Losing weight doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of food, it means filling your body with nutritious foods that contribute to your overall health. Certain foods are very low in calories, but still require energy to digest, theoretically making them zero or negative calories. The great thing about these zero calorie foods is that they’re filled with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that make them super nutritious. You shouldn’t be eating these foods for the bulk of your meals – you’d end up feeling ravenous, but they’re ideal to snack on throughout the day rather than chips, pastries and other high calorie foods. Here are 15 zero calorie snacks to keep you full!
What Are Zero Calorie Foods?
Zero calorie foods are guilt free food options you can snack on throughout the day. They got their name because they supposedly take more energy to digest than what they provide in calories, making them a great option for weight loss. Certain foods, such as celery, strawberries and apples contain very little calories, but still offer nutritious benefits you should be consuming everyday.
15 Zero Calorie Snacks for Weight Loss
1. Celery
Celery contains no fat and is low in carbs and calories. It’s high in fibre, vitamin K, vitamin A, potassium and folate, and it’s low on the glycemic index, meaning it has a slow, steady effect on your blood sugar.
2. Apples
Apples are mainly composed of carbs and water, and are quite low in calories. They’re rich in fibre, which helps you feel full and help with weight loss while lowering blood sugar levels and boosting digestive function. They promote good gut bacteria and are a great source of vitamin C and potassium.
3. Watermelon
Juicy and refreshing, watermelon is the perfect midday snack. Watermelons contain no fat and can be eaten in large portions since they’re 91% water. Watermelon is a great source of vitamins C, B5 and A, and also contains potassium, copper, amino acid citrulline and the antioxidant lycopene.
4. Kale
Kale may not seem appetizing to eat on its own, but baking it into kale chips is a healthy, low calorie and tasty option. It’s one of the world’s best sources of vitamin K and is loaded with powerful antioxidants. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and can help boost digestive health.
5. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is tart and tasty, and can easily be eaten as a snack or blended into a post-breakfast juice. They’re a rich source of vitamin A, C, B1 and B5, and high in powerful antioxidants. They benefit your immune system, promote appetite control, and are known to aid weight loss!
6. Clementines
If you’re a fan of citrus fruits, clementines are a top food to add to your diet. They’re rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and cellular damage caused by free radicals. They offer 60% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C and are also high in fibre and potassium.
7. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are crunchy and refreshing, and provide ample hydration to your cells since they’re made up of 95% water. They’re packed with nutrients including vitamins K, B and C, as well as minerals including copper, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.
8. Red Bell Peppers
Crisp and sweet, red bell peppers are super easy to pack up for a snack and take on the go. They contain over 200% of your daily vitamin C intake and are a great source of vitamin B6 and folate. They’re chock full of antioxidants and have a mild thermogenic action that increases your metabolism.
9. Radishes
Radishes are super tasty with a somewhat spicy bite. Super low in calories, they’re also rich in nutrients including potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. They’re high in fibre, promoting healthy bowel movements, and are low in digestible carbohydrates, making them ideal for weight loss!
10. Sugar Snap Peas
If you’re on the search for a delicious and nutritious afternoon snack, sugar snap peas may be just the thing. They’re full of dietary fibre (especially if you eat the pods), and are great for your immune system. They’re an excellent source of vitamin K, A, C and B, and also contain potassium and magnesium.
11. Apricots
Nutrient-dense and low in calories, apricots are a sweet and tasty fruit to eat on the go. They’re extremely high in antioxidants, and promote eye, skin, and gut health. They aid weight loss due to their fibre content and they boost your metabolism. They’re packed with vitamin A, keeping your immune system in check, so overall, they’re a very nutritious low calorie snack.
12. Green Beans
Green beans are a crunchy, low calorie snack that provides many key nutrients. They’re a great source of vitamin C, dietary fibre, folate, vitamin K and silicon. They can help you maintain a healthy weight and also contain protein, which is key to a healthy immune system.
13. Beets
Beets are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, all with a low calorie count. They help fight inflammation, improve digestive health and can help you lose weight. Despite their low calorie count, beets contain moderate amounts of protein and fibre, which reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness.
14. Raspberries
Raspberries are another delicious, zero calorie snack. They’re high in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and can protect against diabetes, cancers, obesity and arthritis. They help counter oxidative stress and the flavonoids in berries have been shown to help improve coordination, memory and mood.
15. Cauliflower
Low in calories and carbs, cauliflower is a go-to staple for those trying to lose weight. Cauliflower also contains many nutrients, is high in fibre and is a good source of antioxidants. The dietary fibre in cauliflower can help regulate the immune system and inflammation, and cauliflower also contains choline, which is essential for memory and learning.
If you’re trying to lose weight, these zero calorie snacks are sure to keep you full while you’re working towards you weight loss goals! Easy to take on the go, pack up these foods for a delicious and nutritious midday snack!
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