You’ve probably heard this golden diet mantra a zillion times and perhaps even followed it at one point or another. However, feeling dissatisfied at the conclusion of a meal becomes tiresome after a while. Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to gorge yourself until you’re unable to eat anymore, and to do it guilt-free?
You can do so if you nibble on foods that have no calories or negative calories. The items in this category include some calories, but only a tiny quantity, so that the energy expended in preparing, consuming, and digesting them outweighs the calories they contain.
So go ahead and indulge yourself:
Celery
A celery stick is composed primarily of water, with the remainder consisting primarily of fiber, which helps you feel full for a longer period of time. Despite the fact that a 100-gram portion includes only 16 calories, it contains a significant amount of vitamin C, A, and K, as well as antioxidants. So, eat celery sticks with a pinch of salt or whip up a fat-free dip to go with them to get your nutrients.
Cucumber
Cucumber is the perfect food for weight watchers because it has only 16 calories in a 100-gram serving. It’s delicious as a salad, cold soup, or even blended into a smoothie. Cucumbers contain 95 percent water, making them one of the most hydrating meals available, making them ideal for summer days when the weather is hot. It also includes an anti-inflammatory flavonol known as ‘fisetin,’ which has been shown to have a positive effect on brain health.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, pizza toppings, and soups. The best part is that a cup of mushrooms only has 15 calories in it. They include a significant quantity of vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of the calcium found in the cheese used in pizza. They are also high in B vitamins, which have been shown to improve mood and provide an energy boost that lasts for several hours.
Cabbage
It doesn’t matter if you consume cabbage as a side dish or as a soup; a 100-gram serving includes only 25 calories. Sabzi is a popular dish in India, and it’s easy to see why. The added benefit is that the leafy green is high in critical vitamins, such as folate and manganese, and it also has anti-cancer effects.
Zucchini
Fill your pasta with zucchini slices to substantially reduce the amount of fat in your meal. A 100-gram serving of this cucumber-looking vegetable contains only 17 calories. Zucchini is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, niacin, and other vital vitamins, and it is a good source of fiber.
Spinach
Popeye had made an intelligent decision. This leafy green is both healthful and filling, making it a great addition to any meal. According to the most recent research, spinach includes a chemical known as thylakoid, which can decrease fat absorption, hence lowering appetite and food cravings, particularly in males. Aside from that, the thylakoid stimulates the release of satiety hormones, which allows you to feel satisfied after eating.
Tomatoes
This zesty delight is hailed as one of the “healthiest foods available” and includes only 17 calories per 100 grams, according to the manufacturer. Because tomatoes contain lycopene, they may be beneficial in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. The next time you’re hungry, try a bruschetta made with whole wheat toast and lots of tomato on your sandwich.
Watermelon
This is one delectable delicacy that you may indulge in without feeling guilty because it contains only 30 calories per 100 grams. Watermelon, in addition to its pleasant taste, includes antioxidants and helps to speed up the metabolism.
Papaya
Although papaya contains more calories per 100-gram portion than the other items on this list (43 calories per 100-gram serving), it is quite filling, and you will surely eat less at your next meal as a result. The delicious fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, including as beta-cryptoxanthin, which helps to lower the risk of polyarthritis, a disorder that affects multiple joints at the same time, by reducing inflammation.
Green tea
Enjoy a cup of green tea to round out your low-calorie lunch. The zero-calorie beverage has a thermogenic effect, which means it boosts the body’s temperature, increases metabolic rate, and assists in the burning of calories more quickly. It also contains a high concentration of antioxidants.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is extremely nutritious and should be included in your diet. It is high in fiber, as well as nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, as well as water. Only 34 calories are included in 100 grams of the veggie. Several studies have found that broccoli can be beneficial in both reducing and maintaining weight, making it a zero-calorie food in practice.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another cruciferous vegetable that is related to broccoli and belongs to the same family. On the other hand, cauliflower contains only 25 calories per 100 g and is composed of 92 percent of water, along with 2.5 g of fiber. It is an excellent vegetable to include in your weight-loss diet plan.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a delicious, green leafy vegetable that is frequently consumed all over the world. The lettuce is consumed in a variety of forms, depending on the type of lettuce that is available. Lettuce is a low-calorie food, containing only 17 calories per 100 grams of vegetable. It is for this reason that it is a highly popular ingredient in salads and sandwiches, which are frequently taken in order to reduce or maintain weight.
Carrots
Carrots are well-known for their health benefits, which include those for the eyes, skin, and other organs. They are high in vitamin A and E and low in calories, making them a healthy snack option. Vegetables such as carrots are low in calories and high in water content, making them an excellent addition to any weight loss diet.