Going negative
It’s no secret that the key to losing weight is to consume more calories than you actually burn. With the general craze for calorie counting, negative calorie foods have become hugely popular. What it is, how it can be negative and which foods can fall into this category, we tell you below.
How can calories be negative?
Any food supplies the body with energy, but at the same time we expend the latter even for digestion. Its amount is directly related to what we eat. Foods with negative calories are those that require more calories for digestion than the body directly receives. Of course, you should not build your diet entirely from them, but they will be a great addition to those that still satiate you with energy.
Negative calorie foods tend to include vegetables and fruits that are low in sugar and high in fibre and water. Below are the most popular ones.
Celery
Celery is one of the main stars of the right diet. It contains just 16 kcal per 100 grams of product, yet celery is high in fibre, making it very good for digestion. Add celery to salads, smoothies, juices or use it for a healthy snack paired with hummus.
Berries
Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries contain only about 30 kcal per 100 grams. But it’s not just their negative calorie content that makes them an ideal food, but the tremendous benefits they bring to the body as well. The berries are a veritable storehouse of vitamins and antioxidants essential for beauty and health.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is low in calories and high in nutrients. High levels of folic acid, vitamin C and antioxidants make it ideal for your diet.
Cucumbers
Cucumber contains just 16 kcal per 100 grams, but is rich in minerals and fibre. They are also good for keeping hydrated, as they are made up almost entirely of liquid.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. The caloric value is about 30 kcal per 100 grams, which makes it completely safe for the figure. Add broccoli to salads, meat dishes or use by itself.
Image Attribution & Sources for this page
- Healthy food – celery and carrot: License Date: April 14th, 2023 Item License Code: 7HSZDMRJ48