Foods That Are Extremely Low in Calories

Are you looking to shed some pounds or maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing flavor or nutrition? Incorporating low-calorie foods into your diet can help you achieve your goals. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of foods that are extremely low in calories yet packed with essential nutrients. These options are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious meals while keeping their calorie intake in check.

Leafy Greens: Nutrient Powerhouses

• Spinach
  Spinach is a versatile leafy green that contains only 7 calories per cup (raw). It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Add spinach to your salads, smoothies, or stir-fries for a nutritious boost.
• Lettuce
  With just 5 calories per cup (raw), lettuce is an excellent base for salads and wraps. It provides a good source of fiber and vitamins, making it a staple in low-calorie diets.
• Kale
  Kale, another leafy green, offers about 8 calories per cup (raw). It is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Cruciferous Vegetables

• Broccoli
  Broccoli is not only low in calories, with about 31 calories per cup (chopped), but also high in fiber and vitamins C and K. Enjoy it steamed, roasted, or raw for a healthy snack or side dish.
• Cauliflower
  Cauliflower contains roughly 25 calories per cup (chopped). It is a great source of fiber and can be used as a low-calorie substitute for grains and potatoes. Try cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a guilt-free alternative.
• Cabbage
  At around 22 calories per cup (shredded), cabbage is an excellent choice for salads, slaws, and soups. It is high in vitamins C and K and supports digestive health.

Other Vegetables

• Cucumber
  Cucumber is incredibly low in calories, with about 16 calories per cup (sliced). Its high water content makes it a refreshing addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack.
• Zucchini
  Zucchini offers around 19 calories per cup (sliced) and is perfect for grilling, roasting, or spiralizing into zucchini noodles. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Celery
  Celery contains approximately 16 calories per cup (chopped). It is a hydrating and crunchy snack that pairs well with low-calorie dips like hummus or Greek yogurt.

Fruits

• Strawberries
  Strawberries are a delicious and low-calorie fruit, with about 49 calories per cup (halved). They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a perfect snack or addition to desserts and salads.
• Watermelon
  Watermelon is a hydrating fruit with roughly 46 calories per cup (diced). It is high in vitamins A and C and provides a sweet, refreshing treat on hot days.
• Grapefruit
  Grapefruit contains around 52 calories per half (medium size). It is known for its metabolism-boosting properties and is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Root Vegetables

• Radishes
  Radishes offer about 19 calories per cup (sliced). They add a spicy crunch to salads and are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
• Turnips
  Turnips contain roughly 36 calories per cup (diced). They are versatile root vegetables that can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews.
• Carrots
  Carrots have around 52 calories per cup (chopped). They are high in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin K, making them a nutritious snack or addition to meals.

Herbs and Spices: Flavor Enhancers

• Parsley
  Parsley contains about 2 calories per tablespoon (chopped). It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and can enhance the flavor of various dishes.
• Cilantro
  Cilantro offers roughly 1 calorie per tablespoon (chopped). It adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to salads, salsas, and many other dishes.
• Basil
  Basil contains approximately 1 calorie per tablespoon (chopped). It is a fragrant herb that pairs well with tomatoes, pasta, and other Italian-inspired dishes.

Mushrooms: Earthy and Satisfying

• White Mushrooms
  White mushrooms have about 15 calories per cup (sliced). They are low in calories but high in nutrients, including B vitamins and selenium.
• Portobello Mushrooms
  Portobello mushrooms contain roughly 22 calories per cup (sliced). They are hearty and can be used as a meat substitute in various recipes.