Calories are important. Your body needs them to maintain various organ functions and keep you active. But too much is not something you want. Eating low-calorie food is associated with weight control, better mood and improved overall health. But what are these foods? Well, they’re usually vegetables that are high in insoluble fibre and water content. On average every adult should have at least 1200 calories every day. Eating low-calorie food meets this caloric goal and makes you feel fuller for longer, which stops you from adding extra calories.
Apple
Low in calories and high in fibre. Apples are one of the most highly nutritious fruits. Eating them as a healthy snack will help with weight loss. The amount of calories present is so low that it gets mostly burned up during digestion. What is your favourite healthy snack?
Broccoli
Broccoli is known as a superfood because it’s dense with nutrients. One cup contains just 31 calories and a host of other health benefits. Along with antioxidants that detoxify the body, they are also high in fibre that slows down the release of glucose in the bloodstream.
Chia Seeds
Sprinkling just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds will add 60 calories. And will keep you full for a long time. It also enables tissue growth and repair, improves skin and hair. And even lowers the risk of developing dementia, depression or arthritis.
Watercress
Watercress is naturally low in calories and fat-free. Packed with the goodness of essential vitamins, phytochemicals and minerals. They lower the risk of potentially chronic diseases by neutralizing toxic free radicals.
Celery
Looking for a healthier low-calorie snack? Celery is perfect! So the secret is the high water content that makes it naturally low in calories. And one cup of it contains almost 18 calories, which isn’t a lot.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another low-calorie vegetable that ranks high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is so easy to prepare. And one cooked cup contains 33 calories. And virtually no fat. It also aids in weight loss, promotes glowing skin. And gives the immune system a boost!
Brussel sprouts
Eating high fibre, low-calorie food like Brussel sprouts not only keeps your blood sugar in check but also makes your weight loss dreams come true. Densely packed with nutrients eating them regularly keeps bones healthy.
Cauliflower
If you are thinking about losing weight then this low-calorie cruciferous vegetable should not be ignored. With one cup of cauliflower containing about 25 calories. Therefore they can be eaten worry-free, without adding on those extra pounds.
Carrots
A cup of raw carrot sticks have around 50 calories. Which makes for just 3% of the total calorie intake for the day. The goodness of natural compounds cuts off the growth of new fat cells that stops obesity. And therefore this low-calorie food can be your partner in your weight loss journey.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are an amazing source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. And did you know that peel and seeds are the most nutrient-dense parts? Along with fewer calories they also contain zero fat, carbs, sodium and cholesterol. And this is easy to go low-calorie food that can find its use in almost anything you wanna eat.
Lettuce
Lettuce comes in a variety of types. Low in calories and high in essential minerals this simple common leafy vegetable protects the heart. And also keeps you properly hydrated. Packed with vitamin A, K and brimming with antioxidants it’s also a weight loss-friendly vegetable.
Arugula
Arugula contains some of the most important nutrients. And these nutrients are essential for maintaining bone health, protecting heart health. And reducing the risk of developing some cancers. One cup of it contains just 5 calories and minimal fat. And being a green veggie it has folate, potassium and magnesium.
Beets
Beetroots have an impressive nutrition profile. Low in calories, they contain a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals. And the high nitrate content in them brings down high blood pressure. So eating it 2 to 3 hours prior to a sporting event or training session improves athletic performance.
Grapefruit
The health benefits of grapefruit can go on and on. Rich with nutrients and containing zero calories. Therefore it is one of the lowest-calorie fruit. Offering a decent amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals. They also give a boost to the immune system, control appetite, promote weight loss and manage diabetes.
Kale
The Health benefits of kale include managing high blood pressure, improving digestion. And protecting against the development of diabetes. Containing a wide range of nutrients like vitamin C, K, antioxidants and zero calories, and therefore kale prevents the development of various diseases. Kale also helps in cleansing the kidneys.
Lemon
Lemons are refreshing! With a medium-sized lemon containing just 20 calories. Lemmons are also a good source of vitamin C. And kick-starting your day with lemon water increases energy levels and boosts digestion. And they are also a great way of losing weight because of their ability to promote calorie burning.
Onion
Onions are rich in fibre, folic acid and essential vitamins. They are also low in caloric content. They have no sodium, fat or cholesterol. And they can be eaten raw or cooked. Onions are anti-inflammatory in nature. And therefore they protect heart health. They even work as a good immune booster.
Papaya
Papaya contains some medicinal properties and has a therapeutic effect. One small papaya has 59 calories. But it will leave you feeling full. It is also a great option for a mid-morning, healthy snack. It has powerful antioxidants, some anticancer properties. And even protects the skin from potential damage.
Radish
With virtually no fat, sugar or carbs, radishes are also low in calories. And this zingy, crunchy, delicious root vegetable is also a great source of vitamin C. Eating just one cup of it every day will provide antioxidants that have anti-diabetic properties, lowers blood sugar levels. And also reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Spinach
No healthy diet is complete without spinach. Other than being low in calories, these healthful leafy greens also contain various essential vitamins and folate. With just 7 calories in one cup, this superfood is responsible for keeping the skin glowing and body relaxed. While also promoting weight loss.
Strawberry
Close up of basket with strawberries on a garden wooden table.
Being an amazing source of potassium and vitamins is just not enough for strawberries. They are also sodium-free, fat-free and cholesterol-free, While also being low in calories. They are a must-add to your weight loss diet. This delicious, tangy fruit improves skin health. And also boosts immunity.
Tomato
It’s good to know that this versatile vegetable contains minimal calories. And one medium-sized tomato has just 16 calories. Enriched with the goodness of vitamin C, fibre and a special compound called lycopene. They are excellent for improving eyesight, digestion, And making bones stronger.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great hydrating fruit containing over 95% water. With around 100 grams containing 30 calories, eating this fruit as a snack will keep you away from unhealthy food. Did you know that watermelon is a great source of amino acids that burn fat?
Zucchini
Eating zucchini regularly is a great way of shedding some extra pounds. Available in a variety of colors from green to yellow, these power-packed vegetables are also nutritionally dense. Used to treat colds and aches. Zucchini is also rich in water. And low in calories making it an ideal choice for dieters.
Herbs
Herbs like basil, cress and dill along with different types of salt have minimal or no calories. They offer a pleasant fragrance. And a delicious taste that brings a dish together. Choosing herbs and spices to amp up the taste of an otherwise bland, flavourless dish is also a great way to eat healthily.
Mushroom
This earthy tasting vegetable is often used as a substitute for meat by vegetarians. Along with magnesium, zinc, minerals and copper, they contain just 15 calories in one diced cup. And they’re also loaded with riboflavin, a special compound responsible for healthy blood cell count.
Ginger
Ginger plays a major role in traditional medicine to beat the cold, flu, joint pain and muscle cramps. And 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger contains just 5 calories. And it also provides relief from inflammation, cures upset stomach and lowers blood sugar.
Jicama
Similar to a potato or a turnip, jicama is low in calories, sugar and fat while also being high in fibre. For people suffering from diabetes, jicama can be a great substitute for potatoes. Or other high starch and carb foods. And it is also a natural prebiotic. It is a rich source of antioxidants that promote balanced blood glucose levels.
Oatmeal
A cup of oatmeal cooked in water has just 150 calories. And to make it more filling, stir in half a cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt. And this way you’ll add 11g proteins but just 60 extra calories. You’ll never get bored with oatmeal if you mix things up with different ingredients. So try mixing it with almond butter and chia seeds or berries.
Conclusion
So well this is it for the low-calorie food. But don’t get the wrong idea. Because calories are important for the body to function smoothly. The problem begins when you eat too many calories and don’t burn them off. Because most food and drink contains gross amounts of calories. It is important to cut back on unhealthy stuff and choose low-calorie foods.
The post Achieve Weight Loss Goals with Low Calorie Food appeared first on Food Life Book.