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Zero-calorie foods are one of the best things you can eat for weight loss. A zero-calorie food does not mean it contains no calories at all. The calories are very low and the calories your body burn while digesting them is higher so it falls into a negative. You are burning more calories eating them than is being stored.
The healthiest low-calorie foods to eat are fruits and non-starchy vegetables. Carbohydrates tend to be high in calories while some proteins can be small as well. If you are on a weight loss diet plan and looking for more foods to include in your diet then read on. Part of the problem of dieting is that it tends to be boring. With these foods, you will be able to switch things up and still be satisfied.
1. Cauliflower
Cauliflowers are a family of the cabbage plant. You can identify it by its white head inside green leaves. Some rare varieties of it have purple, orange, and yellow heads. They are very nutritious and can be filling. It also includes different plant compounds that may reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Additionally, it’s weight loss friendly and incredibly easy to add to your diet.
- 128 grams of cauliflower is 25 calories
Some recipe ideas: roasted cauliflower, mashed cauliflower, cauliflower soup, and cauliflower rice.
Korean-Style Popcorn Cauliflower
image credit: PureWow
2. Kale
Kale is a leafy green that has gained popularity in recent years for its impressive nutritional benefits. This vegetable is one of the richest sources of vitamin K in the world. It has close to seven times the amount of vitamin K than the average person needs per day. Given its incredibly low-calorie content, kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. Eating more kale is a great way to dramatically increase the total nutrient content of your diet.
- One cup of Kale is 34 calories
Some recipe ideas: You can find kale in salads, smoothies, and vegetable dishes.
Toasted And Parmesan Kale Salad
Image credit: Pinch of Yum
3. White Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungus with a sponge-like texture. Vegetarians and vegans sometimes use them as a substitute for meat. Mushrooms comprise protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These components can have various health benefits.
- A cup of mushrooms contains 15 calories
Recipe ideas: stirfry mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms
Spinach Mushroom Strata
Image credit: The Modern Proper
4. Rutabaga
Rutabaga is a root vegetable also known as swede. It tastes similar to turnips and is a popular substitute for potatoes in recipes to decrease the number of carbs. This makes it a great weight loss option for those who love potatoes but for the lower carbs.
- 148 grams of rutabaga has 50 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates
Recipe ideas: roasted rutabaga, rutabaga fries, rutabaga hash, etc
Rutabaga Fries with Zesty Cashew Dipping Sauce
Image credit: Its A Veg World After All
5. Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas are a delicious variety of peas. Their pods are entirely edible and have a sweet flavor. They’re typically eaten raw on their own or with a dip, yet can also be added to vegetable dishes and salads. Snap peas are highly nutritious and contain almost 100% of the DV for vitamin C.
- A cup contains only 41 calories
Recipe ideas: sugar snap peas stir fry
Lemon chicken with sugar snap peas
6. Asparagus
Asparagus is a flowering vegetable that comes in green, white, and purple varieties. All types of asparagus are healthy, but purple asparagus has compounds called anthocyanins that may help prevent heart disease. It is rich in vitamin K and folate, providing 70% and 17% of the DVs, respectively.
- 134 grams of asparagus has only 27 calories
Recipe ideas; roasted asparagus, blanched asparagus, asparagus salad
Roasted Lemon Honey Garlic Asparagus
Image credit: The Recipe Critic
7. Cabbage
Cabbage is a vegetable with green or purple leaves. Also, it’s a common ingredient in slaws and salads. Fermented cabbage is known as sauerkraut.
- Contains only 22 calories per cup (89 grams)
Recipe ideas: cabbage slaw, sauteed cabbage, roasted cabbage
Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing
Image credit: Well Plated
8. Brocolli
Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables on the planet. It’s a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables and may help fight cancer. Over 100% of the amount of vitamin C that most people need per day.
- One cup (91 grams) of broccoli has only 31 calories
Recipe ideas:
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Image credit: Dinner At The Zoo
9. Watermelon
As its name suggests, watermelon is a very hydrating fruit. It tastes delicious on its own or paired with fresh mint and feta. Watermelon contains some of the most beneficial nutrients and a high amount of vitamin C.
- There are 46 calories in one cup (152 grams) of diced watermelon
Recipe ideas: watermelon lime smoothie
Watermelon Smoothie Recipe
Image credit: Cooking LSL
10. Zucchini
Zucchini is a green type of summer squash. They are similar to cucumbers and have a fresh taste. It has a delicate taste that makes it a versatile addition to recipes. Spiralizing zucchini as a substitute for higher-carb noodles has become very popular.
- Only 18 calories per cup (124 grams)
Recipe ideas: zucchini crisps, zucchini noodles
Garlic Shrimp Zoodles
Image credit: Salt & Lavender
Final Thoughts
As stated earlier, one of the best ways to get rid of some pounds is by eating foods low in calories. The 10 food ideas listed here are just a few I personally eat and find filling. However, there are other low-calorie food ideas that will be perfect as in-between meal snacks because of how light they are.
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