About Negative Calorie Foods
You’ve probably heard of negative calorie foods – foods that result in you burning more calories than you take in. Having knowledge of these foods can come in handy when you are watching your weight, or if you want to shed a few pounds. They are great to have on hand as snacks – much better and healthier than chips. Of course, your diet cannot consist only of these foods, but they can be great for grazing and in between meal snacks – and for those people – like me, that like to snack when you watch TV.
The reality is, when you eat negative calorie foods you will burn more calories in chewing and digesting them than they contain. Snacking on these foods will not add unwanted pounds. The point is, if you choose these foods for snacks you don’t have to give up snacking! So here’s a list – in alphabetical order:
- Apples – about 80 calories per apple
- Apricots – nutrient rich and great tasting
- Blueberries – Can be added to other foods or eaten alone
- Carrots – excellent portable snack
- Cauliflower – great for party platters or alone as a snack
- Celery – the best option is to eat celery without a dip
- Cranberries – can be added to other foods or eaten alone
- Cucumbers – great alone or in a salad
- Grapefruit – ½ contains about 36 calories and about 78% of your daily potassium requirement
- Honeydew – delicious melon that can be part of a melon cup or eaten alone
- Hot Chili Peppers – low calorie natural seasoning
- Lemon – great for flavoring
- Lettuce – the foundation of a delicious salad
- Limes – great flavor
- Mango – excellent snack choice
- Oranges – contains about 45 calories
- Papaya – can be enjoyed anytime
- Pineapple – delicious fruit that can add flavor to other foods or be eaten alone
- Raspberries – can be added to other foods or eaten alone
- Strawberries – can be used to add natural sweetness to cereals
- Tangerines – tastier than candy bars
- Tomatoes – add flavor without adding calories
- Watermelon – delectable, sweet and juicy
- Zucchini – can be cooked in a variety of ways, and always tastes delicious
Other foods that are sometimes thought of as negative calorie foods include: asparagus, broccoli, endive, garlic, radishes, turnips, beet root, cabbage, dandelion, garden cress, green beans, onion and spinach. Each of the foods listed will speed up your metabolism which will help you lose weight.
