21 zero calorie foods for weight loss

One of the biggest problems I faced when trying to lose weight was resisting the temptation to snack between meals.

A biscuit with morning coffee, a chocolate bar with my afternoon tea and another biscuit before bed is how it usually went!

And before I knew it I’d consumed a boat load of extra calories between meals without even realizing it.

Not good!

The key to any successful diet is to eat foods that will keep you full and satisfied but that are also low in calories.

Target these foods and you won’t feel the need to eat as often and when you do eat, you’ll be consuming less of the stuff that’s going to make your waist band balloon.

So, today I want to explore 21 zero calorie foods which will :-

• Keep you full between meals thereby aiding weight loss
• Provide a whole catalog of vitamins, minerals and nutrients
• Satisfy your desire for great tasting food
• Help you maintain healthy eating habits that are conducive to weight loss

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Firstly, although the term is used in dieting circles, “zero calorie foods” is a bit of a misnomer and can come across as somewhat misleading.

Zero calorie doesn’t mean that the food contains zero calories – all foods contain calories!

The idea is that certain foods are so low in calories that you actually expend more calories digesting them than the calories you take on by eating them.

Essentially, you end up with a calorie deficit which is why these foods are sometimes called “negative calorie foods” ( i.e. you’ve used up more calories than you’ve gained).

The science is still out on whether “zero calorie” foods actually do this!

The difficulty is that each person’s metabolic rate is different from another’s, so while I might burn 20 calories digesting one of these foods, you might only burn 15!

Even if the science is still a bit sketchy, one thing the experts are agreed on is that these foods are super healthy and are brilliant for weight loss!

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The idea that zero calorie foods might create a calorie deficit is not really the reason why they’re lauded for their weight loss prowess.

That’s the wrong focus point!

Any calorie deficit that these foods create is likely to be negligible in any event and, as above, the jury is still out on whether these foods even do this.

The more important thing is that these foods are super low in calories to begin with. I learned from my own weight loss journey that these are the foods you want to be eating to see fast results.

Not only that but many of them are full of fiber and water which keeps you fuller for longer and will help you fight off those mid morning and mid afternoon snack attacks!

The fiber found in these foods is generally the soluble type which has been proven to aid weight loss for a number of different reasons.

So now we’ve mulled over the geeky science stuff, let’s explore 21 zero calorie foods that you must try as part of your weight loss journey!

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Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put in your body and is a well deserved recipient of the cliched “super food” title!

It’s rammed back full of fiber, vitamin C, A, K and B9.

It is a super versatile vegetable as it can be eaten raw, blanched, boiled, stir fried, steamed and microwaved.

Not only that but broccoli has been shown to ward off cancer, reduce inflammation, promote digestion and reduce constipation.

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Strawberries not only taste great, but they are a great source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber.

Strawberries are low in fat and are packed to the rafters with powerful antioxidants.

Strawberries are the perfect treat to substitute your biscuit for.

They are quite versatile too and make the perfect accompaniment for cereal, yogurt and other low fat desserts.

These orange heroes are rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber and are extremely weight loss friendly.

Carrots have been linked to lower cholesterol and are amazing for eye health.

Like broccoli, carrots can be boiled, blanched, baked, microwaved and eaten raw.

They are perfect as part of a main meal or as a convenient and healthy dipper into dips like humus.

Green apples are a super tasty snack loaded up with antioxidants, vitamin A, fiber and polyphenols.

Apples are also great at aiding digestion!

Apples are perfect eaten on their on or as part of a fruit salad or smoothie.

Celery contains zero fat and is high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and potassium.

I just love dipping celery in healthy dips like tzatziki or humus. It’s also perfect for soups or in salads.

Watermelon is packed full of vitamin A, B5 and C and powerful antioxidants.

It also contains zero fat.

Watermelon is a great choice for dieting as it is mostly water which will keep you hydrated and full.

I love watermelon after my workout due to its high water content, which I find refreshes and rehydrates me.

It is also great on a summer’s day.

Lettuce is a fantastic source of vitamin c, folate and calcium.

It’s also super cheap and very versatile as it can be used in salads, on sandwiches and even as foods parcels or wraps.

Again, lettuce is another food that is very hydrating as it’s mostly water. This helps promote fullness and curb hunger which is great for dieters.

Spinach is another food that is definitely worthy of the “super food” label.

Spinach is loaded with iron, folate, vitamins A, C and E, fiber and chlorophyll.

It really is one of the best greens you can eat.

Spinach is perfect in smoothies, as a salad, as a side to your main meal and even as a food parcel.

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Onions have many health benefits including reducing the risk of cancer, maintaining skin and hair health and even fighting depression.

Onions are perfect in salads, as toppings and as a bulking food to help flesh out your meal.

Best of all, they are stupidly cheap and are available all year!

Radishes are high in fiber, protect the heart and help control blood pressure.

They are also very high in vitamin C which helps improve your immunity.

Radishes are perfect for salads, as a side to a main meal and even as a dipper.

Asparagus is high in vitamin k, folate and is proven to prevent heart disease.

It is fairly expensive but it is one of the most versatile vegetables in that it can be fried, boiled, blanched and baked.

Beets are one of the best foods on the planet for your health.

They are great at lowering blood pressure and are stuffed with fiber, potassium, vitamin B9, iron and vitamin C.

Mushrooms contain lots of anti-oxidants and are thought to protect your brain and boost your memory as you age.

They are a rich source of B vitamins which help keep you energized throughout the day.

Mushrooms can be eaten raw, fried, in salads, stuffed and compliment many different meals.

A few other worthwhile mentions are:-

• Lemons and limes – 24 calories per 100g
• Peppers – 30 calories per 100g
• Sugar snap peas – 41 calories per 100g
• Papaya – 35 calories per 100g
• Cauliflower – 25 calories per 100g
• Sprouts – 40 calories per 100g
  
  

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As you can see, there are many low calorie foods that you can incorporate into your diet to keep things varied and exciting.

Get into the habit of including these foods in your weekly shop and with your meal plans and you’ll be taking a big step to seeing some great weight loss results.

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