Let’s be honest with ourselves, we all have cravings from time to time, and that’s natural. But when the cravings get out of control and it just so happens that we’re trying to lose some weight, not gain it, then we are sending SOS signals.
Luckily, there are such foods out there on which you can snack all you want and still maintain a healthy figure. The reason for this is their unbelievably low-calorie content. Here is a list of 17 foods you should not hold back on eating.
1. Celery – 6 Calories
Amazing, isn’t it? But it all makes sense once you learn that as much as 95% of celery is made of water. But other than being a great snack choice while you’re dieting, it’s also a really healthy choice! It contains 30% of your daily need of vitamin K.
However, you’d do well do eat your celery fresh, as it can lose most of its benefits after about 5 days of cutting.
2. Arugula – 10 Calories
Would you believe there are only 10 calories in two whole cups of arugula? It’s ideal for helping you get fit and not damaging your health in the process, which is most important.
You can combine it with white cheese for better taste or even season it with some healthy olive oil!
3. Egg Whites – 17 Calories per Egg
You can freely eat the whites of the eggs all you want, even if you are currently following a strict regime! In order to make a super-simple, super-tasty and super-healthy omelet, simply mix some egg whites with tomatoes (also a low-calorie food we’ll discuss below).
Still, it’s better not to fry them in oil, as that would defeat the purpose of ‘low calorie’, wouldn’t it?
4. Salad – 10-20 Calories (Depending on the Type)
Other than being so low on calories, it is also extremely healthy and contains the vitamins A and C, as well as iron and even folic acid.
You can chow down on this magnificent food without ever having to feel guilty no matter how much you consume in a day.
5. Cucumbers – 16 Calories
No wonder they’re so low on calories, when they contain practically the same percentage of water as celery does. Plus, the fresh variety is packed with benefits to your health.
Perhaps it will shock you that the skin of the cucumber is the one which holds the most nutritional value, especially beta-carotene, which is always good for your eyes. So, next time you want to peel your cucumbers, you might want to rethink that decision.
6. Cauliflower – 25 Calories
Not only is it so low on caloric content, but it too, like all veggies, is packed with nutritious benefits – especially if you decide to eat it raw. It’s also a great source of vitamins K and C.
7. Tomatoes – 25 Calories
Tomatoes are so low on calories, that they are practically devoid of them. Not to mention all the nutrients they offer us: vitamins A, B2, and C, lycopene, fiber,folic acid, potassium and chromium – don’t say this in one breath, folks.
8. Broccoli – 31 Calories
No wonder it’s a personal favorite of all those who are seeking to lose weight the healthy and natural way. It contains about 20% of the fiber you need on a daily basis, as well as vitamins A, C, K, and E.
9. Popcorn – 31 Calories
One cup of these tasty air-popped snacks only contains as little as 31 calories. So next time you watch a movie, feel guilt-free if you grab a bowl of these, since they mostly consist of air.
BUT, for those which are used to the idea that popcorn is a fattening food, just remember to eat the popcorn without any added butter or sugar, since that’s what makes them caloric in the first place.
10. Kale – 32 Calories
Not only is it almost devoid of any calories, but it is also an excellent source of iodine. Always a good choice for when you’re feeling peckish.
11. Sugar Snap Peas – 35 Calories
They are both tasty and low in caloric content. One cup of sugar snap peas contains 35 calories! And they’re also healthy to boot- great sources of both protein and fiber. What more can one ask for?
12. Grapefruit – 50 Calories
They help you in stabilizing your blood sugar levels. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, and help you lose weight the natural and healthy way.
13. Melon – 55 Calories
It will not only satisfy any sweet tooth-based cravings you have, but also supply you with the much-needed vitamins C and A. Over half your recommended daily intake, in fact! Feel free to taste something sweet without having to fear that you’ll ruin your diet.
14. Strawberries – 50 Calories
These tasty treats are chock full of fiber and potassium, plus they have an anti-inflammatory effect on your health! A must have for all healthy food lovers, to be sure.
15. Blackberries – 62 Calories
They are brimming with vitamin C and antioxidants. Not to mention they taste fantastic. Even for someone who has been on a diet for a long time now, they’re completely safe for consuming.
Plus the caloric content they offer is rather low for the benefits you’re getting!
16. Oranges – 80 Calories
They count as some of the tastiest, juiciest fruits Mother Nature’s got to offer us. Like every other citrus fruit, they are known for their high vitamin C content.
And here’s a helpful tip for you readers: the white stuff which is under the orange skin is called the pith (in case you didn’t know) and contains a whole lot of fiber, and this, in turn, helps to reduce your bad cholesterol.
So the next time you get into your old habit of peeling off the pith, you may wish to reconsider for your own good.
17. Blueberries – 85 Calories
Would you believe they contain more antioxidants than any other fruit out there? Hence, as little as one cup will certainly aid you in balancing your diet. And one of the main benefits is you don’t have to worry about weight gain while eating it either.
Well, next time you feel like munching, choose any of these seventeen healthy, low-calorie options rather than something you know will make you feel guilty after ‘enjoying’ it.