12 Best Foods That Are Low in Calories Healthy Food
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 healthy are low in calories while also low in nutrients.
When you limit your calorie intake, it is important to choose nutrient-dense foods that contain sufficient amounts of the calories they provide.
What’s more, whole foods, nutrient-dense foods can help you feel more satisfied while cutting calories (1Trusted Source).
There are 12
foods which are low in calories.
1–4. Meat and poultry
Because they are high in protein, lean meat and poultry are good foods to eat when you are trying to cut calories.
Protein increases feelings of fullness and can help you eat fewer calories throughout the day (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
Meats that are lowest in calories are very lean. Fat is calorie-dense, so the fattier cuts of meat have a higher calorie content.
1. Eye of round steak
There is no reason that you cannot enjoy steak while still cutting calories. Beef is nutritious and a good source of vitamin B12 and iron (4).
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps transport oxygen throughout your body, while vitamin B12 is required to make red blood cells (5Trusted Source).
However, note that the round eye is a very lean cut of beef. Make sure it is not overcooked, or it will be hard and dry.
Calories: 138 per 3-ounce (86-gram) serving
3. Turkey breast
Turkey is high in breast protein, vitamin B6 and niacin. B vitamins help your body break down the food you eat and metabolize it into energy (7).
Calories: 93 per 3-ounce (86-gram) serving
4. Pork tenderloin
Tenderloin is one of the thinnest cuts of pork, making it a great low-calorie alternative.
Pork is rich in many B vitamins and is an excellent source of high quality protein (8).
Calories: 122 per 3-ounce (86-gram) serving
5–8. Fish and seafood
Most fish and seafood are highly nutritious and excellent choices if you are calorie restricting.
They also provide important nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids (9Trusted Source).
Omega-3 fatty acids have many benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health (10Trusted Source).
6. Salmon
Salmon is a fatty fish loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s. It is one of the vitamins B12 and foods that naturally contain high amounts of vitamin D (13).
this is important, as vitamin D deficiency is a common problem worldwide. It is associated with various health issues, such as osteoporosis, cancer, autoimmune diseases and hypertension (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Calories: 99 serving in a 3-ounce (86-gram)
7. Scallops
Scallops are a low-calorie shellfish with a small, mild flavor (16).
Make sure to skip the high-calorie sauce and enjoy steamed, steamed, or grilled
Clories: 5 small scallops in 26 (30 grams)
8. Oysters
Just 1 oyster provides more than 100% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin B12 and more than half of DV for zinc and selenium (17).
Adequate intake of selenium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men (18Trusted Source).
calories: 41 per oyster (50 grams)
9–17. Vegetables
Most vegetables are low in calories, yet are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. This makes them excellent for weight loss.
Many vegetables are high in both water and fiber, which help you feel full without consuming too many calories (19Trusted Source).
Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and winter squash are high in calories but still very nutritious.
9. Chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage, which includes nappa and bok choy, tops the list when it comes to nutrient density. This cabbage is high in vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of folate (20).
The sugar leaf gives the cabbage an excellent taste and retains its nutrients.
Calories: 12 per cup (75 grams)
10. Watercress
Watercress is a spicy, leafy green that is one of the most nutrient-rich vegetables you can eat.
It is very low in calories, yet it contains large amounts of vitamins A, C and K. You can add watercross to a salad or shake it with other aromatic vegetables.
Calories: 4 per cup (36 grams)
11. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are low in calories as they contain mostly water.
Interestingly, they also disturb a decent amount of vitamin K1 and several beneficial plant compounds (22, 23Trusted sources).
Calories: 45 per cucumber (300 grams)
12. Radishes
Radish is a peppermint, crucified vegetable that is low in calories and yet rich in flavor.
They provide a good amount of vitamin C and a small amount of folate (24).
Calories: 1 per radish (6 grams)
Leave a Reply