NEGATIVE calorie foods

You probably think I've gone crazy, but there are foods that are called NEGATIVE CALORIE FOODS.  Simply put, it means your body burns more calories while eating them than they actually contain.

If you are trying to lose weight, you can binge on these without feeling guilty.

Here are the top 10 guilt-free foods that burn more calories than they contain:

1.  Cucumbers
     Calorie content:  100g contains 16 calories

Cucumbers are mostly made up of water, but they are also a great source of Vitamin C.  They also reduce high levels of inflammation in the body and contain essential amino acids which our bodies need but can not make themselves.  Due to the ascorbic acid and caffeic acid they contain, eating cucumbers helps prevent water retention.

2.  Asparagus
     Calore content:  100g contains 20 calories

Asparagus are great for detoxing as they contain diuretic nutrients that help remove toxins, they can also help boost your metabolic rate.

As well as their amazing weight loss properties, asparagus are also rich in folate which makes it an ideal food for pregnant women as folate can reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions.  They also contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

3.  Cauliflower
     Calorie content:  100g contains 25 calories

Cauliflower is enjoying a huge health come back at the moment.  It's being used to make healthier versions of pizza bases, mash potato and even rice.  The great thing about cauliflower is that it is fat free, has vitamin C and has a strong flavor.  It is also an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin K.

You can eat it raw or lightly steam it for a few minutes so that it is still crunchy, it will take you longer to chew it giving your body time to realize it's full.

4.  Celery
     Calorie content:  100g contains 16 calories

This has been a staple diet food for decades, approximately 75% of a single celery stick is water.  The other 25% is fiber.  The high water content means that you will burn more calories eating it than it actually contains.  Celery is also rich in sodium and potassium so a great addition to your post-workout juice.

5.  Lean low calorie meats.

     Lean Pork:  100g contains 145 calories
     Turkey Leg:  100g contains 144 calories
     Chicken Breast:  100g contains 172 calories

These are not strictly negative calorie foods, however lean meats such as these are great sources of protein, which make the digestive system work harder, temporarily boosting your resting metabolic rate which helps you burn more calories.

Your body uses more energy to digest meat proteins than it does to digest carbohydrates, which is why high-protein diets work so well.

They are also a good source of energy, and they make you feel fuller for longer, successfully curbing your appetite so you en up eating less.

6.  Tomatoes
     Calorie content:  100g contains 18 calories

Wonderful tomatoes full of flavor and lycopene and Vitamin C, as well as being low in calories their health benefits increase when cooked.

Scientists have found that cooked tomatoes can have the same benefits as statins for patients fighting high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

The secret is in the lycopene, a compound found in high levels that gives tomatoes their bright red color.  Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant essential for good health as it helps lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  The lycopene is found jus beneath the skin of the tomato, so don't peel them!

7.  Papaya
     Calorie content:  100g contains 43 calories

Papayas aren't just low in calories they are also rich in Vitamin C and contain 15 times more of the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin, thought to reduce the risk of poly-arthritis (where the condition affects several joints at the same time).

Their fiber content helps combat constipation and keeps cholesterol levels in check.

8.  Chili
     Calorie content:  100g contains 40 calories

Full of capsaicina, chilies have the ability to boost your metabolic rate which makes the body burn more calories immediately after eating them.  This also means they will curb your appetite.

I quite often add chili flakes to sautéed vegetables.  Cut 1 red pepper, 1 yellow pepper, 1 large courgette and 1 red onion into strips.  Sauté in olive oil over a high heat, add salt and black pepper and chili flakes.  This is great on its own or served as a side dish to roast pork.

9.  Apples
     Calorie content:  100g contains 52 calories

ONLY THE GREEN ONES!  Forget red apples and choose Granny Smiths.  While they aren't strictly a negative calorie food, green apples are rich in dietary fiber which makes you fell full for longer, reduces hunger and therefore motivates weight loss.

10.  Coffee
       Calorie content of plain brewed black coffee: 2 calories

I cup of black coffee drunk on its own gives you ZERO calories.

Forget the milk, sugar or syrup that just make the calorie content soar and don't give you any nutritional benefit.  Coffee is also thermogenic and therefore stimulates the burning of fat for energy.  Coffee can also reduce your cravings as it can change the level of hormones in your digestive system that alert you whether you are hungry or full, the caffeine also boosts your metabolic rate.

However, drink in moderation, it is a stimulant that can put a strain on your heart and make you nervous.

A healthy diet for weight loss should not be based solely on NEGATIVE CALORIES foods.  However, they can be a tasty and healthy addition to a diet plan.  For example, add loads of asparagus to your lean meats, snack between meals if you are hungry, on cucumber and/ or celery.  Eat papaya for breakfast with your cup of black coffee.

I can help you improve your health.  If you would like to make an appointment with me either in person or via Skype, just send me an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com