When we eat, our body needs energy to digest that food, and
when our body use more calories to digest foods than they provide in calories
the foods are called to be zero calories foods. In other words, a food is
considered “zero-calorie” when the calories burned through its consumption and
digestion are less than or equal to the total calories in the food itself. Put
simply, if a mushroom only has five calories but your body expends 10 calories
digesting it, it’s a zero-calorie food.
These foods are very good when are included in a diet for weight loss as they
are not adding significant number of calories to our body but we will get a lot
of micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals. These foods are also high in
fiber and water and loaded with antioxidants. If you are doing planning for
getting rid of extra body fat, start adding a few zero-calorie foods in your
plate while you are having your meals, initially start including zero calories
food to your daily meals up to 30 %, you can increase this amount up to 50 %.
Through this simple and easy way, you would be able to limit your consumption of
fatty and caloric foods and can go a long way toward helping you lose that extra
weight.
Below is a list of foods with almost zero calories:
1. Cucumber: 100 gm of cucumber contains just 10 calories. Cucumbers have a
large number of polyphenols (substances loaded with antioxidants and a number of
other health benefits). Cucumbers are also loaded with vitamins B. Cucumbers are
great for the digestive system as have significant amount of water and fibers.
2. Eggplant/ Brinjal: 100 gm of brinjal contains 20 calories. They contain
fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 and are also loaded with antioxidants like
polyphenols. Iron and copper are top listed minerals present in brinjals.
3. Apples: 100 gm of apple contains only 52 calories. Apple is one of the
healthiest fruits having antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Pectin is also
present in apple; it also provides a good amount of water and fiber.
4. Beetroots: 100 gm of Beetroot contains only 30 calories having a number of
essential minerals, vitamins and plant compounds. Folate, potassium, iron and
manganese are important micro nutrients
5. Melons: 100 gm of water melon contains 30 calories, 100 gm of cantaloupe
contains 34 calories. All types of melons are very hydrating and loaded with
vitamins and minerals, melons also contain antioxidants.
6. Carrots: 100 gm of carrots contains 40 calories. Carrots are good for eye
health and are also natural diuretics they help in digestion and reduce
inflammation.
7. Cabbage: 100 gm of cabbage contains only 21 calories. Cabbage is loaded with
fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients.
8. Tomatoes: 100 gm of tomatoes contains only 17 calories. Tomatoes contain a
high quantity of lycopene which is cancer fighting agent and also helpful
against heart disease. A large amount of vitamin C and antioxidants are also
present in tomatoes.
9. Cauliflower:100 gm of cauliflower contains 31 calories with a large quantity
of antioxidants and fiber.
10. Mushrooms:100 gm of white mushroom contain 20 calories. Mushrooms are loaded
with vitamin D and vitamins B.
11. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables: These vegetables are loaded with
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with very low calories for example: 100 gm
of spinach contains just 10 calories, celery, lettuce, mustard leaves and many
other leafy vegetables are included in this group.
12. Broth: One cup of broth contains 7-12 calories depending on the type of
broth I.e. chicken, beef, mutton and vegetable broth.
13. Grape Fruit: There are 52 calories in half a grapefruit with a number of
vitamins and antioxidants. Certain compounds in grapefruit may also decrease
cholesterol levels and increase metabolism.
14. Lemon: Lemon is full of vitamin C, juice of one lemon will give approx. 11
calories.
15. Herbal Teas and Black Coffee: Most herbal teas have zero to very few
calories, while black coffee has only 2 calories per cup
Turnips. Radish, Zucchini, Apricots, Papaya, Strawberry, Kale, Leaks, Onion,
Green Beans, Bell Peppers and Garlic are also almost zero calories foods.
So, start adding zero-calorie foods in your plate while you are having your
meals. Eventually work your way up to a 30% to 50% content in your daily meals
and you will be going to see amazing improvements to your health. This simple
way, will limit your consumption of fatty and caloric foods and can go a long
way toward helping you lose that extra weight.