A healthy diet is essential for every human being. It contains all essential nutrients, from carbohydrates to proteins and minerals. A health conscious person should have a proper balance of nutrient-rich foods with zero-calorie foods or low calorie foods. You need to know what low-calorie foods you can pair with nutrient-rich foods, especially when you are on a weight loss journey. Here are some common foods that contain no calories or are very low in calories:
1. Water
Water is the drink or food item that has no calories. It is truly a zero calorie food. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Increase your water intake in summer. After freezing water into ice, you can consume it as ice cubes/chips to hydrate yourself.
2. Apples
As a popular fruit, apples are highly nutritious. According to a study of the US Department of Agriculture, an apple of 109 grams has 3 grams of dietary fiber and provides 62 calories. Apart from being low in calories, it is a rich source of potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants compounds such as flavonoid quercetin.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the food items or foods that are very low in calories. Available in an extensive array of colors such as red, green, and white, it is a common ingredient in salads, sales, and dishes like kimchi and sauerkraut. A cup of cabbage, around 89 grams, has only 22 calories.
4. Cauliflower
Usually, we see cauliflower with a white head that lies inside green leaves. However, you can come across cauliflower with a yellow, orange, or purple head in rare cases. A cup of cauliflower, around 155 grams cooked cauliflower, has only 8-gram carbohydrates and provides only 40 calories. Due to which, it is an ideal substitute for grains or vegetables with high carbs.
5. Watermelon
As per its name, watermelon is a highly hydrating fruit or food item. While you consume it alone or by pairing it with feta cheese and mint, watermelon tastes delicious. Apart from water content, it contains many good nutrients such as vitamin C. A cup of sliced watermelon of around 154 grams has only 46 calories.
6. Cucumbers
Commonly used for salads, cucumbers are a refreshing food item. Due to very high water content, cucumbers are very low in calories. A half cup of cucumbers, around 52 grams, has only 8 calories. People consume it as salads to make a low calorie base for their high protein foods such as tuna and chicken.
7. Grapes
Highly acknowledged for their tart flavor, grapes have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. People consume grapes alone or with fish, salad, or yogurt. Its consumption helps you make your brain and heart health better. A half cup of grapes, around 123 grams, has only 37 calories.
8. Beets
Available in vibrant colors like orange and red, beets have a good amount of manganese, protein, betalains, and heart-health-promoting properties. A cup of beets, around 170 grams, has only 74 calories.
9. Broccoli
As a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is highly nutritious. According to a study of the National Institutes of Health, consuming broccoli could lower risks of certain cancers and heart diseases. A cup of cooked broccoli, around 155 grams, contains only 54 calories and provides more than 100% of daily vitamin C needs.
10. Carrots
Disclaimer - The texts with tips or advice mentioned here are only for generic information, but not for a substitute of medical advice. Before applying any advice or tips, you should consult a respective doctor or expert. ATT is not responsible if you have any bad impacts on your health.