Is it really possible for certain foods to have ZERO calories? Well, we certainly know a couple that are pretty darn close! If you're dieting, trying to lose weight, or simply wanting to improve your lifestyle, we're about to introduce to you 25 low-calorie foods that are also packed with tons of nutrients, so you can be on your way to a better you.
1. Celery
Often touted as a zero-calorie food thanks to its high water content and low-calorie count, celery is a crunchy, fibrous vegetable you either love or hate. It doesn't particularly taste like anything and isn't the most fun of textures due to its fibrous strands, but it is a snack that can help you feel full without contributing significantly to your daily calorie intake.
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2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another hydrating vegetable that's made up of over 95% water. If you could "chew" water, this is as close as you'll get! These vegetables are very low in calories but high in valuable nutrients and vitamins, making them an excellent addition to any diet.
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3. Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that's incredibly low in calories, primarily because it's mostly made of, you guessed it, water. It's perfect for bulking up your meals without adding a significant number of calories. A great trick with zucchini is to use thin slices instead of pasta noodles when cooking pasta to reduce your calorie count!
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4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great fruit to add to any diet because they are not only low in calories, but also very rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. They add tons of flavour and nutrition to a variety of dishes, all while maintaining a very minimal caloric impact.
5. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Lettuce)
It's true that green is a healthy colour! Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are all extremely low in calories while being packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Perfect for salads and reducing your calorie count, you can get creative with it by incorporating kale and spinach into your smoothies or using lettuce instead of buns for your burgers.
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6. Watermelon
Love a sweet and refreshing fruit for a snack or even for dessert? Watermelon will never disappoint; this hydrating fruit has high water content and an extremely low calorie count. It's the perfect choice if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, all while adding little to no calories to your daily count.
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7. Strawberries
Another delicious fruit to add to this list, strawberries are not only tasty, but they're surprisingly also very low in calories. They work as a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and several other antioxidants, making them a healthy but sweet treat you can keep going back for more.
8. Green Beans
Rich in nutrients but with a low calorie count, green beans will become your new healthy best friend. Not only are they a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, they're also perfect for adding a bit of bulk to your meals.
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9. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are such a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into so many delicious forms. That just means they're perfect for incorporating into a healthy diet! Mushrooms have a very low energy density, meaning they provide very few calories relative to their weight. They provide a good source of protein and are great for adding a meaty texture to dishes without the added calories (great as a meat-alternative!).
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10. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has always been known for its potential weight loss benefits, mainly because it's noted to be low in calories but high in water and fiber. That's why it became a common practice for those losing weight to eat a grapefruit before meals to try and reduce calorie intake while also promoting fullness.
11. Radishes
Super crunchy, radishes are vegetables with little to zero calories, making them a perfect snack if you're looking to lose weight. They contain a good amount of ascorbic acid, folic acid, potassium, and vitamin C, and they're a great way to add a burst of flavour and crunch to any salad and dish of your choosing.
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12. Asparagus
While asparagus is definitely one of those vegetables people either love or hate, you can't deny it's a nutrient-packed veggie with very few calories. Who knows, maybe you'll grow to like them! They're a great source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and has been linked to a number of great health benefits like improved digestion.
13. Broccoli
You may have hated them as a kid, but as you've gotten older, you've likely grown to appreciate broccoli as a great vegetable. Not only are they low in calories, they're also high in fiber and packed with vitamins C and K. This makes it perfect for helping fill you up during your meals, improve your digestion, AND provide essential nutrients all while being low calorie.
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14. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, which you might refer to as broccoli's cousin, is just as good for you and also low in calories. This vegetable offers a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins C, K, and B6, and potassium. Not to mention, it has incredible versatility that allows it to be used in various dishes, from rice substitutes to pizza crusts.
15. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a beloved vegetable that's appreciated for not only its bright colours, but also its low calories and nutrients. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and various others, they can add a sweet taste and a nice crunch to any dish you like.
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16. Garlic
Garlic adds a powerful flavor to dishes and comes with the bonus of being very low in calories. It's also known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support and reduced blood pressure.
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17. Lemons and Limes
Love a bit of zest in your dishes? Don't hold back because as it turns out, lemons and limes are high in vitamin C and have a negligible number of calories, making them an excellent way to enhance flavor in drinks and dishes without adding calories.
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18. Bok Choy
Let's head into different territory to include this tasty Asian vegetable, bok choy. A type of Chinese cabbage, this vegetable is extremely low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K. It's crunchy, leafy, and perfect as a nutritious addition to any soup, stir-fry, or salad.
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19. Arugula
Arugula is a peppery, leafy green vegetable that contains very few calories. It's rich in calcium, potassium, and folate, and adds a flavorful punch to salads and pizzas.
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20. Papaya
For a more tropical experience, grab some papaya because you'll be happy to hear this exotic fruit is low in calories but high in all the right nutrients. Loaded with vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and dietry fiber, what's not to love? It's not only a delicious and sweet fruit, but it also aids in digestion and can help reduce inflammation.
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21. Beets
Beets are low in calories but high in valuable nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin C. They add a sweet, earthy flavor to salads and dishes, helping to make your dieting journey more enjoyable. Furthermore, they can even help boost exercise performance due to their nitrate content!
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22. Carrots
Carrots are a classic favourite; crunchy, sweet, and great when paired with a variety of dipping sauces, this vegetable is known for its low calorie content and high levels of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and potassium. Carrots make a fantastic healthy snack, helping you to feel full throughout the day.
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23. Snow Peas
How often do you think about snow peas? This often forgotten vegetable is actually a great addition to any healthy diet. Snow peas are crunchy and sweet, and to make things even better, low in calories! They're a good source of vitamins C and K, and they're amazing at adding a fresh, crisp texture to salads and stir-fries.
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24. Fennel
Fennel is a flavorful herb with a bulb that is low in calories and has a unique licorice-like flavor. It's rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and can be used to add a fresh taste to salads, soups, and other dishes.
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25. Seaweed
Seaweed is an incredibly low-calorie food that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and iodine. It's often used in Asian cuisine, adding a unique flavor and nutrient boost to soups, salads, and sushi with minimal caloric impact.
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