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Calories are at the core of nutrition. You need calories to survive, but it’s also important to be conscious of how many you’re eating and where they are coming from. When you are trying to lose weight, your calorie intake is key because if you eat more than you burn, you won’t achieve your goals.
A lot of zero calorie foods may help you to lose weight. These foods are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that can speed up your metabolism and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
What Are Zero Calorie Foods?
Calories are a measurement of energy and are needed to fuel your body’s daily functions. There are foods that contain more calories than others, that’s why these are called “high calorie” foods.
Zero calorie foods, on the other hand, naturally contain very few or no calories at all. These foods often contain:
- Water – most fruits and vegetables are at least 80% water by weight
- Fiber – found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains
- Protein – found in animal products and some plants
Health Benefits of Zero Calorie Foods
Zero calorie foods offer a variety of health benefits that can help you lose weight. These foods:
- Are nutrient dense – they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your body needs to function properly
- Is satiating – helps you feel full and satisfied after eating so you’re less likely to overeat
- Boosts metabolism – some contain compounds that can increase your body’s calorie burning abilities
Top Zero Calorie Foods to Help You with Weight Loss
The foods in this list have either been shown to promote weight loss or are incredibly low in calories. You may start from this list if you’re looking for zero calorie foods to add to your diet.
Celery
It is a great source of water and fiber (both components are important for weight loss). One cup (100g) of celery contains a very small amount of calories – 16 cal.
Celery is often used as a base for other dishes or as a low-calorie snack. You can eat it raw, cooked, or make celery juice.
Cucumber
Like celery, cucumber is a great source of water and fiber. It also contains important vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin K.
Cucumbers are low in calories, with only 16 calories in a cup (100 grams). They can be eaten raw, pickled, or as part of another dish. Add some cucumbers to your soups or salads to give these more vitamins and flavor.
Spinach
It is packed with vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, magnesium, vitamin K, and iron. Spinach may speed up your metabolism and give you a feeling of fullness.
Spinach is incredibly low in calories because most of its weight comes from water. A cup (30 grams) of chopped spinach contains only 7 calories. Just like with celery, you can eat it raw, cooked, or make juice.
Watermelon
It is a great source of water and fiber. It contains a high concentration of vitamin C and some important antioxidants like lycopene.
One cup (152 grams) of watermelon contains only 30 calories. It can be eaten raw or as part of a fruit salad.
Lemon
Lemons contain a lot of vitamin C, which helps support immunity and skin health. They also contain flavonoids that have been shown to promote weight loss.
A single lemon contains only 16 calories and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s often added to water or tea as a natural flavor enhancer.
Iceberg Lettuce
One cup of it contains only 8 calories. This light green lettuce is also a great source of potassium and vitamin A.
Iceberg lettuce can be eaten raw, added to salads or wraps, or as part of another dish. It’s best if it is used soon after being cut as the leaves will start to wilt quickly.
Grapefruit
It is rich in vitamin C, fiber, which are important for weight loss. This citrus fruit has also been shown to lower insulin levels, which can lead to weight loss.
A half a grapefruit contains only 37 calories and can be eaten raw, juiced, or as part of a dish.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that have been shown to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Green tea contains caffeine that has been linked to losing weight.
You can enjoy your cup of green tea, no matter hot or cold. It’s best brewed with freshly-boiled water and steeped for at least three minutes.
There you have it – some of the best zero calorie foods around! By adding these foods to your diet, you can promote healthy weight loss while still getting the nutrients your body needs.