Foods That Are Low in Calories

Foods That Are Low in Calories Reducing your calorie intake can be an effective way to lose weight. However, not all foods are equal when it comes to nutritional value. Some foods are low in calories while also low in nutrients. When limiting your calorie intake, it’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods, which contain ample nutrients for the number of calories they provide. What’s more, a diet full of whole, nutrient-dense foods may help you feel more satisfied while cutting calories. Here are 42 nutritious foods that are low in calories. Meat and poultry Because they’re high in protein, lean meat and poultry are good foods to eat when you’re trying to cut calories. Protein boosts feelings of fullness and may help you eat fewer calories throughout the day . Meats that are lowest in calories are the ones that are very lean. Fat is calorie-dense, so fattier cuts of meat have a higher calorie count. 1. Eye of round steak There’s no reason you can’t still enjoy a steak while cutting calories. Beef is nutritious and a good source of vitamin B12 and iron . Iron is an essential nutrient that helps transport oxygen throughout your body, while vitamin B12 is necessary to form red blood cells. However, note that eye of round is a very lean cut of beef. Be sure not to overcook it, or it will be tough and dry. 2. Boneless, skinless chicken breast Chicken is a very versatile meat that is also an excellent source of protein. You can keep the calorie content low by trimming all skin and visible fat. 3. Turkey breast Turkey breast is high in protein, vitamin B6, and niacin. B vitamins help your body break down the food you eat and metabolize it into energy. 4. Pork tenderloin Tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork, making it a great low-calorie option. Pork is rich in several B vitamins and an excellent source of high-quality protein. Fish and seafood Most fish and seafood are highly nutritious and excellent choices if you’re restricting calories. Like meat, fish and seafood are high in protein. They also provide important nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. 5. Cod Cod is a lean, white fish that is high in protein but low in calories. It’s also rich in vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, and contains a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Iodine is important for proper brain and thyroid function, but many people do not get enough of it. 6. Salmon Salmon is a fatty fish loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s. It’s also high in vitamin B12 and one of the few foods that naturally contain high amounts of vitamin D. This is important, as vitamin D deficiency is a common problem around the world. It’s is associated with various health issues, such as osteoporosis, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure. 7. Scallops Scallops are a low-calorie shellfish with a sweet, mild flavor. Make sure to skip the high-calorie sauces and enjoy scallops steamed, broiled, or grilled. 8. Oysters Just 1 oyster provides over 100% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin B12 and over half of the DV for zinc and selenium . An adequate intake of selenium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Vegetables Most vegetables are low in calories yet high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. This makes them excellent for weight loss. Many veggies are also high in both water and fiber, which help you feel full without consuming a lot of calories. Starchy vegetables like potatoes and winter squashes are higher in calories but still very nutritious. 9. Chinese cabbage Chinese cabbage, which includes napa and bok choy, ranks at the top of the list when it comes to nutrient density. This cabbage is high in vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of folate. Sautéing Chinese cabbage gives it an excellent flavor and retains its nutrients. 10. Watercress Watercress is a spicy, leafy green that’s one of the most nutrient-rich vegetables you can eat. It’s very low in calories yet contains large amounts of vitamins A, C, and K. You can toss watercress into a salad or stir-fry it alongside other scrumptious vegetables. 11. Cucumbers Cucumbers are low in calories because they consist mostly of water. Interestingly, they also harbor a decent amount of vitamin K1 and several beneficial plant compounds. 12. Radishes Radishes are a peppery, cruciferous vegetable that is low in calories yet full of flavor. They provide a decent amount of vitamin C and a small amount of folate. 13. Celery Celery is high in vitamin K1 and plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. 14. Kale Kale is an extremely nutritious veggie. You can get over 100% of the DV for vitamins A, C, and K1 by eating just 1 cup (68 grams) of kale. In fact, this serving provides seven times the amount of vitamin K you need in a day. Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting . 15. Spinach Spinach is high in folate, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and K1. It’s also rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids. Starting your meal with a salad made from spinach or other leafy greens might help you feel fuller and eat fewer calories overall. 16. Bell peppers Bell peppers are naturally sweet and high in fiber, vitamin C, and carotenoids. Carotenoids are cancer-fighting plant compounds that may also improve eye health. 17. Mushrooms Mushrooms are fungi but often classified as vegetables. They contain several B vitamins and a good amount of potassium and selenium. Certain edible mushrooms have been associated with health benefits, including a strengthened immune system, decreased inflammation, and a reduced risk of cancer. Fruits and berries Fruits tend to be higher in calories than vegetables. However, most fruits are nutrient-dense and deserve a place in your low-calorie diet. 18. Strawberries Strawberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They also provide a large dose of vitamin C . 19. Cantaloupe Cantaloupe is a melon with pale, orange flesh that is high in vitamins A and C . It’s also a rich source of beta-carotene, which is important for healthy eyes and skin. 20. Watermelon Watermelon is made up of mostly water, hence its name. It also contains a good dose of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A . What’s more, this melon is rich in lycopene, a plant compound that may protect against heart disease and some cancers 21. Blueberries Blueberries are a popular, highly nutritious fruit. They are particularly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K1, and manganese . These compounds have numerous health benefits, including a protective effect against heart disease. 22. Grapefruit Like many other citrus fruits, grapefruits are high in vitamin C. Red grapefruit also gets its color from the healthy plant compound lycopene . 23. Kiwifruit Just one kiwifruit, without the skin, contains all the vitamin C you need in a day. It also provides a good dose of fiber and vitamin K1.    PO Box 1577 PMB # Atlanta, GA 30301  [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Report Spam]( Â