Weight loss on your mind? Here are 8 foods under 50 calories that you can eat

You can do as much exercise as you want but if your diet doesn’t have low calorie foods for weight loss then you won’t ever see the results. You can only hit the sweet spot when you sync your diet and workouts together. 

Do you know that there are different types of calories that play different roles in the body? High-calorie food intake leads to weight gain and obesity-related complications. Empty-calorie foods are calorie-dense food but have little or no nutritional value at all. 

“The theory of the low-calorie diet is simple. Calories you consume provide the body with fuel. By consuming fewer calories, our bodies are allowed to burn stored fat instead of calories for maintaining bodily functions,” says Salini Somasundaram, dietician, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune.

But do you know where the actual problem lies? When it comes to a low-cal diet, it is very hard to understand which food to pick and which to drop.  

That’s why Somasundaram has penned down a list of eight foods that not only fall under the low-calorie food criteria but also have more potential health benefits:

1. Water (0 calories)

“Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids. For weight loss if you choose water or a non-caloric beverage over a caloric beverage and/or eat a diet higher in water-rich foods it provides satiety and helps you trim your calorie intake. Dehydration makes your skin look dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration,” says Somasundaram.

2. Green tea (less than 5 calories)

Green tea is the first choice for most of us when we dedicate ourselves to weight loss. Since it is loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids, green tea not only boosts immunity but also protects you from infections. Green tea may help reduce lower anxiety and influence other brain functions, including memory and attention.

3. Gourd vegetables (less than 30 calories)

“Gourd vegetables are inherently low in calories and possess negligible amounts of saturated fats. This helps in maintaining body weight and metabolism. The significant amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene antioxidant shields the eyes from harmful free radicals,” she explains.

4. Green leafy vegetables (less than 30 calories)

We all run from green veggies but they are actually the ones that make weight loss possible. Consumption of higher levels of vegetable fibre results in a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and even colon cancer. Fibre also helps in resolving the problem of constipation, diabetes, diverticulosis, and obesity.

5. Fruits (less than 40 calories)

You can never go wrong with fruits, especially seasonal ones. Citrus fruits are rich in multiple nutrients such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and fibre which offer vascular protection, reduce inflammation, and improve gastrointestinal function. Soluble fibre and flavonoids may help raise healthy HDL cholesterol and lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

“Do you know watermelon is 92% water, so it’s a simple way to help stay hydrated? It has a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect your joints from inflammation,” she exclaims.

6. Ginger and garlic (less than 30 calories)

“Eating garlic regularly might also help to reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease. Ginger is a low-calorie food item that generally helps in treating inflammation and also reduces the cholesterol level and risk of blood clotting,” explains Somasundaram.

7. Soup (less than 40 calories)

Vegetable soup plays a major role in weight loss, since as a low calorie food it provides satiety and vitamins and minerals.

8. Lemon (less than 30 calories)

“Lemons contain vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and are a source of plant compounds called flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects,” concludes Somasundaram.

Looks like your low cal diet list is all set. So, stick to eat and lose those inches in no time.