44 Low-Calorie Foods to Include in Your Diet
Including a variety of low-calorie foods can help you create a calorie deficit without sacrificing taste or satisfaction!
These foods not only support weight loss but also add diverse textures and flavours to keep your meals exciting and enjoyable.
Check out this list of 44 low-calorie foods you can easily add to your daily meals for a great mix of flavours, textures, and health benefits:
1. Celery
Super high in water and super low in calories. One cup (120 grams) has just 17 calories.
2. Radishes
Crunchy and a little spicy. One cup (116 grams) has 19 calories.
3. Papaya
Tasty tropical fruit. A small one (157 grams) has 68 calories.
4. Bok Choy
Also known as Chinese cabbage, super versatile and low-cal. One cup (70 grams) has only 9 calories.
5. Green Beans
Crunchy and nutritious, great as a side. One cup (125 grams) has about 31 calories.
6. Oranges
Refreshing and only 47 calories per 100 grams.
7. Tomatoes
Super versatile and low in calories. One cup (149 grams) of cherry tomatoes has 27 calories.
8. Leeks
Mild onion flavour, great in many dishes. One cup (89 grams) has about 54 calories.
9. Romaine Lettuce
Crisp and great for salads. One cup (47 grams) of shredded romaine has 8 calories.
10. Carrots
Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for snacking. A cup (110 grams) of sliced carrots has 45 calories.
11. Zucchini
Versatile summer squash. One cup (113 grams) has 19 calories.
12. Beets
Vibrant and nutritious. A cup (136 grams) has 59 calories.
13. Cauliflower
Popular low-carb substitute. A cup (107 grams) has 27 calories.
14. Arugula
Peppery leafy green for salads. One cup (20 grams) has only 5 calories.
15. Watermelon
Hydrating and sweet. One cup (154 grams) of watermelon has 47 calories.
16. Green Onions (Scallions)
Mild onion flavour. One cup (100 grams) has about 32 calories.
17. Spinach
Nutrient-dense leafy green. One cup (30 grams) has 7 calories.
18. Rutabaga
Can replace potatoes in many dishes. One cup (170 grams) has 51 calories.
19. Parsley
Fresh and very low in calories. One cup (60 grams) has about 22 calories.
20. Peppers
Sweet and crunchy. One cup (92 grams) of sliced red bell peppers has 18 calories.
21. Fennel
Mild, licorice-like taste. One cup (87 grams) has 27 calories.
22. Brussels Sprouts
Nutritious and low in calories. One cup (155 grams) has 38 calories.
23. Sugar Snap Peas
Sweet and crunchy. One cup (63 grams) has 27 calories.
24. Cabbage
Great in slaws and fermented dishes. Only 22 calories per cup (89 grams).
25. Grapefruit
Tart and refreshing. Half a grapefruit (100 grams) has 52 calories.
26. Shirataki Noodles
Made from the konjac yam, super low in calories. A 100-gram serving has about 10 calories.
27. Alfalfa Sprouts
Adds a crunchy texture to sandwiches and salads. One cup (33 grams) has about 8 calories.
28. Iceberg Lettuce
Crisp and refreshing. One cup (57 grams) has 8 calories.
29. Okra
Versatile and high in fibre. One cup (100 grams) of cooked okra has 33 calories.
30. Strawberries
Sweet and juicy. One cup (166 grams) of sliced strawberries has 49 calories.
31. Watercress
Nutrient-dense leafy green. One cup (34 grams) has 4 calories.
32. Radish
Crunchy and slightly spicy. One cup (116 grams) has about 19 calories.
33. Broccoli
Nutrient-dense and low in calories. A cup (155 grams) of cooked broccoli has 54 calories.
34. Apples
A cup (109 grams) of apple slices has 57 calories and almost 3 grams of dietary fibre.
35. Spaghetti Squash
When cooked, it looks like spaghetti. One cup (155 grams) has 42 calories.
36. Collard Greens
Staple in Southern cuisine. One cup (190 grams) of cooked collard greens has about 11 calories.
37. White Mushrooms
Low in calories and versatile. One cooked cup (156 grams) has 16 calories.
38. Pumpkin
Great in soups and baked goods. One cup (245 grams) of cooked pumpkin has about 49 calories.
39. Onions
Adds flavour, low in calories. A medium-sized cooked onion (115 grams) has about 46 calories.
40. Jicama
Crunchy tuber, often eaten raw. One cup (130 grams) has 49 calories and is high in fibre.
41. Kale
Nutrient-dense leafy green. One cup (130 grams) of cooked kale has 49 calories.
42. Turnips
Can be used in many dishes. One cooked cup (156 grams) has 34 calories.
43. Chayote
Versatile squash. One cup (132 grams) has 25 calories.
44. Asparagus
Nutritious and low in calories. A cup (180 grams) of cooked asparagus has just 27 calories.
Including these low-calorie foods in your diet can help you maintain a healthy weight while enjoying a variety of nutritious and tasty meals!
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. The tips shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and what has worked for me on my weight loss journey. For personalized advice, please consult with a healthcare professional.
