Losing weight doesn’t have to mean being hungry all the time. One of the best ways to manage your weight is to supplement your diet with low- or no-calorie foods. These foods allow you to eat more volume while consuming fewer calories, helping you feel full without exceeding your daily energy limit. The best part? Many of these foods are packed with essential nutrients that nourish your body while losing weight.
Although the term “zero calories” is often thrown around randomly, true zero-calorie foods do not exist naturally outside of processed products like diet soda or artificial sweeteners. We’re actually talking about very low-calorie foods that can promote weight loss. Choosing foods that are naturally low in calories, like certain fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, can also help regulate your appetite.
According to a 2020 study In NutrientsThese foods are generally high in fiber and water, which means they take longer to digest, leaving you fuller for longer. By adding these low-calorie, high-fiber foods to your weekly menu, you’ll be less likely to consume high-calorie snacks throughout the day.
Beyond their weight loss benefits, these low-calorie foods are often rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support various bodily functions, including digestion, immune health and energy production.
To lose weight sustainably, you need to find a balance that works for you, and choosing the right foods can make all the difference. This is why we spoke with Destini Moody, RDN, CSSD, LDdietitian and sports dietitian at Garage Gym Reviews, who reveals the 10 best “zero calorie” foods for weight loss.
Peppers
Peppers are a vibrant, crunchy fruit that’s incredibly low in calories, just 31 calories per 100 gram serving. Their high water content and rich vitamin C levels make them a fantastic choice for controlling your calorie intake.
“Peppers are a great addition to meals like salads or scrambles because they add lots of bulk, helping you feel full while trying to lose weight,” says Moody.
Salsa
Salsa is a flavorful condiment that packs a punch without the added calories, offering only six calories for two tablespoons.
Moody says, “While losing weight, it’s a good idea to make high-calorie condiments like ranch and barbecue sauce one of the first things you cut out.” So putting salsa on foods like scrambled eggs can be a good substitute.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is more than a trendy health tonic: it contains only two calories per tablespoon.
“Unlike white vinegar, apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweet flavor, which has its uses,” says Moody. “Whisk a little apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey and a little Dijon mustard for a homemade dressing that you can use on salads or as a dip for very low-calorie but very flavorful vegetables.”
Small carrots
With only 35 calories per 100 gramsBaby carrots are a satisfying snack that can curb hunger without too many calories. Just be sure not to overdo it by pairing them with high-calorie dips.
“These little guys taste great on their own,” Moody says. “However, if you choose to use them as a container for dips like hummus or ranch, they are better for cutting calories than other common options like pita chips or crackers.”
RELATED: 12 Low-Calorie Foods for Weight Loss That Will Keep You Full
Pickles
Pickles are a surprisingly low-calorie snack, with only 14 calories per 100 grams.
Moody points out, “If you like snacking on pickles, you can afford to eat a good amount between meals to avoid cravings. »
Mustard
Just nine calories per tablespoonMustard is a low-calorie alternative to heavier condiments like mayonnaise and ketchup.
Moody advises: “It’s worth focusing on the mustard in your Rolodex condiment if you’re trying to lose weight.”
Mushrooms
In addition to being very versatile, mushrooms are also very low in calories at only 15 calories per cup.
“The umami flavor and texture of mushrooms can mimic ground meat,” says Moody. “So if you’re making a meat sauce for pasta, for example, you can reduce the amount of meat you use and replace it with chopped mushrooms.”
Strawberries
Strawberries (aka nature’s candy) are a deliciously sweet option to satisfy your sweet tooth, and they contain only 23 calories per half cup.
“If you ever have a sweet tooth, it’s hard to go wrong with berries,” Moody says.
Beets
Beets contain just 29 calories per half cup. And, according to researchBeets are full of heart-healthy nitrates that can improve cardiovascular health.
Moody suggests: “Slice them and toss them in a salad for a nice sweetness.” Roasted beets with a little goat cheese can also make a nice topping for bread like a crostini or even plain as a lunch salad. »
Kale
Kale is often considered a superfood, and for good reason: it only has seven calories per cup.
“There’s a reason why kale frequently appears in weight loss plans. Making your own kale chips at home is also a game-changing swap for chips if you ever need a late snack. evening,” says Moody.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
#ZeroCalorie #Foods #Weight #Loss
