20 Negative-Calorie Foods That Will Boost Your Weight Loss
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If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be very conscious about your calorie intake. Eating fewer calories and spending more through physical activity is still the most typical advice people follow when trying to shed a few pounds. Here we take a look at some negative-calorie foods that will be of great assistance in the process.
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Everything we eat provides us with a variety of nutrients and some amount of calories (energy) that comes in the form of carbs, fat and/or proteins.
Also, everything we do, even the smallest effort, like blinking and sleeping, requires some calorie expenditure, proportional to the amount of effort required.
For instance, food digestion is an action our bodies perform that requires spending some energy, and that’s where the concept of negative-calorie foods comes from.
If you eat something that provides you with 10 calories but your body spends 12 calories to fully digest it (which includes chewing, digesting and metabolising), then in the end this food would have provided you (or more precisely, made you lose) -2 calories.
No research shows with certainty how many calories our bodies need to spend to digest what we eat – it’s common sense to think that it would highly depend on the type of food we consume.
However, considering how very few calories some foods have, it’s safe to say that after discounting the number of calories our bodies would need to digest them, we would keep only a tiny amount of them.
Even though they are NOT really negative-calorie foods, the amount absorbed could be – which is great, if you ask me!
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Negative-Calorie Foods To Boost Your Weight Loss:
A common denominator amongst this list is the high water content and the huge amount of fibre all these vegetables have.
This means that it’s not very likely that any of them will jeopardise your weight loss, not even the ones with higher amounts of calories.
It’s also important to notice that despite the low amounts of calories and the high nutrient content, the vegetables on this list don’t provide either the amount of proteins or the fats needed in a healthy diet.
For optimum results they should be combined with a good source of protein such as chicken or fish, that will also provide some essential fats in the mix.
Final Thoughts
In case you’re wondering if you need to be a vegetarian to lose weight, the answer is no, although these negative-calorie foods can definitely increase your success rate.
And to be really honest, you don’t need to count your calories either, even though eating mindfully is always good advice.
When it comes to weight loss, one size definitely doesn’t fit all – for maximum results, always consult a health practitioner or nutritionist.
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FAQs
What are negative-calorie foods?
Negative-calorie foods are low-calorie fruits or vegetables that require more energy to digest than the calories they provide. While the term isn’t scientifically proven, many high-fibre, water-rich foods like celery and cucumber may result in a calorie deficit during digestion.
Can negative-calorie foods help me lose weight faster?
Yes, incorporating negative-calorie foods into your meals can support weight loss by increasing fullness with minimal calorie intake. These foods are ideal for snacking or bulking up meals without adding many calories.
Do I need to be vegetarian to eat negative-calorie foods?
Not at all. Negative-calorie foods can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of dietary preferences. They work best when paired with lean proteins and healthy fats to ensure a balanced and sustainable weight loss plan.
Are negative-calorie foods enough to meet my nutritional needs?
No. While they’re rich in fibre, water, and some vitamins, negative-calorie foods typically lack essential proteins and healthy fats. For a complete diet, combine them with nutrient-dense foods like fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes.
Do I need to count calories if I eat negative-calorie foods?
Not necessarily. These foods can help reduce overall calorie intake naturally, so you may not need to count every calorie. However, mindful eating and portion control still play a crucial role in long-term weight loss success.
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