When you’re trying to lose weight, you’re always looking for ways to cut calories because the ONLY way to lose weight is to eat less calories than you burn.
Low calorie foods are a dieter’s best friend. And on your days off the Military Diet, if you want great results, it’s best not to go too crazy and be mindful of how many calories you’re ingesting.
These zero calorie foods below aren’t literally zero calories, but between the energy required to digest the foods and the calorie content itself, they are very close to being zero calories, hence their nickname. Because the Military Diet is indeed a low calorie diet, some of the foods listed below are also on the diet.
For anyone trying to decrease their total calorie intake and lose weight, eating more of these low calorie fruits and vegetables gets you closer to your goals.
Celery
Calorie count: one cup = 18 calories
Celery is the most famous zero calorie food, the one we’ve all heard of. Full of fiber and quite tasty, celery is a perfect vehicle for peanut butter. But is also quite refreshing and hydrating to crunch through a few stalks all on their own. Celery juice also has recent celebrity status too as juicing this tasty vegetable provides so many health benefits.
Asparagus
Calorie count: one cup = 27 calories
Tasty and so low in calories that you may want to treat yourself to a little pat of butter on top. Asparagus is a great source of fiber and nutrients like folate and vitamins A, C and K and is also great for weight loss, lowering blood pressure and improved digestion.
Beets
Calorie count: one cup = 59 calories
Beets have a high water and low calorie content. Both of these properties are great for weight loss. The best way to cook beats is roast or saute them because the longer you cook beets in water, the more phytonutrients leach out of the food and into the water.
Spinach
Calorie count: one cup = 7 calories
Spinach is a nutrient powerhouse and helps a person maintain their weight. Some studies have suggested that eating four servings of spinach a day may reduce the risk of weight gain by 80%. Sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon never disappoints as a side dish or a heathy snack all on its own.
Arugula
Calorie count: one cup = 3 calories
Arugula is healthful, cruciferous leafy green with a peppery taste. Not everyone loves arugula, but when you know you know. A half arugula, half spinach salad with a nice homemade dressing using balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and pepper hits the spot.
Iceberg Lettuce
Calorie count: one cup = 10 calories
A summer favourite, iceberg lettuce is always a crunchy and refreshing addition to burgers or sandwiches or all on its own as a salad. Because of its high water content and light colour, some people think iceberg lacks nutrients, but’s actually rich in Vitamin K, A and folate.
Kale
Calorie count: one cup = 34 calories
Kale is a leafy green with impressive nutritional benefits. This green powerhouse does well in smoothies and soups and makes for delicious chips if you’re feeling more ambitious. Kale is all one of the richest known sources of Vitamin K.
Romaine Lettuce
Calorie count: one cup = 17 calories
Sometime we think of super low calorie food as lacking in nutrients, but Romaine is high in minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.
Its neutral taste makes it a favourite in salads and sandwiches.
Watermelon
Calorie count: one cup = 46 calories
If fruits can be nostalgic, watermelon fits the bill. Eating this delicious and hydrating fruit brings us back to carefree childhood days of summer. Watermelon is 90& water, so it’s an ideal fruit to eat if you’re trying to lose weight but feel full.
Zucchini
Calorie count: one cup = 18 calories
Zucchini is a great side dish when sautéed or even as a meal onto itself. With carbs still considered a dieter’s enemy, turning zucchini into no carb noodles has become very popular.
Strawberries
Calorie count: one cup = 43 calories
Strawberries make a welcome and tasty addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Frozen strawberries in a smoothie add a sweet edge. Many salads are also made better with strawberries. All berries are nutritional powerhouses.
Apples
Calorie count: one cup = 57 calories
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the US. Easy to carry and easy to eat, apples are the perfect snack at any time of the day. Apples are high in fiber and low in calories, making them one of the most ideal ways to satisfy a craving for something sweet while watching your weight.
Broccoli
Calorie count: one cup = 31 calories
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are super veggies, meaning their health benefits are many. And broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables on Planet Earth, it’s a good source of fibre, protein, iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K.
Broth
Calorie count: one cup = 10 calories
Bone broth is all the rage these days, but regular broth is pretty similar and comes in a variety of flavors like chicken, beef and vegetable. Truly a savoury snack and heartwarming drink, the low calorie content of broth is unbeatable.
Brussels Sprouts
Calorie count: one cup = 38 calories
Brussel Sprouts aren’t for everyone, but for those who love them get their fair share of Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber from these little mini cabbages. And once sautéed in olive oil, the sprouts have a carmelized outside and tender up nicely inside. With so much fiber content, overdoing it on the Brussels Sprouts can lend to gassiness and bloating.
Cabbage
Calorie count: one cup = 22 calories
Cabbage makes a great slaw mixed with carrots, apple cider vinegar and honey. It’s no wonder this low cal, high fiber veggie became the star of the popular Cabbage Soup diet either: the soup is both filling and sends a person to the bathroom more than usual.
Carrots
Calorie count: one cup = 53 calories
Carrots are one of nature’s crispy little treats. Eaten raw or added to soup, carrots pack a lot of sweet flavour. Everyone associates eating carrots with better eyesight and that’s because carrots are rich in beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A, a necessary nutrient for good vision.
Cauliflower
Calorie count: one cup = 25 calories
Nobody remembers liking cauliflower as a kid, but this cruciferous veggie has seen a remarkable rebrand in recent times, wether used in tacos, broiled or put in pizza crusts. Cauliflower has become popular with good reason because it’s an excellent substitute for grains and other high carb items.
Cucumbers
Calorie count: one cup = 16 calories
Cucumbers are great all on their own with a bit of salt and pepper, but this veggie also makes a great vehicle for getting delicious dips like hummus into our mouth. Cucumbers make themselves at home in all salads and slices of cucumber also work as a summer side dish.
Grapefruit
Calorie count: one cup = 52 calories
Grapefruit is the probably the most nutritious and versatile of the citrus family. A grapefruit makes a whole and delicious breakfast or dessert. And this mighty fruit packs compounds that decrease cholesterol and increase metabolism.
White Mushrooms
Calorie count: one cup = 15 calories
The humble fungus is another veggie that’s seen a huge resurgence in popularity because they are a rich but low calorie source of fiber, protein and and antioxidants that prevent serious health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It’s no wonder the mighty mushroom is loved by vegans and vegetarians as a meat substitute.
Peppers
Calorie count: one cup = 46 calories
Bell peppers are great sources of antioxidants. Almost any pepper is best served roasted, peeled, and drizzled with olive oil. Stuffing peppers with any number of items like rice, meat or cheese makes a great and hearty meal.
Papaya
Calorie count: one cup = 55 calories
Less sweet and more meaty than a melon, Papaya is very high in vitamin C and potassium. Papayas also have a high fiber content meaning it will help you feel full longer and provide a satisfying breakfast to start the day.
Herbal teas and black coffee
Calorie count: one cup = 0
Both tea and coffee are great appetite suppressants and fill your stomach temporarily.
Carbonated waters
Calorie count: one cup = zero calories
Bubbly water has become beyond trendy with new brands and flavours everyday. Hydration and filling your stomach is literally a win win situation.
