They say that counting your calorie intake is crucial for weight loss. However, given our hectic lifestyles, this might pose a challenge. But your regular calorie consumption is directly related to obesity and fat storage, and may even slow down your metabolism. This can eventually lead to weight gain or slower weight loss. One of the most popular suggestions is to eat negative calorie foods so you don’t have to worry about your calorie consumption.
What are negative calorie foods?
You’ve probably heard of low-calorie foods that help you lose weight. But when you hear the term “negative calorie foods,” your first instinct might be a zero calorie food. To the right? However, it refers to foods that require more energy to be absorbed by the body than they provide to the body during digestion. In other words, the amount of calories required to digest food is greater than the amount of energy it contains. These types of foods are often high in fiber, water, and low on the glycemic index. Not only do they have fewer calories, but they also help burn calories. Negative calorie foods help you lose weight.
Negative calorie foods for weight loss
HealthShots spoke to Deepti Lokeshappa, Senior Consultant, Nutritionist and Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospital, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, who listed some foods that can help with weight loss.
Lokeshappa says, “Negative calorie foods are the ones that are said to be beneficial for weight loss because they burn more calories to digest than they contain. Adding them to your diet could speed up your weight loss journey by making it easier to stay in a calorie deficit.”
Here are 7 low-calorie foods for weight loss, according to Lokeshappa:
1. Salad
Be sure to include some lettuce in your salads; It’s incredibly nutritious with good amounts of fiber, folate and B vitamins, while being low in calories at just 15 per 100 grams.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating and rich in minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes. On hot days, it is also considered a classic chilled meal, as it improves the body’s water balance. They contain about 16 calories per 100 grams.
3.Apple
Apples are a great fruit to nibble on. With around 50 calories per 100 grams, it is a high-fiber food that you need to have to quench your midday hunger. Apples are high in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that promotes weight loss and gradually releases sugar to help balance blood sugar levels.
Also read: Keep these 5 low-calorie snacks on your desk to help fight hunger pangs
4. Zucchini
Zucchini has only 18 calories per 100 grams. Zucchini’s phytonutrients also help with bowel movements and body water balance, making them an excellent choice for a weight loss diet.
5. Tomatoes
There are only 19 calories per 100 grams. Plus, not only is it juicy and tasty, but it’s also a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
6. Broccoli
With only 34 calories per 100 grams, broccoli is considered a superfood. It’s high in fiber and antioxidants, which are researched to have anti-cancer properties.
7. Carrots
Around 100 grams of carrots provide around 41 calories. In addition, they are low in cholesterol and saturated fats and a wonderful source of fiber, in addition to being high in vitamins A, C and K.
