We all hear a lot about what we eat and how many calories we eat each day. Of course, it’s important to know because one of the keys to losing weight is consuming fewer calories than your body burns.
If you want to lose weight or stay healthy, including low calorie foods in your diet can help a lot.
Just keeping track of the amount of calories you eat and restricting your caloric intake can make you healthier in many ways. First, it will benefit your waistline and keep your weight in check.
By reducing the risk of being overweight or obese, you can also reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, gall bladder disease and more.
There are many foods that are low in calories and rich in nutritional value. In fact, some are so incredibly low in calories that you can indulge in them without worrying about calories or blowing your weight loss goal!
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1. Watercress
A cup of chopped watercress contains only 4 calories.
In addition to being low in calories, this food contains no fat.
Other nutrients in watercress include proteins; folate; copper; vitamins A, B6, C, E and K; thiamine; riboflavin; calcium; magnesium; phosphorus; potassium and manganese.
The easiest way to eat watercress is to throw it in a salad with a light dressing. You can also use it to make soup, smoothies, juice, sandwiches, pesto and dips.
2. Arugula
A cup of arugula contains only 6 calories.
The arugula is a low-calorie and nutrient-rich food that everyone should eat. The delicate, green leaves are also low in fat.
In addition, the leaves are loaded with nutrients such as fiber; vitamins A, B5, B6, C and K; folate; calcium; the iron; zinc; magnesium; phosphorus; potassium and manganese.
While fresh and tender young leaves go well with salad and pesto, darker leaves can be used in soups and pizza toppings.
3. Spinach
A cup of spinach contains only 7 calories.
This leafy green is low in calories and carbohydrates. It is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, making it a perfect addition to any healthy diet.
Although rich in antioxidants, you can also find other nutrients in this leafy vegetable such as iron, folic acid, vitamin K, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper and dietary fiber.
Spinach can be added to salads, vegetable juice or a green smoothie. It can also be cooked lightly and served as a side dish.
4. Swiss chard
A Swiss chard cup contains only 7 calories.
Swiss chard, a close relative of beetroot, is another vegetable that is very low in calories and carbohydrates.
It also contains an impressive list of nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and K; potassium; magnesium; manganese; calcium; copper; the iron; choline and many other trace elements.
Although Swiss chard leaves are always dark green, the stems may be white, yellow or bright red. You can eat the leaves and stems. Cook them together or separately, and use them in your salad or soup.
5. Romaine lettuce
A cup of shredded romaine lettuce contains only 8 calories.
Any type of lettuce, including romaine, is very low in calories and rich in water. In terms of nutrients, romaine lettuce contains several B vitamins as well as vitamins A, C and K; folic acid; the iron; manganese; fiber; potassium; zinc and copper.
Romaine lettuce is synonymous with salads because they include crisp green lettuce leaves. For a hearty and hearty salad, add low-calorie vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, carrots, red pepper and yellow pepper to your romaine lettuce. Simply season with salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice, and your salad will be ready.
6. Celery
Another ultimate low calorie food is celery sticks. A cup of chopped celery contains only 16 calories.
In addition to being low in calories, it is mainly made of water (95 percent). In addition, celery contains tons of nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K and some B vitamins as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, potassium and fiber.
In addition, celery is low in carbohydrates, while being packed with fiber.
You can nibble celery sticks with a low-calorie dip. You can also use this crunchy vegetable to make soup, stew, salad or stir fry.
7. Cucumber
low calorie cucumber food
A cup of diced cucumber contains only 16 calories.
This water-rich vegetable is low in calories and fat, and its nutritional profile is very impressive.
Some of the important nutrients in cucumbers include vitamins K, C and different B vitamins. They are also a good source of copper, amino acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, of biotin and silica.
You can eat cucumbers as a healthy snack, with or without dip. Cucumber sandwiches, juices, smoothies and soup are also very tasty.
8. Radish
radish low calorie food
A cup of sliced radish contains only 18 calories.
This brightly colored vegetable is low in calories as well as fats and carbohydrates.
Radishes also contain fiber, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, folic acid, manganese, copper, magnesium and calcium.
Usually eaten raw, you can also brais, steam or saute radishes. Whether cooked or raw, maximize the nutritional value of radishes by choosing a low-fat formula.
To reap the health benefits, do not forget to eat the leafy green tops.