Very low calorie foods – FitNFemale®

What are we talking about calorie-free foods? Zero-calorie or negative nutrient-balance foods are foods that contain so few calories that the effort of eating and digesting them burns more energy than they provide. In effect, you either consume no calories at all, or you actually burn fat while eating them. The following foods won't affect your calorie intake. They all have fewer than 50 calories per 100 grams. For comparison, chicken breast has 172 calories and is considered low in calories.

1. Celery
Celery is relatively tasteless. You hardly notice you're eating it. It seems as if celery exists solely for water retention. Celery contains 16 calories per 100 grams.

2. Oranges
Oranges are known for their vitamin C content, but they are also low in calories compared to other fruits. Whether you burn off all the calories you consume while eating oranges is debatable. This isn't very relevant, as the overall calorie count is very low. There are only 47 calories per 100 grams. However, oranges shouldn't be eaten in the evening, as this could lead to sleep disturbances.

3. Cabbage
Cabbage is a powerhouse when it comes to low-calorie foods. It's also served for its ability to help prevent cancer and heart disease. However, it's on this list because it's very low in calories. When eating cabbage soup, you might even burn more calories than you consume. 100 grams of cabbage contain just 25 calories.

4. Asparagus
Asparagus is a popular side dish, especially in spring. Its fibrous texture makes it a satisfying addition to many meals, yet it's very low in calories. You can enjoy asparagus fresh with a salad, or grill or steam it. However, it's best not to pair it with hollandaise sauce, as this is quite high in calories. The same applies to butter or oil. 100 grams of asparagus contains only 20 calories.

5. Turnips
Choose the freshest beets possible, which you can steam, boil, or grill. They are also available as a cured product, but this has a higher calorie content. Besides their low nutrient density, beets are good for your body because they contain betalains and antioxidants, which give them their color. 100 grams of beets contain 43 calories.

6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain a lot of water. It's no wonder they're so low in calories. That's why cucumbers are a great addition to most salads, especially when combined with other low-calorie vegetables. You can eat them until you're full, and you'll still only have consumed a very small number of calories. If you combine this type of diet with an active lifestyle, you'll soon see the results on the scale. 100 grams of cucumber contain 16 calories.

7. Lemons
It's not that you have to eat lemons to lose weight. But it's good to know that you can eat as many as you like. That's why lemon slices are so great for garnishing all sorts of foods and drinks. Lemons are also alkaline fruits and contain antioxidants. The flavonoids and vitamin C they contain play a crucial role in the fat-burning process. 100 grams of lemons contain 29 calories.

8. cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the foods with the lowest calorie density. It's a cruciferous vegetable and offers many benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular health, and digestive support. Cauliflower is a great aid for weight loss. The cooking process alone burns more calories than you consume. 100 grams of cauliflower contain 25 calories.

9. Mushrooms
It doesn't matter which type of mushroom you choose. Mushrooms are always low in calories. You don't need to worry about their nutritional value when using mushrooms in a salad or for another recipe. Even the large portobello mushroom has only 22 calories per 100 grams. Chanterelles have slightly more, but even they only contain 38 calories.

10. Watermelons
Watermelons are low in calories, despite their sweet taste. They are the sweetest food on this list. Additionally, watermelons contain valuable antioxidants. They have even been shown to boost metabolism. 100 grams of watermelon contain 30 calories.

11. Zucchini
Zucchini is very low in calories. That's great news, because it's a popular side dish and is even used in zucchini bread. It's a very versatile vegetable that, with its low calorie count, won't have any negative impact on your figure. So you can incorporate it into your diet as often and in as many portions as you like. 100 grams of zucchini contain just 17 calories.

12. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are among the healthiest foods available. One reason for this is their very low calorie count. The lycopene they contain helps prevent cancer and heart disease. So, you're doing yourself a favor every time you eat them. Tomatoes also help you burn fat. You usually burn most of the calories they contain just by preparing them. Combine them with other foods from this list, and you'll be able to serve yourself a delicious and low-calorie meal. 100 grams of tomatoes contain 17 calories.

13. Grapefruit
Grapefruits are often associated with diet food. This is well-deserved, as they have been shown to boost a sluggish metabolism. Heart patients are often advised to eat grapefruits after surgery. While their calorie count isn't the lowest, it's still low when compared to a typical day's intake. Fruits generally have more calories than vegetables, but grapefruits bring a unique flavor to the table. 100 grams of grapefruit contain 42 calories.

14. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts would probably win the prize for the most commonly under-the-table dog food. That's a shame, because these little guys are packed with nutrients and low in calories. They're a cruciferous vegetable, so they offer similar benefits to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Sauté them with onions after cooking for better flavor. 100 grams of Brussels sprouts contain 43 calories.

15. Kale
You simply need to start eating more kale to feel better. It's so good for you, especially since, in addition to its many proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, it's also low in calories. Kale has almost nothing but benefits. Want to try a low-calorie snack alternative? Bake some kale chips in different flavors. They're a much better alternative to potato chips. 100 grams of kale have 49 calories.

16. Apple
The English proverb "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" seems to hold true. Apples contain many antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are not a forbidden fruit and should be included as part of a calorie-conscious diet to ensure you meet your daily requirements. You can eat apples as a snack between larger meals, which can help you avoid sweets or fast food.

17. Onions
Low-calorie onions are used in many recipes. It's good to know that they don't add unnecessary calories to a dish if you want to include them as an ingredient. The flavonoids they contain can help your body with weight loss, among other things. 100 grams of onions contain 40 calories.

18. Carrots
Carrots protect your eyesight. That's just one reason to eat them. Raw, they have a low glycemic index and contain slow-release carbohydrates. This helps your body manage blood sugar levels. Additionally, carrots are diuretic, which can help your body naturally eliminate excess sodium and retained water. Carrots also have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to combat inflammation in the body. 100 grams of carrots contain 41 calories.

19. Broccoli
Broccoli is a wonder food. It fights cancer and is very low in calories. It's also packed with plant-based nutrients and fiber, which benefits your digestive system. A healthy gut is key to maintaining a good figure. Broccoli contains plant-based proteins that can help you build muscle. 100 grams of broccoli has 34 calories.