Almost every health conscious individual is in a constant lookout for zero calorie foods or foods that are low in calories. Calorie intake is directly proportional to weight gain, so keeping a check on it is important. Most of us consider commercial foods or packaged foods that say ‘low calorie’ or ‘zero calorie’ but contain other unnecessary and harmful ingredients in them; most of them might actually contain more calories! Here are the top 20 zero calorie healthy foods you need to consider:
- WATERMELON
Watermelon is a well-known low/zero calorie food. It is abundant in water content and antioxidants that makes it a healthy snack/salad/dessert. A proper way to eat it is after lunch or dinner as a sweet treat.
- CELERY
Celery is long known as a zero calorie food. Not only is it nil in calories, but it also has acne reducing properties and dish taste enhancing properties too! To maximize the benefits of celery, add it on top of soups, salads, curries etc.
- LEMON
Yes, this citrusy lemon comes under the zero calorie categories. Lemons are also a great source of vitamin C and do wonders for your liver and digestive system. Squeeze them in warm water and have it first thing in the morning, squeeze them in your dishes etc.
- KALE
Kale is another zero/low calorie food that we all love. It is rich in vitamin A, K and C and also is rich in anti-oxidants. Add it in your salads, smoothies or cook them with curries, chicken etc.
- ONIONS
Onions are a great addition to any dish since it enhances the flavour and adds a satisfying texture to it. Onion too is low in calories and has tons of health benefits, some of it being aiding weight loss, stimulating libido, increasing fertility, etc.
- CARROTS
Carrots are a versatile low-calorie food that can be added in your dishes, salads or just consumed raw. Carrots are known to protect eyesight and they also contain antioxidants.
- TOMATOES
Tomatoes are one of the healthiest foods on the planet and are nil/negligible in calories. They are known for their high concentration of lycopene! Add them in salads, soups, curries etc. or just have them raw with little black salt.
- APPLE
Apple is one of the low calorie foods but is also known to be a negative-calorie fruit; meaning it helps you burn more calories! Apple is also rich in fibre that fulfils your stomach and is great for breakfast.
- BROCCOLI
Broccoli is a great zero/low calorie food and is also rich in fibre. It is also contains vitamin C proportional to that present in oranges. Have it stir fried or steamed, add it in salads or cook them with little masala and onions.
- MUSHROOM
Mushroom contains the least calories and is also rich in vitamin D that aids in absorption of calcium. Have them stir fried, steam them up and add in salads or pasta.
- ZUCCHINI
Zucchini is a low calorie food that contains essential phytonutrients that can also help prevent prostate cancer in men. Zucchini is also rich in manganese which helps process carbohydrates in the body. Steam them up and add in salads and gravies or simply eat them as it is with little pepper, chilli powder and black salt.
- GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is often consumed by those who watch their weight; this is because it is low in calories. It is also rich in anti-oxidants and essential nutrients. Have it raw or include in salads, smoothies, juices etc.
- CABBAGE
Cabbage not only ranks in the list of zero/low calorie foods, but also ranks in the list of weight loss foods! This is because; it is rich in minerals, fibre and water content. Have it in salads or cook it with chicken and other veggies.
- BEET
Beets are low in calories only when you have them fresh and not the pickled varieties. Pickled varieties contain a lot of calories due to presence of other calorie filled ingredients. Beets purify your blood and are also rich in fibre that keeps metabolism running smoothly. Have them raw or put them in salads or other dishes.
- COCONUT WATER
Coconut water has been shown to decrease blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Add some fruit to it for additional flavour, or add some to your fruit juices. If you like the taste of coconut, feel free to drink it in its simple form. But if you want a pure zero calorie or low-calorie, drink it alone. Read more on coconut water benefits on skin and hair >>
- SPINACH
Not only is spinach low in calories, but is rich in lutein, potassium, fibre, and brain-boosting folate, and just one cup of leaves contains 15% of your daily intake of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant. Have it with salads, as soups, in curries etc.
- ASPARAGUS
Asparagus is a zero calorie food that has a number of health benefits. Asparagus is rich in vitamin K, folate, vitamin B1 etc. Add them raw into salad or grill/steam them to eat.
- RADISH
Radishes are extremely low in calories and high in fibre. They breakdown food and make metabolism fast and easy. Having raw radish in breakfast can keep you full for longer.
- BELL PEPPER
Bell peppers are very low in calories. Apart from being low in calories, they also help you shed a few kilos since they have fat burning properties. Put them in your salads, gravies, curries, pastas etc.
- SCALLIONS
Scallions, popularly consumed in India are low-calorie, low-sodium and fat-free foods. You can add them to almost any kind of meal- in salads, curries, gravies etc.