While there is no such thing as a zero-calorie food, there are plenty of foods that you can eat freely without having to worry as much about weight gain as others.
This is the opinion of the American nutritionist Lisa Young, who says that these foods fall into two categories: fruits or non-starchy vegetables. “They are mainly made up of water, are low in calories and contain fiber, which promotes the feeling of satiety,” she says.
Although fruits and vegetables aren't particularly high in protein, they are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and other healthful nutrients. You can turn to them if you're on a diet and feel hungry between meals. Of course, you will need to supplement your diet with additional meals. Always choose whole grain bread over white bread, don't even consider going to the processed food section of the supermarket and, most importantly, engage in regular physical activity to really create the calorie deficit that will help you reach your goal.
Adding grapefruits to your diet can help you lose weight. Grapefruits are rich in fiber and help fight hunger.
Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can eat at any time and in any amount, because of their health and calorie content:
Celery
Celery is almost 95% water, but that doesn't mean this food doesn't contain other good-for-you elements: it contains potassium, folic acid, fiber and vitamin K. Just one stalk contains only 6 calories. Remember that this vegetable loses most of its antioxidants within five days of purchase at the supermarket, so you must hurry to get the full benefit.
Kale
Very low in calories: one cup of raw kale contains only about 33 calories, but each serving has about 3 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fiber. It's one of the few foods that contains good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient found primarily in some fish. Like other types of lettuce, kale is also rich in vitamins and folic acid.
Blueberries
Very popular in all diets because of its antioxidant properties, the blueberry is perhaps the most abundant type of fruit. In addition, it contains only about 85 calories. One package of blueberries can provide about 14% of the recommended daily intake of fiber.
Cucumber
A vegetable that, like celery, is almost entirely composed of water. Cucumbers contain only 16 calories per serving. The seeds and skin are responsible for their high nutritional value, so it is best not to peel them if you want to get real benefits. In this regard, the peels and seeds in the center are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, known as beta-carotene, which is particularly beneficial for improving eyesight.
Tomatoes
They contain lycopene, a carotenoid that helps fight chronic diseases and gives them their characteristic red color. In addition to lycopene, tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C and B2, as well as folate, chromium, potassium and fiber. You can eat as much as you like, as one tomato a day contains 25 calories.
Grapefruit
Studies have shown that adding grapefruits to your diet can promote weight loss, which is why they are considered a diet food. This is because grapefruits are high in fiber and help fight hunger by stabilizing blood sugar levels and helping you feel fuller longer. Each one contains only 50 calories. The vitamin C they contain can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Broccoli
Broccoli is very nutritious when eaten raw or steamed. This vegetable contains sulforaphane, an anti-carcinogen that works by destroying cancer-causing chemicals that the body may ingest, either in the environment or in the food. In addition to vitamins A, C, E and K, a single serving of steamed broccoli contains about 20% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. It also contains only 31 calories.
Cauliflower
Although its white color can be deceiving, cauliflower is a very versatile and nutritious vegetable. Cauliflower contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that help fight certain chronic diseases. It is also an excellent source of folate, fiber and vitamins C and K. Each serving contains about 25 calories.
Lettuce
Most lettuce, whether romaine or iceberg, contains only 10 to 20 calories per serving. Although it is a water-based food, it contains many necessary vitamins and nutrients, such as folic acid, iron and vitamins A and C.
Oranges
Most people know oranges for their high vitamin C content, but that's not all. Because it's essential for collagen production, oranges help keep your skin from damage and make it look good. If you never eat the white strands in the center, you're behind the curve: the pith contains a lot of fiber, which helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
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