Zero calorie foods for weight loss!… What does that even mean? Do I have to eat salad all day every!? Absolutely not!
16 Zero Calorie Foods For Weight Loss | Healthy Foods to Lose Weight | Natural Weight Loss Tips | Avocadu.com
What makes a food “zero calories?”
The theory of zero calorie foods is that the body will burn more calories metabolizing and cooking the food than the calories the food contains.
This is a process called thermogenesis, and it’s how your body heats itself up.
So it doesn’t mean that the food literally contains ZERO calories. It does contain some calories, but the body burns off more calories eating and digesting the food than the food itself contains.
Cool, right?
So make sure you add more of these foods to your diet any chance you get! They will keep you away from calories and still fill you up.
The zero calorie foods for weight loss were selected based on two criteria:
The first was that they must be full of nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants for your health.
The second is that they must be under 100 calories per 1 cup serving.
So, no, coke zero does NOT count. Neither does any other food loaded up with artificial sugar in order to fly under the radar as “zero calories.”
16 Zero Calorie Foods for Weight Loss
Apples
Apples - #1 on the list of zero calorie foods
Apples are one of the healthiest fruits on the planet, containing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and even pectin (which has been shown to reduce hunger).
Eating an apple can be a great snack between lunch and dinner because it will keep the body full while providing a small energy boost.
Broccoli is a superfood with the ability to lower the risk of cancer, raise vitamin D, C and K, provide healthy fiber, and it even contains a small amount of protein.
Note* Taking Vitamin D is very important because over 75% of people are deficient. Our favorite brand is Naturewise, which produces the highest quality organic non-GMO vitamin D supplement on the market today.
Broccoli also provides the unique benefits of lowering inflammation, helping with stress, and detoxifying the body. Broccoli is best cooked steamed, blanched, or roasted and can be paired with a variety of foods!
Calories per cup – 30 k/cal
Asparagus
Asparagus is the third of our zero calorie foods, is often paired with a variety of foods, and has significant health benefits. Containing high amounts of vitamin K, folate, copper, fiber, and vitamin B1, it is a nutrient-dense food with powerful health benefits.
Grilling and steaming asparagus are popular options, but it can also be added raw to a salad!
Calories per cup – 27 k/cal
Watermelon
Watermelon - #4 on the list of zero calorie foods
Watermelon is a delicious, low-calorie treat that can be enjoyed without the guilt. Not only is it naturally sweet, but it contains many antioxidants and is low in calories.
Make sure that 1 or 2 cups worth doesn’t turn into a dozen. A strategic way to eat watermelon is to save it for after your dinner for a healthy dessert.
Calories per cup – 47 k/cal
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a delicious nutrient powerhouse.
They contains polyphenols that reduce the rates of cancer and can help manage stress levels because they contain multiple B vitamins (B1, B5, B7, Biotin). Because cucumbers primarily consist of water and fiber, they also provide support to the body’s digestive health.
Throw them on a delicious low-cal salad or enjoy them in a refreshing glass of cucumber water!
Calories per cup – 16 k/cal
Oranges
Oranges are known for having lots of vitamin C, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin A, and calcium.
This is another great option if you are at work or just looking for a quick snack to kill your cravings. They have also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease because of their addition of potassium to a diet.
Eating oranges will help keep a low caloric load for the day and keep you healthy and happy.
Calories per cup – 85 k/cal
Celery
Celery - #7 on the list of zero calorie foods
Celery has long been touted as a zero calorie food.
It is a good source of vitamin K and water, so it can be filling. However, there is an obvious problem with this food: It has virtually no taste. People tend to add peanut butter or cream fillings to this snack, which runs up the calorie count.
To maximize the benefits, eat celery with your meal in soups or in your green smoothies.
Calories per cup – 16 k/cal
Lemons
People won’t be sitting around the dinner table serving lemons as an appetizer anytime soon, but this food packs a powerful punch and should be added to your healthy meals. They are a great source of vitamin C and do wonders for your liver and digestive system.
Add them to any food to zest up the flavor, or squeeze them in a glass oflemon waterfor a quick detox. Lemons also contain a surplus of antioxidants and virtually no calories.
Calories per cup – 61 k/cal
Sugar Snap Peas
These little guys are high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B, and many other minerals the body needs.
If making a healthy stir-fry or are looking to try a new healthy snack, give them a try! Cook them in the oven or on the stove, and add a little salt to flavor!
They contain large amounts of vitamin C and other antioxidants, but they are best known for their high concentration of lycopene. Lycopene has been repeatedly shown to fight cancer and ward off heart disease.
This food makes a great addition to your salads or even a delicious pico recipe.
Calories per cup – 32 k/cal
Kale
There’s simply no better way to say it: Eat. More. Kale.
It is considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and contains high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, antioxidants, and has been shown to lower cholesterol.
The best ways to consume more kale are through green smoothies, adding them to salads, or by making kale chips!
Calories per cup – 33 k/cal
Grapefruit
Grapefruits are often associated with dieting and have long been promoted as an incredibly healthy breakfast item. They are loaded with vitamins and are low in calories, but they really shine from their large amount of anti-aging antioxidants.
Calories per cup – 97 k/cal
Onions
Onions - #13 on the list of zero calorie foods
Onions are a delicious and flavorful addition to any meal. They have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, support bone tissue, lower inflammation, and lower your risk of certain cancers.
They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of different ways to help with weight loss goals.
Calories per cup – 46 k/cal
Carrots
Carrots are not normally known for being low in calories, but they are. They are known to protect eyesight, but they also have plenty of antioxidants and are a natural diuretic.
This helps with digestion and keeping the body’s natural inflammation in check. Carrots can be added to salads, served cooked with your main dish, or can be used as a stand-alone snack making them an incredibly versatile low-calorie food!
They provide a bountiful source of magnesium, fiber, and folate in your diet. They also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are powerful phytonutrients that fight off many forms of cancer.
Calories per cup – 21 k/cal
Cauliflower
Cauliflower - #16 on the list of zero calorie foods
Another great side dish with a similar shape and consistency to broccoli is cauliflower. It provides many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits from its rich stores of Vitamins K and C.
The best way to cook this veggie is to eat it raw or lightly steam it as a side dish before serving. It’s a great low-calorie mix-up from the typical green veggies and will provide you with a different variety of nutrients and benefits.
If you’re looking for some healthy tools to keep your diet on track, make sure to check out our healthy magnets from Amazon!
No more putting greasy, dirty fingers on your cell phone or tablet while you’re in the kitchen trying to look up your favorite recipe! These magnets are easier to follow and go a long way to keeping your kitchen germ-free(cell phones are notorious for harboring germs).
They also make very unique gifts for friends and family for holidays or birthdays. It’s a great solution when you’re looking for that gift for the person who already has every kitchen gadget known to man!
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