Have you ever counted calories as a way of losing weight? Calorie counting has been an ever-present factor for weight loss around the world. However, it goes beyond simply counting calories on food labels. Around half of all food labels are incorrect, so you might have been counting your calories wrong all along.
What Are Calories?
Calories are energy our body uses to perform all its tasks. Keep them low, and you’ll be able to lose weight. However, it’s not that straightforward. Calories from processed foods are not the same as calories from healthy foods. Natural foods will help you burn a lot more weight than keeping your calorie count low with processed foods thanks to the natural fibers they contain. Natural foods will keep you satiated for longer and prevent you from overeating, which is why they’re better for losing weight. Even worse, calories from processed foods are actually less nutritious. Eat junk food and it’ll fill you up, but only for a short period. It’s all about the hormones in our bodies. Some store fat while others release sugar, with many hormones controlling our muscle build. The key to losing fat is consuming a lot of protein and healthy fat which can be found in the foods on the list below.
Low-Calorie Foods You Can Eat Every Day
Cucumbers A champion among weight loss foods, cucumbers have almost no calories but are full of vitamins and minerals. They will also keep you hydrated thanks to the high water content. Staying hydrated is key for losing weight. Cucumbers are full of electrolytes and vitamin K and have anti-inflammatory properties that can keep many diseases at bay. Additionally, they also contain flavonoids and tannins which can block different types of pain. When it comes to cucumbers, you can eat them all day long.
Brussels Sprouts Full of vitamin C and vitamin K, Brussels Sprouts contain only 38 calories per cup. They also contain glucosinolates which can lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Thanks to their sweet taste, Brussels Sprouts are a perfect side dish you can serve with goat cheese, cranberries, and pecans.
Oranges All citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, with oranges at the top of the list. Potassium, folate, and other nutrients also come packed in oranges, so you better add them to your daily menu. According to studies, oranges can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, which is why you should eat more of them.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away for real! Apples are full of fiber which is great for your digestion and also contain potassium and vitamin C. Studies have shown they can lower blood sugar weight and boost weight loss, which is why they should be a part of your daily eating regimen. Zucchinis Not only do they taste great, but zucchinis are chock-full of essential nutrients. They can lower cholesterol and inflammation while also regulating your blood pressure. They taste great when stir-fried, barbecued or even steamed, so you have plenty of tasty options at your disposal.
Kale
Almost a zero-calorie food, kale is full of vitamin C and other nutrients that can help you lose weight. Additionally, they contain vitamin K which is essential in proper calcium absorption. Kale will boost your immune system and help your body burn fat faster, so add a cup to your daily menu.
Carrots
Carrots contain only 30 calories per cup but are full of nutrients that can lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Thanks to loads of beta-carotene, they can also improve your eyesight.
Broccoli
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We’ll assume you’re ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Reject Read More Everyone hates broccoli, but it shouldn’t be like that. A champion among healthy foods, broccoli is stuffed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. It can lower the risk of several serious ailments and is great for your heart. Do yourself a favor – eat broccoli more often!
Watermelon
A perfect fruit for the summer, watermelon is not only hydrating – it’s full of nutrients as well. Watermelon contains lycopene, a carotenoid and antioxidant that will do your heart a lot of good. Studies have shown that eating watermelon may reduce the risk of various types of cancer, so make sure to eat it while trying to lose weight. Did we mention it has almost no calories? Yeah, eat as much of it as you can.
Cabbage
Just like kale, cabbage is chock-full of vitamin C and fiber which is great for your digestion. It’ll keep you satiated for a long time and prevent overeating. Cabbage has also been known to regulate blood pressure, so make sure to add it to your diet more often when trying to lose weight. Celery A hydrating veggie, celery is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. On the list, you’ll find vitamins A, K, and C, as well as a host of antioxidants, folate, and potassium. Celery is full of fiber as well which will regulate your digestion and help your body burn fat faster.
Asparagus
With 32 calories per cup, asparagus is a powerful weapon in the fight against excess weight. Asparagus has been known to help with kidney problems and urinary tract infections, while also regulating the balance of hormones. Thanks to the low-calorie count, you should definitely add asparagus to your daily menu.
Onion
Cooked onions contain roughly 44 calories per 100g. They’re also packed with phosphorous, potassium, vitamin b6, and vitamin C . Onions are a part of the same family as chives, garlic, scallions and leeks. As such, it contains powerful compounds such as quercetin and sulfur. These compounds come together to give onions chemopreventive properties. In fact, researchers believe their rich organosulfur compounds inhibit tumor growth and mutation and fight free radicals.
Additionally, onions contain folate, which fights depression by controlling homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine stall nutrient flow to the brain and interferes with the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They hormones affect mood, sleep, and appetite. Onions add plenty of flavor to sauces, stir-frys, soups, and salads.
