18 Zero-Calorie Foods for Weight Loss

It is said that zero-calorie or negative calorie foods are low in calories and that the body uses more calories to burn these foods.

There are no studies that can confirm this statement but there are studies which show that both negative-calories and low-calorie diet combined with exercise promote weight loss. (1)

Not only are they effective weight loss diets but also have a positive effect on your entire body.

Experts are saying that our bodies are not actually burning more calories than the food has.

The fact that these foods are low in calories and high in nutrients and fiber helps with weight loss.

In addition to not having a lot of calories the fiber from these foods will help you feel fuller longer, reducing the chances of snacking on unhealthy and high calories foods.

Zero calorie foods mostly have high water content are low in calories (less than 100 calories per 1 cup) and high in fiber and nutrients.

Keep in mind that these foods are whole foods and not the processed ones that say “zero calories” on the packaging.

Incorporate more of these foods into your diet to keep you fuller while having lower calories intake.

Zero Calorie Foods for Weight Loss

1. Celery

Celery is widely known as a food that is recommended for weight loss diets. One large stalk of celery has only 10 calories and at the same time, it’s packed with lots of nutrients.

When you are on weight loss diet it is very important to make sure you eat foods that are nutritious.

Celery is also an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Contains 95% water, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, fiber, and potassium.

Celery also helps to reduce cholesterol levels, lowers inflammation, boosts digestion, prevents urinary tract infections, helps with high blood pressure and may help protect from cancer. (2)

If you are not very fond of the taste or lack of it, therefore, you can incorporate it in your soups or in your smoothies.

2. Cucumber

Cucumber is amongst the vegetables that have the highest water content at around 95%.

One cup of cucumbers has 16 calories and is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.

They help you feel full faster and you are not adding the extra calories. Plus they help with dehydration; they contain antioxidants, help detoxify your body, help improve heart health, relieve constipation and can combat headaches.

3. Asparagus

Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food and with only 20 calories per cup. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, is a good source of folic acid potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A, and vitamin C.

Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural diuretic. Helps people who have high blood pressure and it may help regulate blood sugar.

Asparagus is very versatile and can be served raw, steamed, boiled, grilled or even in juices.

4. Watermelon

If you want to indulge in a tasty low-calorie treat while trying to get rid of some extra pounds, watermelon should be your best friend.

Watermelon will satisfy your sweet tooth and provide some key nutrients at the same time.

Contains 91% water and has only 46 calories per cup, which makes it perfect for weight loss because it provides fewer calories in a large volume of food.

This is going to make you feel more satisfied and you will eat less.

Watermelon is high in antioxidants and vitamins and can help maintain your eye health, keep your colon clean and improve liver function.

5. Tomato

Tomato is another fruit that contains a large amount of water and has only 18 calories per 100g.

Tomatoes are also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber.

Consumption of tomatoes has been found to reduce inflammation and water retention in the body, lower the LDL cholesterol and they may prevent cancer due to their high lycopene content.

Lycopene is also found to protect skin against sunburn. (3)

6. Lemons

One lemon with the peel contains 24 calories and a good amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron.

Lemons can be incorporated into your diet in various ways. You can add them to your water or you can squeeze them on top of your salads.

They can increase your immune system; can help keep your heart healthy, may help fight cancer, can prevent kidney stones and they can help you keep your skin healthy. (4) (5)

7. Oranges

With 86% water and only 85 calories per cup oranges are an ideal snack. They are rich in vitamins like vitamin C, B, and vitamin A and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Their fiber content will help you maintain your weight. High fiber foods take longer to chew and they will be taking up more space in your stomach due to the high amount of water they absorb.

8. Lettuce

Lettuce leaves are one of the low-calorie green vegetables. One cup of fresh leaves provides just 8 calories.

Fresh leaves are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and vitamin C.

It also contains good amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is a great superfood that may help you in your weight loss journey. (6)

Besides that, 1 cup of broccoli contains only 31 calories it is also packed with essential nutrients and fiber, which helps you feel satisfied faster.

It has the ability to detoxify your body, reduce inflammation, lower glucose levels and it may have anticancer properties. (7)

Broccoli is best steamed or roasted and it can be served with a variety of foods.

10. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another amazing food considered to be amongst the healthiest foods on earth.

One cup of cauliflower contains 29 calories and supplies plenty of essential vitamins, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Is high in fiber which will promote healthy digestion and support weight loss. Omega-3 fatty acids can help increase metabolism.

It has been shown that reduces cancer risk, fights inflammation, decreases the risk of heart diseases, Alzheimer’s,  promotes healthy bone structure and helps reduce constipation.

11. Cabbage

Like broccoli and cauliflower, cabbage is a superfood from the Cruciferae family. All these foods have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.

There are only 17 calories in one cup of chopped cabbage, contains 4 grams of dietary fiber which helps you control your appetite.

Is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

Cauliflower also may prevent heart disease, reduce cholesterol, and help heal ulcer.

12. Kale

Another member of the cancer-fighting family. Kale is lately one of the most popular foods in the world of dieting.

One of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth that can help you lose weight and keep you healthy at the same time. Contains high amounts of vitamin A, K, and C.

One cup of raw kale contains only 33 calories.

The health benefits of kale beside fighting cancer include heart support, is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, is a natural detoxifier, and supports healthy vision. (8)

You can consume it raw in green smoothies, shakes, juices, in salads and even make chips.

13. Berries

Berries are another great zero calories food. They are nutrient-packed with a high content of fiber and vitamins.

It has been shown that blueberries can prevent obesity and is associated with the reduction of belly fat in rats. (9) (10)

They are high in antioxidants, reduce inflammation, support digestion, promote heart health and can promote and maintain brain function.

14. Apples

Apples can satisfy your sweet tooth without making you feel guilty. One medium apple has around 95 calories and provides a high level of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Due to their fiber content, they are one of the best foods in weight loss diets, being an awesome appetite suppressant and can protect against obesity.

Apples can also help prevent inflammation, decrease the risk of heart disease, promotes a healthy digestive system and can help fight diabetes.

15. Grapefruit

Experts recommended grapefruit for weight loss for the longest time.

Research has shown that having just half of a fresh grapefruit before meals promoted weight loss along with insulin resistance.

It is an immunity booster and reduces the risk of stroke. Can help reduce cellulite, protect the skin and helps with collagen formation.

16. Onions

Onions can help lower inflammation, can help maintain blood sugar levels, support bone tissue.

The antioxidants contained in onion can help increase the calory burn.

17. Carrots

Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables in the world and contain a mere 53 calories per cup.

They provide ample amounts of minerals and vitamins and can help lower blood pressure and inflammation.

Protecting the eyesight is the most known benefit of eating carrots but they can also fight against inflammation, boost the immune system and maintain brain health.

18. Zucchini

Zucchini provides a high source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.

Besides the fact that they have low calories are also one of the vegetables that have a low carb content. For this reason, zoodles are an awesome noodle replacement.

Zucchini can lower the blood pressure and protect against inflammation, promote digestion, supports healthy metabolism and can help control diabetes.

Simply incorporating zero calorie foods into your diet will not make you lose weight.

To lose weight you need a balanced diet that provides nutrients to your body and burns more calories than you consume.

Regular exercise can facilitate fat burning but if you want to have success you need to watch your portion size.

What other zero-calorie foods are you incorporating in your diet?