Losing weight through a strict diet and still getting enjoyment from the food you eat are two concepts that rarely go well together. However, for those who have discovered zero-calorie foods have discovered a way to shed weight, and keep it off, without having to sacrifice on the enjoyment that good food brings to life.
So, to help you take advantage of this fairly simple dieting tip, here is a little bit more about zero-calorie foods that will help you stick to your diet without suffering the misery of bland eating and starvation.
What are Zero-Calorie Foods?
Technically, there is no such thing as ‘zero-calorie’ foods. Everything we eat, no matter how healthy, contains a certain amount of energy. However, there are those foods that are so low on the glycaemic index that they actually require more energy to digest than they give you.These are called ‘negative-calorie’ foods since – to make up for the calorie loss – your body burns through stored fat for its energy source.
According to Dr. Neal Barnard, author of Foods That Cause You to Lose Weight: The Negative Calorie Effect:
“Not every food is created equally and not every calorie is burned equally in your body. There are a variety of foods that create a negative-calorie effect, which improves your metabolism and helps you lose weight effectively. These foods are usually plant-derived foods that are high in water content and rich in fiber: grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, except for fatty fruits like avocados and olives. Since your body takes a longer time to burn off fibrous foods, your metabolism continues to stay revved up, giving you a jumpstart to your weight loss.”
Negative-Calorie Vegetables
Because of their high fibre content, ‘negative calorie’ vegetables keep you feeling satisfied for longer. This drastically reduces the chances of binging. This makes negative-calorie vegetables perfect for daytime meals, light snacks and early dinners.
For significant weight-loss, you would need to consume around a kilogram of them daily. This can take the enjoyment out it!
Here are a few examples of negative-calorie vegetables:
- Asparagus,
- Beetroot,
- Broccoli,
- Cabbage,
- Carrots,
- Kale,
- Leeks,
- Gem Squash,
- Tomatoes, and
- Baby marrows.
Negative-Calorie Fruit
Negative-calorie fruit is great for cleansing your liver, stabilising blood sugar, burning fat as well as promoting healthy hair, skin and nails.
Although they are low in terms of calorie count, they still contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. This makes them perfect for pairing with a rigid workout schedule. Because they are generally sweet, they are also ideal for breakfasts, snacks and deserts.
Here are some examples of negative-calorie fruits:
- Apples,
- Cantaloupe,
- Cranberries,
- Grapefruits,
- Lemons and limes,
- Mangoes,
- Oranges,
- Strawberries, and
- Watermelon.
Herbs and Spices
Zero-calorie herbs and spices provide your body with anti-oxidants and trace elements. They also do a lot to lower cholesterol, promote mental health, stabilise blood sugar and moods, and improved digestion.
They are also wonderful for sprucing up meals and adding flavour to your diet to make food enjoyable without making it unhealthy for you.
Here are a few examples of negative-calorie herbs and spices you can use in your cooking:
- Anise,
- Cayenne,
- Chilli peppers,
- Cinnamon,
- Cloves,
- Dill,
- Flax seeds,
- Garlic,
- Ginger,
- Parsley,
- Onions, and
- Mustard seeds.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
If you would like to learn more by enrolling in specialised nutrition courses that will allow you to enrich your life and those of others, visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today or contact us for more details.
