Have you ever heard the declare that there is meals with zero energy? And even higher, some meals make you lose extra energy than you eat?
Whereas neither of those is precisely true, there are some meals on the market that are fairly near zero energy! We’ve 15 zero-calorie meals which can be so low in energy you need not even fear about counting them! In different phrases, be at liberty to eat as a lot as you need!
What Is A Zero-Calorie Meals?
A zero-calorie meals is principally what it feels like – a calorie-free meals! A zero-calorie meals is a meals with both no energy or negligible energy so low that you just need not fear about counting them.
So, do they exist? Whereas there is no such thing as a such factor as zero-calorie meals, there are some zero-calorie liquids and meals with very low energy!
Whereas these meals do have energy, you possibly can principally eat as a lot as you need as you may change into full lengthy earlier than you may eat sufficient to realize weight! These can play an intricate position in your whole weight loss program.
Are There Unfavourable-Calorie Meals?
One frequent fable floating across the web is that negative-calorie meals exist —that’s, meals that make you burn energy!
The commonest instance individuals give is mostly celery. Now, celery is extraordinarily low in energy, with a big stalk containing simply 9 energy.
Individuals will recommend that whereas it has such few energy, it really takes a little bit of power to chew and eat it. In consequence, the power wanted to chew and digest the calorie is bigger than the energy consumed.
It sounds believable and truly is not as loopy because it sounds.
Nonetheless, whereas chewing does require power, it isn’t going to burn an additional 6-10 energy.
Does Meals Burn Energy?
One other side of that is the existence of what is often known as the thermic impact of meals, or TEF.
TEF is the quantity of meals our our bodies burn to digest, course of, and expel a sure meals.¹
You see, our physique’s techniques require power to carry out. This contains issues like;
- Digestions
- Transportation of vitamins
- Utilization of these vitamins
- The entire processes that happen because of the meals
- Expulsion of the waste
This means that there is fact to the declare that your physique burns energy simply by consuming meals – simply to not the extent it burns greater than you eat, as that may defeat the aim of consuming.
Nonetheless, not all meals have the identical TEF. Whereas totally different sources can differ, here is an estimate;
- Fats: 1%
- Carbs: 5-10%
- Protein: 20-30%
Yep, protein has a really excessive TEF of 20-30%! This is likely one of the causes high-protein diets are so profitable with weight reduction.¹
Listing Of The High 15 Zero-Calorie Snacks
Now, let’s undergo the highest zero-calorie meals you possibly can add to your weight loss plan to assist mitigate starvation whereas offering important vitamins.²
1. Espresso (0 Energy)
We all know that espresso is not a meals, however it’s one of many few merchandise we eat that has zero energy – at the least in the event you drink black espresso.
In reality, if there’s a negative-calorie meals, espresso could be it! As we all know, espresso incorporates caffeine, which will increase power and even our metabolism.³
2. Tea (0 Energy)
Once more, tea just isn’t a meals, however the identical ideas that apply to espresso additionally apply to tea. Tea is a zero-calorie drink you could must calm down and even curb your urge for food.
3. Celery (1 Medium Stalk – 6 Energy)
Celery is the meals that began this complete “unfavourable calorie” fable. These are among the lowest-calorie meals you possibly can eat.
You might eat it as is or season it. In the event you did need to use a condiment, the lowest-calorie alternative could be a pleasant balsamic vinegar.
4. Watercress (100g – 11 Energy)
Watercress is a leafy inexperienced vegetable rising in water or moist soil. It has a peppery, barely spicy taste and is often utilized in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.
It is wealthy in vitamins akin to;
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin Ok
- Calcium
- Iron
- Antioxidants
It’s low in energy, making it a wholesome addition to varied dishes. As a result of its excessive nutrient content material, watercress is commonly thought-about a superfood with potential well being advantages, together with supporting immune operate and bettering bone well being.
5. Cucumber ( 100g – 15 Energy)
Cucumber is one other extraordinarily low-calorie vegetable. One motive for this is that it is composed of about 95% water! Not solely is it low in energy, however it’s additionally a terrific hydration meals!
Cucumbers are sometimes eaten uncooked in;
Nutritionally, cucumbers are a great supply of nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with;
- Vitamin Ok
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Fiber
Once more, one thing easy like a little bit of balsamic vinegar could make this the last word low-calorie snack.
6. Lemon/Lime (1 Fruit 17-20 Energy)
Whereas technically totally different citrus fruits – lemons and limes are each identified for his or her sturdy, tart, and tangy taste, each are sometimes used to taste tea or water.
Whereas they’ve slight variations in style, each are wealthy in Vitamin C and supply varied well being advantages.
Each are excessive in vitamin C and can be utilized as a low-calorie technique to extend the flavour of meals akin to;
7. Zucchini (100g – 19 Energy)
Zucchini is a summer time squash identified for its mushy, tender meat. Zucchini may be eaten uncooked in quite a lot of codecs, akin to;
- Salads
- Sautéed(our favourite!)
- Stir-Fry
- Grilled
- Roasted
- Baked
Just like cucumbers, they’ve very excessive water content material, giving them very low energy. It delivers a ton of vitamins akin to;
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Fiber
Zucchini is commonly favored in low-calorie diets as a result of it will possibly add quantity and vitamins to meals with out considerably growing calorie consumption.
8. Tomatoes (100g – 20 Energy)
Tomatoes are a kind of meals which can be handled like greens however are literally fruits. Regardless, they’re one of many tastiest, zero-calorie meals available on the market.
Like most of the different meals on this record, tomatoes are a wonderful supply of nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with;
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin Ok
- Potassium
- Folate
In addition they include lycopene, a strong antioxidant linked to a number of well being advantages, together with decreased danger of coronary heart illness and sure forms of most cancers.
We love tomatoes and use them in lots of dishes. One technique is to make use of them with different flavorful greens, akin to onions and peppers, to taste dishes akin to hen naturally.
9. Asparagus (100g – 20 Energy)
Asparagus is likely one of the greatest greens to grill! This inexperienced stalk vegetable has a tinder texture when cooked and delivers a pleasant taste.
It delivers a ton of vitamins, together with;
- Vitamin Ok
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Potassium
- Iron
- Fiber
As we talked about, we love grilling these, however you too can roast, steam, bake, and even pan-fry them. We generally pair these with a pleasant steak!
10. Spinach (100g – 23 Energy)
Everybody is aware of spinach from Popeye! Whereas it will not blow up your muscular tissues, spinach is a low-calorie meals.
It additionally packs a ton of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, together with;
- Vitamin Ok
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Iron
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin)
Considered one of our favourite spinach dishes is solely pan-frying it with garlic.
11. Cabbage ( 100g – 24 Energy)
We by no means bought into cabbage till we had it cooked with garlic and fish sauce (garlic makes all the pieces higher)
Cabbage is normally in comparison with lettuce, however the two are very totally different greens. They really come from totally different households, and cabbage is extra nutritious.
In reality, cabbage belongs to the Brassica household, together with broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It has a light, barely peppery taste and is commonly utilized in salads, slaws, soups, and as a facet dish.
Nutritionally, cabbage is low in energy is wealthy in:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin Ok
- Fiber
- Folate
- Antioxidants (flavonoids, glucosinolates)
Cabbage may be eaten uncooked, fermented (as in sauerkraut), or cooked in quite a lot of methods. Its excessive fiber content material helps digestive well being, and its nutrient density makes it a terrific addition to a nutritious diet.
12. Broccoli (100g – 25 Energy)
Through the years, broccoli has gotten a foul rap as a bland meals that’s at all times served with “dry hen breast.” When ready proper, it is scrumptious!
Broccoli could be very low in energy and contains the identical group of nutritional vitamins as different greens, together with;
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin Ok
- Vitamin A
- Folate
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
Broccoli is so nutritious that many individuals give it the title as being a superfood and declare it will possibly enhance;
- Immune operate
- Coronary heart well being
- Digestive Well being
- Lower continual ailments
It may be eaten uncooked, steamed, roasted, or sautéed for various flavors and textures. Once more, garlic is one other superior addition.
13. Arugula (100g – 25 Energy)
Arugula is one other leafy inexperienced vegetable that has a number of diet and some energy. Most individuals usually report it has a definite peppery and bitter taste.
Nutritionally, it is full of;
- Vitamin Ok
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Antioxidants and Phytochemicals (glucosinolates)
It’s typically utilized in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish, and it pairs effectively with different greens or roasted greens. As a result of its excessive dietary content material, we additionally wish to put it in our protein smoothies.
14. Watermelon (100g – 30 Energy)
Like cucumbers and zucchini, watermelon is largely composed of water, as its title implies. In reality, it is about 92% water, which makes it a wonderful hydrating meals after your exercise!
Just like its vegetable counterparts, watermelon packs a ton of diet, together with;
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
You possibly can eat watermelon any means you need, however the commonest technique is “as-is”—simply consuming a pleasant slice! Different choices could possibly be to make use of it in a yogurt bowl or perhaps a smoothie.
15. Alfalfa Sprouts ( 100g – 30 Energy)
Alfalfa sprouts are small, delicate, and mildly nutty. They arrive from the alfalfa plant, which is really a legume.
Alfalfa sprouts are generally utilized in sandwiches, salads, wraps, and garnishes. You hardly ever see these eaten by themselves.
Nutritionally, they ship;
- Vitamin Ok
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Fiber
- Manganese
- Antioxidants
- Phytonutrients
Zero-Calorie Meals For Weight Loss
We simply gave you a ton of zero-calorie meals so as to add to your weight loss plan. Whereas a few of these might technically be eaten solo, most of them aren’t precisely tasty as-is. One technique to make the most of these is so as to add them to your meals to extend the majority with out growing the energy.
For instance, growing the cabbage in a dish or including arugula to a protein shake. You possibly can in the end add as a lot as you need! This doesn’t suggest their restricted energy do not depend.
Nonetheless, as they’re so low, their impact in your starvation will overpower your energy – they’ll fill you up earlier than you eat too many energy! On your subsequent meal, pile up on these zero-calorie meals, and your general caloric consumption will nearly undoubtedly lower!
You should definitely try another nice concepts for different low-calorie snacks!
References
- Crovetti, R., Porrini, M., Santangelo, A. et al. The affect of thermic impact of meals on satiety. Eur J Clin Nutr 52, 482–488 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600578
- “DEFAULT FoodData Central.” Usda.gov, 2025, fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-search. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-search
- Sirotkin, A V, and A Kolesárová. “The anti-obesity and health-promoting results of tea and low.” Physiological analysis vol. 70,2 (2021): 161-168. doi:10.33549/physiolres.934674 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8820582/
