All foods contain some calories, so calling something a Negative Calorie Food seems like an oxymoron. But negative calorie foods are for real. So we'll tell you all about the benefits and side effects, along with clarifying others points around these negative calorie foods and negative calorie diets. Read on to know more about these negative calorie foods.
What is a negative calorie food? Are they for real?
Simply put, any food that creates a deficit of calories is a negative calorie food. All foods contain calories. When you consume them, energy is used in chewing and digesting the food. If the calories burnt from digesting the food is more than that provided by the food itself, its a low calorie food. Most vegetables (other than starchy vegetables) tend to be negative calorie foods. Below is a list of negative calorie foods.
List of Negative Calorie Foods
Asparagus, Beet Root, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Hot Chili, Cucumber, Garlic, Green Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Radish, Spinach, Turnip, Zucchini
Are negative calorie foods good for health?
As you can see, the negative calorie foods listed above, most of them are nutritious vegetables provided vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Also, most of these foods are a part of the Indian diet and you may also call them fat burning foods which are easily available in the departmental stores.
Should you be a negative calorie diet to lose weight?
Basically, no! Eating a negative calorie diet will create a calorie deficit, but it is much like a crash diet, since it does not provide enough calories. Similarly, negative calorie diets do not provide adequate protein, fat and carbohydrates for your body. Even though many low calorie foods have nutritive value, only eating them is not suggested.
So, how to use negative calorie foods to lose weight?
To use these negative calorie foods to lose weight, eat them along with your regular meals. Ensure you're getting adequate protein, fat and carbohydrates in your regular meals. For maximum benefits have these negative calorie food either raw, steamed or very lightly cooked.
This has 3 benefits:
- It reduces the overall calorific value of your meals. - Increases your daily nutrition- vitamins, fiber and antioxidants rich foods. - Fills you up for longer, so you cut junk food cravings.