8. Lemon
The high content of vitamin C and antioxidants in lemons promotes immunity and fights infections. Do you know, one hundred gram serving provides only 29 calories.
Read more: Healthy Meal Plan For Weight Loss
Vegetables
Leafy greens
9. Arugula
Arugula is rich in vitamin K and also contains folate, calcium and potassium. One-half cup (10 grams) of arugula has only three calories
10. Broccoli
This cruciferous vegetable contains only 25 calories per half-cup. Furthermore, one cup of broccoli contains as much fiber and vitamin C as an orange.
11. Cauliflower
Cauliflower provides 25 calories per 100 grams of serving. This food is very healthy, for the digestive system and the heart.
12. Cabbage
Cabbage contains 25 calories per 100 grams of serving. Its calories are so low that you’ll burn more than you eat.
13. Celery
Celery stalk on average contains about 3 calories and a high amount of nutrients. One cup of celery can provide one-third of the recommended daily value of vitamins A, K, folate, fiber and potassium.
14. Chard
Chard is a type of green leaf that comes in many varieties. One cup (36 grams) of radish has only 7 calories and contains 374% DV for vitamin K.
15. Kale
Kale provides protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It contains 23 calories per 100 grams of serving.
16. Iceberg Lettuce
Ice lettuce is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A and folate. One cup (72 grams) of ice lettuce has only 10 calories.
17. Lettuce
Lettuce is water by nature, so it is virtually impossible to gain weight from it. Each cup of lettuce contains only 8 calories.
18. Romaine Lettuce
The caloric content of romaine lettuce is very low as it is high in water and high in fiber. In fact, one leaf (6 grams) of romaine lettuce has only one calorie.
19. Spinach
Spinach contains more vitamin K, vitamin A and folate and has more protein than some other leafy vegetables. One cup (30 grams) of spinach has only 7 calories.
20. Watercress
One cup (34 grams) of this vegetable provides 106% DV for vitamin K, 24% DV for vitamin C, and 22% DV for vitamin A – and all have only 4 calories.
Tubers
21. Beet
100 grams of beets provide 43 calories. In addition to being low in calories, beetroot also contains betalain, an antioxidant that prevents premature aging.
22. Carrot
Two medium-sized carrots contain only 50 calories. Carrots are also rich in antioxidants, folate, potassium and magnesium.
23. Jicama
One cup (120 grams) of jicama has over 40% DV for vitamin C and only 46 calories.
24. Radish
Radish has several beneficial nutrients and has only 19 calories per cup (116 grams).
25. Rutabaga
Rutabaga tastes similar to radish and is a popular substitute for potatoes in recipes for reducing carbs. One cup (140 grams) of rutabaga has 50 calories and only 11 grams of carbohydrates.
26. Summer Squash
Summer squash is filled with fiber that fights the stomach. In addition, squash improves eye and bone health. In fact, a cup of summer squash contains only 15 calories.
27. Turnip
Radish won’t have much of an effect on your calories as it contains only 28 calories per serving. Besides, it contains glucosinolates, an anti-cancer compound.
28. Zucchini
This versatile vegetable provides only 17 calories per 100 grams of serving. The manganese in zucchini helps to process fats, carbohydrates and glucose in the body.
Herbs and Spices
29. Bell Pepper
A medium-sized bell pepper provides the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 75% of vitamin A. Besides, this sweet and delicious vegetable also contains potassium, folic acid, lycopene and fiber. A 100 gram serving of bell peppers will add only 30 calories to your diet.
30. Broth
There are many types of broths, including chicken, beef and vegetables. However, depending on the broth type, one cup – or about 8 ounces – usually contains 7–12 calories.
31. Fennel
Undoubtedly, fennel is a mild licorice-flavored root vegetable. It has 27 calories in one cup (87 grams).
32. Garlic
Garlic contains oils that help remove fat cells from the body. In fact, 100 grams of garlic contains only 23 calories.
33. Mushroom
When digested, mushrooms will produce anti-cancer substances, enhance the body’s immunity. Besides, the high content of vitamin D in mushrooms assists in the absorption of canxi. One hundred grams of portabella mushrooms provide 22 calories and Chanterelle mushrooms contain 38 calories per serving.
34. Onion
Although the flavor varies by type, all onions are very low in calories – an average onion (110 grams) has about 44.
35. Pepper
There are only 46 calories in one cup (149 grams) of chili. Moreover, chili contains many antioxidants and can protect the body from the harmful effects of oxidation.
36. White Mushroom
Mushrooms contain many important nutrients and are only 15 calories per cup (70 grams).
Other vegetables
37. Asparagus
Half a cup of cooked asparagus only has 20 calories. Asparagus helps to flush water out of the body. Furthermore, asparagine, an alkaloid chemical in asparagus helps to break down fat cells, reducing overall weight.
38. Brussels Sprout
Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C. Clearly, they only have 38 calories per cup (88 grams).
39. Cucumber
Cucumber contains only 15 calories per cup. Besides, cucumbers also contain vitamins C, K, potassium and silica, a compound that helps build connective tissue.
40. Kelp
A 4-ounce serving of kelp provides only 6 calories. In addition, kelp contains alginate, a natural fiber that prevents fat absorption and prevents weight gain.
41. Sugar snap peas
Snap peas are highly nutritious. In fact, they contain almost 100% of the DV for vitamin C for only 41 calories in one cup (98 grams)
42. Tomato
Tomatoes contain high amounts of fiber, are low in calories, and contain many essential nutrients. Moreover, the good folate content in tomatoes supports cell growth. Tomatoes contain 17 calories per 100 grams of serving.
Drinks are also zero-calorie foods
43. Green Tea
Green tea is a completely calorie-free beverage when consumed without sugar. In addition, it contains EGCG, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Also, it boosts metabolism, helping you maximize calorie burn.
44. Water
In fact, water does not contain calories.
45. Black Coffee
Black coffee has only 2 calories per cup (237 grams).
In the end, you have a list of zero-calorie foods to try for weight loss, but it’s worth mentioning that counting calories only allows you to judge your diet from a quantitative perspective rather than quality. Therefore, avoid choosing foods based solely on their caloric content. Consider both their vitamin and mineral content.
Read more:
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