Negative Calorie Foods and How They Work
Negative Calorie Foods and How They Work
Negative calorie foods sound like the perfect foods for weight loss. Now, of course, all food contains calories — so what exactly are negative calorie foods? The negative calorie effect occurs as the food is consumed and digested. Basically, a negative calorie food is a food that requires as many or more calories to consume and digest than the food itself contains. If it takes more calories to consume the food than the food contains, the body will obtain those extra calories from its reserve of stored fat, thereby burning more calories.
There are several negative calorie foods. The list below provides a just a small number of these types of foods for dieters.
Grapefruit is low in sodium and has high water content. It helps to flush out excess water, and it increases the metabolism thus aiding in weight loss. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, niacin, calcium, and iron.
Carrots contain a very low number of calories. They are an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and beta-carotene.
Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked — it tastes great either way. Fruits and vegetables are excellent foods to eat for weight loss because they are high in water content and nutrients. Broccoli is a rich source of fiber, Vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and folic acid.
Lettuce is another excellent weight-loss food because it is very low in calories. People who are dieting often eat salad, so lettuce is usually considered a dieters food. It is high in vitamin K, folic acid, and manganese.
Oranges are sweet and tasty fruits that make an excellent substitute for sweet, high-calorie snacks. They are high in Vitamin C as well as folic acid. Oranges also contain antioxidants, which can help fight heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions.
Apples are a popular natural snack. Apples are low in fat and sodium. Like grapefruit, apples help to flush excess water out of the body. They are an excellent source of fiber, and are rich in antioxidants — this can help prevent heart disease and cancer. Eating apples can even help reduce cholesterol levels. The skin of the apple contains quite a few nutrients, so you reap more health benefits if you eat apples unpeeled.
Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable that contains many nutritious benefits. It contains powerful antioxidants, and is an excellent source of beta-carotene. It is also a good source of iron. Eat spinach raw for maximum health benefits.
Cucumbers are another negative calorie food that is naturally considered a diet food like lettuce. Cucumbers are a good source of Vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and calcium. They help to regulate blood pressure and can help keep the bowels regular too.
Cranberries are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants. They are high in Vitamin C and manganese. Cranberries can even defend against bacteria such as E. Coli. Cranberries act as a diuretic to remove excess water from the body. They are also a natural laxative and can prevent the development of bacteria that causes urinary tract infections.
Green Beans are a healthy and tasty side dish for any meal. Green beans are a rich source of protein, fiber, folic acid, and iron. In addition to be low in calories, they also contain iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. Green beans, as well as all beans in general, are a good source of antioxidants.
If you want to lose weight and eat healthy, add these and other negative-calorie foods to your diet. Replace unhealthy snacks with tasty fruits and raw vegetables. You will reap the rewards of these nutritious negative-calorie foods by losing weight and improving your health at the same time.
For more in depth information on exercise and nutrition inquire for a free consultation from health and wellness expert Charlie Conefrey at 781-662-IFIT (4348)
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