Do you want to lose weight and have a slimmer body that is free of surplus and dangerous fat? Did you know that your diet, i.e. the types of foods you eat, is crucial for your weight loss outcome?
Were you aware that eating ingredients with low calories and abundance of important nutrients is crucial for successful shedding of pounds?
Thanks to our amazing list with 10 low calorie foods, you can increase your chances of loss of weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. They will help you decrease the consumed calories throughout the day and thus, enable weight loss.
Namely, weight loss, as you may already know, happens when you regularly intake fewer calories than the amount you burn on the daily.[1]
No matter the reasons for your weight loss, these 10 foods low in calories are a must! Thanks to our comprehensive list, you will learn more about the following diet elements:
- Which foods are nutritious and low in calories
- How to adopt a healthy outlook on food
- How to benefit from food and encourage weight loss
If you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, drop those extra pounds, and have a toned and slim body, stay with us until the end. We will show you 22 tasty, nutritious, and low-calorie foods that will nourish your body and mind, improve your overall health, and help you lose pounds!
22 Low Calorie Foods for Optimal Weight Loss
1. Berries
When we say berries, we refer to fruits like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. These fruits are rich in crucial nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are pivotal for good health.
Moreover, thanks to its abundance in fiber, they are able to help you encourage weight loss and to lower hunger. Moreover, berries are an excellent source of pectin, a type of fiber which was found to slow down the emptying of the stomach and thus, increasing the satiety.
Consequently, this may be of aid in decreasing the intake of calories and the dropping of pounds.
These foods, according to a study, when consumed as an afternoon snack (65 calories), lowered the later consumption of calories when compared to other confectionery snack with the same calorie amount. [2]
Low in calories, tasty, versatile, and healthy, berries should definitely be a part of every healthy diet!
Facts about berries:
- Versatile and tasty fruits
- Rich in nutrients
- Low in calories
Pros:
- Improves the overall health
- Reduces hunger
- Prolongs the satiety
Cons:
- Lower the blood sugar (important for people with diabetes)
- Some commercially-grown berries may contain pesticides
2. Eggs
Did you know that eggs are rich in different types of nutrients, yet have low calories? Namely, one large egg contains around 72 calories, 6 grams of protein, and several vitamins and minerals.
According to research, consuming eggs for breakfast is crucial for reduction of hunger and for prolonging satiety. What’s more, a study concluded that the women who consumed eggs for breakfast rather than a bagel were fuller during the rest of the day and ate 105 fewer calories. [3]
Eggs are among the foods that will supply you with proteins and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy snacks, but they will also slow down the stomach’s emptying. Moreover, they decrease the ghrelin secretion, which is the hormone responsible for hunger management.
Another amazing characteristic of eggs, especially when it comes to dieters, in addition to the low calorie amount, is their versatility. Namely, you can fry them, bake them, boil them, and combine them with different types of veggies and good fat.
Facts about eggs:
- Low in calories
- Rich in protein
- Contain important minerals and vitamins
Pros:
- Prolong the satiety
- Help consume fewer calories
- Slow down the emptying of the stomach
Cons:
- Not a suitable option for vegans
- High in sodium
- High in cholesterol
- Best to be eaten sparingly
3. Fish
Regular consumption of quality wild-caught fish can do wonders for dieters. But, in order for fish to be among the foods that will assist you in achieving a slimmer figure, you need to choose the right type that has low calories, yet a variety of nutrients.
The two most popular weight loss friendly fish are halibut and cod. Namely, the former contains high amounts of fiber and it is one of the most filling foods.
According to a study, white fish like halibut contributes to higher satiety than beef and chicken. Scientists believe that this is a result of the impressive amount of protein it contains and its effect on serotonin which is a pivotal hormone for appetite regulation. [4]
The latter is a fish with white and flaky flesh and a mild flavor. Rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, this fish promotes optimal health and may help with weight loss.
Whether you bake, grill, broil or pan-fry these fish, prepare them in the right way to preserve the nutrients and ensure optimal taste.
Use healthy seasonings like olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Combine the fish with some delicious, low-calorie veggies and believe us, you will have the best weight loss lunch or dinner.
Facts about fish:
- Healthy type of food
- Abundant in protein
- Contain different nutrients
Pros:
- Some fish are low in calories and rich in nutrients
- Supply you with fiber
- Help in the appetite regulation
Cons:
- Not every fish is low in calories
- Some fish are high in mercury
- Farm-fed fish are given antibiotics
4. Oats
If you want your diet plan to succeed and to bring you the wanted weight loss results, you should definitely start consuming oats. The low calories, the abundance of protein, and the richness in fiber are the three major reasons why this is a healthy and weight-loss friendly food.
Half a cup of dry oats contains only 148 calories, yet 3.8 grams of fiber and 5.5 grams of protein that influence your appetite and hunger regulation. In one study, the participants who consumed oatmeal experienced higher feelings of satiety and lower hunger and consumption of calories in the following meal.[5]
Replace it for a muffin or a doughnut for breakfast and it will significantly decrease your calorie intake. Enrich it with half a cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt for additional satiety- this adds only 60 calories, yet amazing 11 grams of protein.
What we love about foods like oats is their versatility- you can combine them with various ingredients and prevent it from becoming a dull or boring meal. You can add chia seeds, coffee, coconut, almond butter, berries, and so many other healthy ingredients for a nutritious, easy, and slimming breakfast.
Facts about oats:
- Low in calories
- Contains protein
- Offers fiber
Pros:
- Versatile
- Makes a great breakfast
- Reduces calorie overconsumption
Cons:
- Avoid instant oatmeal
- May cause flatulence and bloating
5. Cottage cheese
This type of cheese offers low calories and a mild flavor. In the last period, it has gained a lot of popularity due to being included in healthy diets. When you consume it regularly, you don’t just get a lot of important protein, but other pivotal nutrients too.
Soft and creamy, this is a fresh white cheese which doesn’t go through the process of aging to develop flavor. It can be found in numerous milk fat levels, including non-fat, reduced-fat or regular.
When you consume it in combination with other healthy foods, you prolong your fullness and consequently, lower the calories you eat and encourage shedding of pounds.
Moreover, cottage cheese will supply you with calcium which has been shown in studies to contribute to lowered weight and better weight management, especially in combination with workout. [6]
Thanks to the pleasant flavor and softness, it is so easy to add it to different meals. Some creative ways to enrich your diet with it is to sprinkle it in salads, blend it in smoothies, mix it with scrambled eggs, use it in lasagnas and pasta or combine it with various fruits.
Facts about cottage cheese:
- Low-calorie cheese
- Has a mild flavor
- Popular weight-loss friendly food
Pros:
- Versatile
- Rich in pivotal nutrients
- Helps with weight loss
Cons:
- Contains no fiber
- Rich in sodium
6. Potatoes
At first, you may be surprised to see potatoes on this list due to them being associated with French fries and potato chips that are full of bad fat. However, potatoes are actually good for our health and can help us lose weight when prepared in the right way. [7]
Though they contain starch, this is a resistant one which helps maintain a balanced blood sugar. In turn, this increases the chances for weight loss and lowers the risk of insulin resistance. To negate their high GI, combine them with some quality protein and good fat, for example, eggs and avocados.
One baked, medium potato has around 160 calories and 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. [8] Boiled potatoes are considered to be the most filling. Thanks to the prolonged satiety, your risk of overeating reduces and you consume fewer calories.
But, not all types of potatoes are good for us and offer low calories and weight loss benefits. In fact, processed potato chips are foods that have been linked with weight gain and French fries from fast food shops contain higher amounts of calories.
To play it safe, eat whole and unprocessed potatoes in moderation and for the best outcome, prepare them at home. In restaurants and fast food shops, you never know how they prepare their potatoes and what ingredients they use.
Facts about potatoes:
- Help lose weight
- Contain important nutrients
- Have a high GI
Pros:
- Contain resistant starch
- Regulate the blood sugar levels
- Encourage weight loss
Cons:
- Processed potatoes can cause weight gain
- Need to be consumed in moderation
7. Lean meat
Without doubt, lean meat is among the best foods for management of hunger and appetite reduction. Some examples of lean meat are turkey, chicken, and low-fat red meat cuts. They all have low calories and lower fat amount and are rich in protein.
For example, in 110 grams of cooked chicken breast, you get around 35 grams of protein and 180 calories. Sufficient daily intake of protein plays a major role in reducing the amount of calories we consume and whether we are less/more hungry throughout the rest of the day.
What’s more, a study showed that the participants who consumed a protein-rich meal with meat ate 12 percent less food at dinner than the individuals who consumed a meatless meal high in carbs. [8]
This is why a lot of dieters decide to follow a high-protein diet- it helps fight off surplus weight.
However, when it comes to meat consumption, is important to opt for quality and organic meat and cook it sufficiently and properly. Avoid reheating cooked meat more than once for optimal safety.
Facts about lean meat:
- Healthy type of meat
- Lower in fat
- Lower amount of calories
Pros:
- Helps reduce hunger
- Prolongs the satiety
- Rich in protein
Cons:
- Not all lean meat is quality and organic
- Excessive consumption can be problematic
8. Legumes
Thanks to their abundance of fiber and protein, lentils, peas, beans and other types of legumes are amazingly satiating. Plus, they are excellent for weight loss due to the low calories. Namely, one cup of cooked lentils will supply you with 230 calories and 15 grams of fiber and around 18 grams of protein.
According to research, legumes positively influence our hunger and appetite. It was discovered that a protein-rich meal with peas and beans increased satiety and lowered hunger more than a protein meal with pork and veal. [9]
Moreover, these foods also offer a low GI so they will not cause blood sugar spikes as white flour or white bread do.
If you are not accustomed to consuming legumes, add around ½ cup on a daily basis to begin. And, you can also use them as a replacement for other starches such as rice or potatoes. Moreover, you can add cooked lentils to various DIY burgers, salads, stews, and soups.
Versatile and rich in important nutrients, this plant-based food source is not just great for those who want to slim down, but for those who want to follow a healthier diet too.
Facts about legumes:
- Plant-based food
- Rich in protein and fiber
- Good for weight loss
Pros:
- Prolongs the satiety
- Inexpensive and versatile
- Prevents overeating
Cons:
- They may lack some essential amino acids
- May cause digestive problems like bloating and flatulence
9. Green leafy veggies
If you want to eat healthy and lose weight along the way, you definitely need leafy green veggies. They are nutritious, yet have low calories.
Boosting your consumption of leafy greens has a lot of health advantages to offer, including lower risk of heart illness, hypertension, obesity, and mental decline.
These foods are veggies like spinach, kale, collards, cabbage, and Swiss chard. They have characteristics that are essential for a successful drop of pounds, including the low amount of calories and carbs and the richness in fiber.
When you consume them on a regular basis, these foods will boost the volume of meals without increasing the calories. Luckily for dieters, studies indicate that meals with a low energy density help people consume fewer calories. [10]
Packed with amazing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, leafy greens prolong your satiety and prevent overconsumption of calories and unhealthy foods.
Facts about green leafy veggies:
- Healthy and nutritious
- Easy to incorporate in the diet
- Versatile
Pros:
- Rich in pivotal nutrients
- Prolong the satiety
- Help lower risk of serious disease
Cons:
- Some may not be fond of the taste
- May not be available throughout the whole season
- There is risk of contamination
10. Apples
Regular consumption of apples helps boost the overall health and may be of aid for weight loss. Thanks to the high amount of water in apples, they will keep you sated for longer and lead to lowered intake of calories.
Moreover, they are rich in fiber and have low calories which can be of aid for dieters. Consuming fiber is known to slow down the digestion and keep you full with smaller amount of calories and thus, encourage shedding of pounds.
Fiber is also good for digestive health and the gut bacteria that positively influences the metabolism and weight management. [11]This being said, apples are among the foods that play a crucial role in the fight against surplus weight.
What we love about apples is their versatility and the different types available.
Whether you combine them with some cinnamon and oats for an extra-nourishing breakfast or blend them with other fruits and veggies for an energy-boosting smoothie, you will never be wrong with this amazing fruit.
However, make sure you buy organic and pesticide-free apples or grow your own apples if possible.
Facts about apples:
- Rich in fiber and water
- Popular type of fruit
- Different types available
Pros:
- Good for the overall health
- Better the digestive health
- Low in calories
Cons:
- May damage the teeth if consumed slowly
- Excessive consumption may lead to weight gain
11. Bone broth
In recent years, a lot of dieters have been implementing bone broth in their diets to encourage weight loss. It’s consumed to better the joint health and hair quality, strengthen our immunity, and help shed pounds.[12]
Easy-to-make and inexpensive, homemade bone broth is great for optimal health and higher chances of weight loss. For those who’re not familiar with it, this is a stock made from cooking meats, fish or poultry for long periods of time which causes the release of different nutrients.
The tasty and nutritious liquid which the meats have simmered in is bone broth and it’s often added to soups or other foods. Since it has low calories, it’s great for those who want to slim down. It will prolong your fullness thanks to the gelatin presence and thus, help you consume fewer calories throughout the day.
Without doubt, this excellent superfood will provide your body with amazing nutrients. Opt for a cup or two for breakfast or lunch to reap all the benefits it has to offer, including the weight loss ones!
Facts about bone broth:
- Made from simmering meat
- Popular weight loss food
- Full in different nutrients
Pros:
- Low in calories
- Supplies you with amazing nutrients
- Betters the digestive processes
Cons:
- It takes several hours to be prepared
- Long cooking causes the release of glutamic acid
- Possible lead buildup in the animals
12. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are foods that are rich in nutrients like fiber, copper, and selenium, but also provide low calories and energy density. Hence, they’re great for those who want to lose weight because they nourish your belly without exceeding the recommended daily intake of calories.
The USDA notes that foods rich in nutrients like mushrooms help decrease the chance for obesity and overweight. [13]With one cup of white mushrooms providing 15 calories only and a cup of portabella mushrooms offering 35 calories, mushrooms can be your best weight loss ally.
Remember, when cooked, mushrooms increase in volume and they have more calories than in raw form. They are much more than a yummy pizza topping- they’re healthy replacement for meat and carbs. Though we usually refer to them as veggies, they’re actually plants.
Be that as it may, mushrooms will not just aid with weight loss, but strengthen your immune system and boost your vitamin D levels. Luckily for dieters, mushrooms are so versatile and easy to cook. Different mushrooms offer different flavors and textures.
Whether in salads, soups, as topping, in stir-fries or some other meals, mushrooms are always interesting to cook with.
Facts about mushrooms:
- Come in different shapes, sizes, and textures
- Low in calories
- Abundant in nutrients
Pros:
- Help lower the risk of obesity
- Healthy replacement for meats and carbs
- Versatile and easy-to-prepare
Cons:
- Some wild mushrooms are poisonous
- Some people can be allergic
- Don’t help spot reduce fat
13. Watermelon
Without doubt, watermelon is among those foods we can never get enough of, especially when they’re good for us and help us lose weight too. Low calories, amazing nutrients, low-fat content, and water richness, this delicious fruit deserves to be in every diet plan. [14]
Whether you blend it in a smoothie, grill it with honey or eat it sliced and raw, it is the ideal snack. Though it doesn’t spot-reduce fat, it can definitely be of aid if you’re planning on shedding surplus pounds while still enjoying yummy food.
With only 86 calories per wedge, watermelon also offers a cholesterol-free content and only one gram of fat. Therefore, snack watermelon throughout the day to prevent overeating calories from chips or other junk foods.
Believe it or not, reducing only 500 calories from your daily diet helps you drop one pound per week! Watermelon is also beneficial for prevention of dehydration which may lead to fluid retention which isn’t fat; however, it does lead to bloating and increases the belly size. Being 90 percent water, this fruit helps fight off fluid retention.
Moreover, it will prolong your satiety and avert high intake of calories. Besides weight loss, watermelon has numerous other health advantages to offer, including lower risk of heart illness and lower blood pressure.
Facts about watermelon:
- 90 percent water
- Amazing healthy snack
- Low-fat and low-calorie fruit
Pros:
- Helps prevent fluid retention
- Healthy snack
- Rich in nutrients
- Prolongs the fullness
Cons:
- Low fat and protein levels
- Some people are allergic to this fruit
14. Zucchini
If you’re planning to lose weight and become thinner, you should definitely add zucchini to your healthy diet. This green fruit has the power to help you decrease weight and increase your diet’s nutrient content.
Available throughout the whole year, you can eat it raw, sliced, and cooked or shredded in hot and cold salads-there are so many excellent options to choose from. Though considered by many to be a veggie, zucchini is actually a fruit! It’s abundant in good fiber, as well as vitamin C, magnesium, riboflavin, and calcium and a lot of water! [15]
Young zucchini offers a buttery white flesh and a subtle taste and you can find it from May to July. Since it has low calories, zucchini is beneficial for weight loss. It will prolong your satiety and avert consuming too many calories or reach for unhealthy snacks.
When you consume zucchini, your belly is satisfied for several hours. Hydration, amazing nutrients, and delicious and delicate taste, you can get it all from this single beautiful green fruit, one of the most popular weight loss foods today!
Facts about zucchini:
- A nutritious fruit
- Versatile and easy to prepare
- Can be consumed raw or cooked
Pros:
- Rich in fiber
- Prolongs the fullness
- Reduces calorie overconsumption
- Hydrates the body
Cons:
- Risk of allergic reactions
- Excessive consumption may contribute to kidney stones
15. Broccoli
Though this veggie hasn’t been the favorite for a lot of people while growing up, and even in adult years, broccoli is undoubtedly a powerful superfood which is among the healthiest foods in the world.
This green vegetable is abundant in fiber and protein and important vitamins like C, D, and K. It also boasts some pretty amazing healing properties like the ability to reduce inflammation, lower stress, and detoxify the body. [16]
This cruciferous veggie with low calories is rich in fiber and it will prolong your fullness. Also, it may prevent nutrient deficiencies as it is abundant in numerous important nutrients. For best weight loss advantages from this great veggie, make sure you prepare it in the right way and buy fresh broccoli.
The healthiest methods of preparation include raw in salads, boiled in soups or steamed. Whichever of these cooking methods you choose, you’re contributing to healthy weight loss, unlike when you reach for a bag of chips or decide to eat a large hamburger and fries from fast food shops.
Facts about broccoli:
- Popular green veggie
- Among the healthiest foods in the world
- Rich in vital nutrients
Pros:
- Low in calories
- Abundant in fiber
- Keeps you sated for longer
- Versatile
Cons:
- Some may find its taste too bitter
- May interfere with some meds like blood thinners
- Some may store and prepare it wrong
16. Beets
In addition to a deep and earthy flavor, this red veggie is also packed with a long list of health benefits, including weight loss properties. Being rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber, it will keep you full for longer and prevent overeating.
Plus, having low calories makes it a great addition to any weight loss plan. In 100 grams of beets, you get only 43 calories, yet 2.8 grams of fiber and 10 grams of complex (good) carbs. [17] The best way to introduce beets to your diet is by adding it into salads, soups, and sandwiches.
You can also consume it in juice form or add it to smoothies. Being among the foods rich in antioxidants, they will also support your liver’s health, better your blood flow, and cleanse the blood from toxins.
Moreover, beet juice is excellent for those who need an increase in endurance during workout. It will help you optimize your workout, which again, is helpful for a successful outcome of your weight loss efforts. With beets, you also get a better digestion, regular bowel movements, and less waste in the body.
Facts about beets:
- Have a deep and earthy flavor
- Considered a superfood
- Boasts a long list of nutrients
Pros:
- Low in calories
- Improves digestion
- Prolongs the satiety
- Boosts endurance
Cons:
- May cause pinkish or reddish urine or stool
- Overeating beets may worsen kidney disease
17. Tomatoes
Commonly mistaken for a veggie, when it’s technically a fruit, this plant is an excellent source of fiber, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Tomatoes aren’t just great for improving your overall health, but they can also help you reduce the extra inches from the waist.
Namely, being quite low on calories, i.e. one medium-sized tomato has around 16 calories, they will prevent you from overconsumption of calories, yet keep you sated longer. In this way, you can easily reach the calorie deficit needed for weight loss to happen.
Tomatoes are among those foods with both insoluble and soluble fiber and both of these fibers are crucial for shedding pounds. [18] Namely, the soluble one creates a gel-like substance in the large intestine and it’s a source of food for the good gut bacteria and also prolongs the satiety.
The insoluble one binds to fat and averts its absorption in the body and consequently, weight gain. However, eating only tomatoes isn’t the key to weight loss and there’s no food that can help you do that- you need to eat the right foods with low calories and plenty of nutrients and to exercise regularly.
Take into account that a healthy weight loss is 70 percent diet and 30 percent exercise.
Facts about tomatoes:
- A popular fruit
- Convenient and versatile
- Low in calories
Pros:
- Keeps you full longer
- Rich in insoluble and soluble fiber
- Tasty and nutritious
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Cannot spot-reduce fat
- Some people may develop allergies or intolerance to tomatoes
18. Greek yogurt
This dairy food is rich in proteins and when consumed moderately, it can make a great addition to healthy weight loss diet menus. [19]
However, the nutrients you get from it depend on the flavor and brand you purchase. This being said, opt for low-fat varieties if your goal is to lower calorie intake to achieve weight loss.
Avoid the fruit varieties which often have higher levels of carbs and sugar, as well as higher calories. Greek yogurt boasts a creamy and rich texture with tart taste and less sugar and more carbs. Thanks to its acidity, it’s much easier for your body to absorb other nutrients.
Low calories and abundance of good proteins, this is among those foods that make the ideal healthy and satisfying treat after workouts. It will keep your fullness until the next meal, but also help fix the muscle damage from exercise.
Combine it with some tasty bananas or berries for a delicious post-workout snack. Check the labels and go with the plain, unsweetened, and low-fat Greek yogurts for optimal advantages.
Facts about Greek yogurts:
- Dairy type of food
- Abundant in various nutrients
- Has a creamy and rich texture
Pros:
- Low amount of calories
- Rich in protein
- Satisfying and taste
- Versatile
Cons:
- The flavored options have more calories
- May be more expensive than traditional yogurt
19. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese which is characterized by its fresh and mild taste has become a staple of numerous low-calorie diets thanks to its low calories and other weight-promoting properties.[20] Abundant in protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B, this dairy product offers low fat levels.
Many people who follow a healthy diet frequently add it to their menus because of its ability to promote weight loss. Several studies have discovered that a diet abundant in this cheese, along with whole grains, veggie oils, fruits, and veggies can be a beneficial weight loss tool.
It may also help with the loss of fat and increase in muscle mass. Moreover, as other foods that have probiotics, this one also soothes the gut and supplies it with good gut bacteria. Nowadays, there are different tastes and sizes of cottage cheese which depend on the milk’s fat levels.
Swap other high-calorie foods with it to encourage a steady loss of pounds. There are numerous ways you can add it to your diet, for example, combine it in smoothies, use it instead of mayo in salads and toasts, add it to lasagnas, combine it for breakfast with flaxseed, chia seed, etc.
Facts about cottage cheese:
- Healthy dairy food
- Available in different flavors and sizes
- Often part of healthy diets
Pros:
- Low in calories
- Versatile
- May help with reduction of fat
- May help increase muscle mass
Cons:
- High sodium levels
- May contain potential allergens
20. Brussels sprouts
Highly nutritious and resembling mini cabbages, Brussels sprouts are delicious veggies which you can eat raw or cooked. With only 38 calories per cup, they’re the ideal foods with low calories and low fat that help weight loss.
However, unlike most other veggies, this one is pretty high in protein which accounts for more than a quarter of its calories.
Just combine it with whole grains to get the full spectrum of amino acids. Indeed, they’re a great source of protein which you can swap for high-fat meat in combination with some grains.
Abundant in vitamins and minerals, they help you feel sated for longer and thus, lower the chance for overeating later on in the day.
The abundance of soluble fiber may help those battling with belly fat, according to studies. [21] Thanks to the presence of vitamin C in these green delights, you can increase your chances for weight loss as research has discovered that vitamin C deficiency can impede weight loss and BMI normalization.
Facts about Brussels sprouts:
- One of the healthiest veggies
- Low in calories and fat
- Related to cauliflower and kale
Pros:
- Aid weight loss
- Prolong the satiety
- Abundant in fiber
- Optimize the health
Cons:
- May be expensive when not in season
- May cause flatulence in some individuals
21. Garlic
With a clove of garlic offering only 5 calories and numerous health benefits, garlic is a definite must for those who want to shed pounds. When combined with other foods that have low calories and high nutrients, garlic can be of great aid for your weight loss.
Namely, it can speed up the metabolism, suppress your appetite, stimulate the burning of fat, and help remove all toxins from the digestive system. [22] To lose weight with the help of garlic, you can have it raw with water in the morning or combine it with some lemon juice and warm water.
Or, you can start adding it to different healthy meals on a more frequent basis. However, make sure you don’t eat too much of it because this may impede the benefits. Without doubt, it adds to the nutrient levels of the meals you prepare and may help you look slimmer.
Foods like this are definitely a must in every healthy and balanced diet, especially if the goal is weight loss!
Facts about garlic:
- Popular for its specific flavor
- Improves the health
- Beneficial for weight loss
Pros:
- Speeds up the metabolic rate
- Suppresses the appetite
- Prevents overeating
- Low in calories
Cons:
- It causes bad breath
- Possible burning sensation in the stomach or mouth
- Some dislike its strong taste
22. Asparagus
This flowering veggie is available in white, purple, and green types and all are healthy. A cup of this veggie contains only 27 calories, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
Low calories, abundance of antioxidants, and pivotal minerals and vitamins, asparagus is deservingly on this list. It will help you better your digestion and decrease the blood pressure.
It also possesses numerous characteristics which have the potential to help us shed pounds. This is because they’re low in calories and are 94 percent water and according to research, eating foods rich in water and low in calories helps with loss of surplus pounds. [23]
There is also the fiber in it which is not just good for your digestion, but for a lower weight. Plus, we love how versatile and delicious asparagus is. Hence, you will have no issue introducing it to your diet if you haven’t already.
Boiled, grilled, steamed or roasted- there are so many options to choose from. Add it to salads, frittatas, pastas, omelets or use them as a side dish. Affordable and available, fresh asparagus could be the best weight loss-friendly food you can consume!
Facts about asparagus:
- Three different varieties
- Affordable
- Versatile
Pros:
- Low in calories
- Abundant in water
- Betters the digestive processes
Cons:
- May cause allergic reactions in some individuals
- Interacts with lithium, a type of medication
Final Thoughts
If you want to lose weight by improving your diet, it is essential to eat healthy foods that have low calories. In this way, you nourish the body with important nutrients, but minimize the overall consumption of calories which is necessary for weight loss to happen.
Thanks to this list with 22 low-calorie and nourishing foods, you will no longer have to wonder what to eat if you want to become slimmer.
Our guide doesn’t just offer a simple list with 22 low-calorie foods, but it also shows other advantages you will reap if you consume them on a regular basis.
From green leafy veggies that help lower the risk of serious diseases and that are low in calories to lean meats which are abundant in protein and other pivotal nutrients, these foods are a definite must if your ultimate goal is a healthy lifestyle!
Begin implementing these foods to your diet today and witness your body slimming down and your health improving!
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-calorie-foods#section4
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-calorie-foods#section5
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21613731_A_Comparison_of_the_Effects_of_Beef_Chicken_and_Fish_Protein_on_Satiety_and_Amino_Acid_Profiles_in_Lean_Male_Subjects
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26273900
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cottage-cheese-is-super-healthy#section4
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19977416/potatoes-for-weight-loss/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-calorie-foods#section11
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-calorie-foods#section12
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-most-weight-loss-friendly-foods#section2
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- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/greek-yogurt-benefits
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