18 Great Foods To Eat On A Low-Calorie Diet

There are two different ways to lose weight when on a low-calorie diet.

In 2010, a Kansas State University professor embarked on a low-calorie diet consisting of just convenience store purchases. Even though he ate sugary cereal, chips and cakes for just two months, he managed to lose almost 30 pounds. He simply made sure that he ate fewer calories than he was burning each day.

This highlights the benefit of calorie counting. Of course, the important point here is that while he lost weight, he didn’t do it in a healthy way. He would have felt lethargic, had bowel issues, likely struggled to sleep, and who knows what other health issues would have cropped up?

The point is, this is to highlight how people can misuse a low-calorie diet, while still achieving results. With that in mind, here are 18 great foods to eat when on a low-calorie diet.

What To Eat When On A Low-Calorie Diet

Asparagus

One cup of asparagus contains 22 calories. In asparagus, you’ll find a healthy source of vitamins 1, B6, C, E and K, iron, protein, copper, and folate. Asparagus is delicious raw or steamed, as a side dish or in a salad.

Beetroot

Half a cup contains 37 calories. It’s sweet and delicious, but it also contains potassium, iron, folate, and fiber.

Broccoli

A cup of broccoli contains 31 calories. They’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Cabbage

Another option that contains just 22 calories per cup. Cabbage is an excellent source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Carrots

A half-cup of carrots contains 22 calories. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B3, and C, as well as fiber and potassium.

Cauliflower

A half-cup of cauliflower contains 14 calories. If you need a healthy punch of folate and vitamin C, then cauliflower, raw or cooked, is perfect.

Coffee

When you drink a cup of black coffee it contains zero calories. It will increase the speed at which your metabolism operates and has been found to have a variety of health benefits.

Garlic

There are only 4 calories in one clove. It’s great for your immune system and brags antimicrobial properties. Add it to every meal!

Grapefruit

Half a grapefruit contains just 39 calories. It’s a great way to start your day, packed with pectin, folic acid, lycopene, and vitamins A and C.

Kale

There are only 5 calories in a cup of kale. It’s a super-food known to be rich in vitamins, manganese, iron, and folic acid.

Lettuce

One cup of lettuce contains just 5 calories! You can eat loads of it and never worry about gaining weight. It’s why it’s a great option to make a giant salad with loads of extras. It’s an excellent source of folic acid, manganese, and vitamin B.

Lemons & Lime

Each fruit contains just 20 calories. What better way to get a sharp intake of vitamin C and fiber, too. You can add them to beverages or chop them through salads.

Mushrooms

One cup of mushrooms brags just 15 calories. That’s incredible considering how filling they are, as well as offering a healthy package of vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, and fiber.

Spinach

You can enjoy an entire cup of spinach and it’s only seven calories. It’s a super-food, packed in vitamins C and K, folic acid, and iron.

Tomatoes

One tomato contains 22 calories. Tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene doesn’t just protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays, it also prevents a variety of cancers. Additionally, tomatoes are chock-full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Turnips

You’ll find 36 calories in one cup. If you want a food that’s low on the Glycemic index while also packed in vitamin C, then turnips are a great choice.

Watercress

An entire cup of watercress contains only 4 calories. It’s the perfect addition to salads, stews, and soups and contains sulforaphane.

Zucchini

One cup contains only 20 calories. You can eat it at every meal if you like, and it’s packed with vitamins

Can’t Shift Your Belly Fat When on a Low-Calorie Diet?

Ultimately, if you want to lose weight, then a low-calorie diet is one of the most effective ways for you to do so. It’s important to pay attention to the calories you are consuming, but don’t let that be the be-all and end-all. When you cut excess calories from your diet, you should also increase your physical activity. It’s all well and good dropping fat, but you need to tone your body to keep it in shape.

Are you frustrated because you feel like you’ve been doing everything right, but you’re still not able to shift your belly fat? When you start gaining weight, your belly is usually the first place to get affected. When you’re losing weight, it’s one of the most stubborn spots and seems to hold on forever. To learn more, download my free report, Why You Can’t Shift Your Belly Fat.