What are the best zero calorie foods to eat?

Eating zero calorie foods can be a great way to help manage your weight or maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss. Many foods contain very few or zero calories while still providing volume that makes you feel full. Focusing on these foods allows you to eat satisfying portions while controlling calorie intake. In this article we talk about What are the best zero calorie foods to eat.

Broth-Based Soups

Clear broth soups made from beef, chicken or vegetable stock contain almost no calories. However, they can be very filling due to their high water content and can provide sodium that you may need if actively cutting calories. Get creative with vegetable broths—try adding mushrooms, onions, cauliflower, celery or other veggies and seasonings for flavor. Just be mindful of avoiding creamy soups which can be high in fat and calories.

Plain Tea and Coffee

Plain, unsweetened tea and black coffee are both zero calorie beverages that are perfect if you’re watching your calorie intake. Herbal teas can be flavorful and soothing. While coffee gives you that caffeine boost to stay energized when hungry. Just avoid adding cream, sugar or other high-calorie flavorings.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are extremely low in calories at about 8 calories per one-half cup serving. With high water content, they are also very hydrating. Enjoy cucumber slices alone with salt and pepper or pair with a low-fat veggie dip for a satisfying, low-cal snack.

Celery Sticks

Celery is another excellent choice, providing just 6 calories per medium stalk. It’s also quite fibrous, so can help fill you up. Celery sticks pair nicely with low-calorie dips and nut butters. Or top with low-fat cheese slices or peanut butter and raisins for an easy snack.

Pickles

Pickles are essentially zero calories, with less than 3 calories per whole dill or sour pickle. The sodium content helps drive thirst so they make a flavorful, crunchy snack. Just watch your portions if you need to limit sodium intake for health reasons.

Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki noodles are a unique food made from konjac plant fiber. They look and taste similar to traditional noodles with almost zero calories and carbs. Shirataki noodles absorb the flavors of sauces and stir fries nicely but have a gelatinous texture some find off-putting. Rinsing well and dry sautéing can help reduce this.

Popcorn

Air-popped popcorn makes for a high volume, low calorie snack. Three cups of air-popped kernels has less than 100 calories. Sprinkle with chili powder or Parmesan cheese and spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray for flavor. Just avoid movie theater popcorn loaded with butter and unhealthy toppings.

Sugar-Free Jell-O

Each serving of sugar-free gelatin dessert has about 5-10 calories, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat for very little caloric intake. Mix in some fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for extra flavor, fiber and nutrients.

Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help manage hunger cravings and freshen breath. Most sugar-free gums have about 5 calories per piece. It gives your mouth something to do, distracting you from feeling hungry. Mint-flavored gum also has the benefit of reducing sweet cravings.

Mustard

Mustard contains almost zero calories, even in larger servings. It comes in different flavor varieties and helps make foods like sandwiches and pretzels more interesting with almost no calories added. Other zero-calorie condiments include hot sauce and vinegar. Start experimenting to kick up the flavor in your low-cal meals.

Non-Starchy Vegetables

Focusing on non-starchy vegetables is one of the most effective ways to cut calories while feeling full. These include leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms and more. Eat them raw with dips or dressing or cook them into stir fries, soups and other dishes. The high fiber and water keeps you satisfied on fewer calories.

Lettuce Wraps

Using lettuce leaves such as Romaine or iceberg lettuce in place of tortillas or buns allows you to enjoy the fillings and toppings while saving a substantial amount of calories. Try wrapping your favorite taco fillings, chicken salad, tuna salad or burger patties up in fresh crisp lettuce leaves.

Greek Yogurt

Plain nonfat Greek yogurt contains 100 calories or less per serving with a thick, creamy texture. It provides filling protein and probiotics for gut health. Top your Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, zero-calorie sweeteners, cinnamon, nuts or granola for extra flavor and crunch.

Sugar-Free Beverages

Instead of sugary sodas, juices and sports drinks, switch to sugar-free varieties. These have zero grams of sugar and calories, allowing you to still enjoy flavored drinks without the guilt. Some popular options are diet sodas, unsweetened sparkling waters and sugar-free energy drinks.

Bouillon Cubes

Bouillon or broth cubes contain about 20 calories each. When dissolved into hot water, they create a warm, soothing broth you can sip as a snack or light meal. The sodium content helps increase thirst signals as well, encouraging you to drink more water.

Arugula

This tangy, peppery salad green contains only about 5 calories per cup. That cupful will provide quite a lot of volume along with vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and minerals. Toss arugula into your salads, tacos, sandwiches and more or enjoy simply dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Sauerkraut

Fermented cabbage or sauerkraut makes for a zero to low-calorie side to your meal. It gives you that salty, sour kick that can help replace higher-calorie condiments and dressings. As a fermented food, it also contains probiotics to benefit digestive health as you lose weight.

Clear Liquid Egg Substitutes

Products like egg white substitutes and whole egg replacements contain minimal calories, usually about 5 calories per 1⁄4 cup serving. This allows you to cook and bake with the consistency, binding and leavening properties eggs provide without all the extra calories.

Club Soda

Order soda water with a twist of lime at restaurants to enjoy a zero-calorie beverage with your meal. Club soda or mineral water contains no calories, sugar or artificial ingredients unlike regular soda and specialty drinks. Plus the bubbles help fill your belly so you eat less.

Fat-Free Salad Dressings

Opt for fat-free Italian, ranch, vinaigrette and other salad dressing varieties to save on calories. Many have only about 20 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Drizzle them over salads and steamed veggies rather than dousing food in high-fat dressings like ranch and thousand island.

Sauces and Condiments

Many common condiments like mustard, hot sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice and salsa contain little to zero calories, even in larger servings. Use them to add lots of flavor to your lower calorie dishes rather than relying on high-fat sauces. Every little bit helps your calorie deficit.

Pickled Vegetables

In addition to pickles, you can find pickled varieties of many vegetables that are zero to low calorie. These include pickled carrots, onions, cauliflower, mushrooms, jalapenos and more. They make excellent additions to salads, sandwiches, tacos and other dishes to lift the flavor profile.

Clear Protein Drinks

Protein is vital when cutting calories to help retain lean muscle mass. Opt for clear protein drinks which contain minimal calories, unlike creamy shakes. These protein waters and juices allow you to up your protein intake without adding excess calories from sugars and thickeners.

The Wrap Up

Filling your diet with more zero and low-calorie foods allows you to eat satisfying portions that aid weight loss efforts. Focus on hydrating foods like broths, teas, water and diet drinks as well as bulk-up options like pickles, popcorn, veggies and Shirata I sincerely hope you find this “What are the best zero calorie foods to eat?” article helpful.