Well technically speaking there is nothing like zero calorie food in real world but we do have certain foods that have very low calories. These foods are often called zero calorie foods because the amount of energy required to metabolize them is more than the calories they provide. In effect these foods will provide very low caloric load to your daily recommended total. Most of these foods provide 25 to 50 calories per serving, so enjoy these foods whenever you have craving to eat and still remain in control of your diet limits.

Celery

Total calories per 100 gm = 16, Dietary fiber = 1.6

Excellent source of antioxidants and beneficial enzymes, Celery is rich in vitamins C, K and Folate. The crunchy stalks are filled with water that makes up most of it’s weight. Besides this Celery is beneficial in lowering cholesterol and arthritis pain.

Cucumber

Total calorie per 100 gm = 16, Dietary fiber = 0.5

Made up of 95% water, cucumber sure is a very low calorie food. It is also a good source of Vitamin C and magnesium. Cucumber is beneficial in curing constipation, healthy skin and for kidney problems. With all these health benefits, it’s no wonder that no salad is complete without this low calorie food.

Tomato

Total calorie per 100 gm = 18, Dietary fiber = 1.2

Technically a fruit, many refer to tomato as a vegetable. It is one of the most healthiest super-food. It is nutrient dense with high antioxidants quantities. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which is beneficial for heart, eye sight, reduce blood pressure and prevents cancer.

Carrot

Total calorie per 100 gm = 41, Dietary fiber = 2.8

Massively rich in Vitamin A, carrots are very good for eye sight. It also provide benefits of reducing cholesterol, heart health, preventing cancer and is impressive in maintaining beautiful skin. Carrots are low glycemic food and help in managing blood glucose levels. Available all through the year, these are very versatile food and can be consumed raw, in soups or cooked along with other vegetables.

Cabbage

Total calorie per 100 gm = 25, Dietary fiber = 2.5

Cabbage is a low calorie food that is rich in fiber and Vitamin C. It has abundant phytochemicals like thiocyantaes, lutein, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates that work to protect against cancer. Other health benefits of cabbage include use for treatment of constipation, headaches, obesity, skin disorders and heart disease.

Watermelon

Total calorie per 100 gm = 30, Dietary fiber = 0.4

Watermelon is naturally sweet but with very low amount of calories and even more importantly it is nutrient dense. It provides high amount of Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The lycopene contents in it are even more than that available in raw tomatoes. Health benefits of watermelon include prevention of diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and kidney disorders.

Papaya

Total calorie per 100 gm = 43, Dietary fiber = 1.7

Rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and other phytonutrients, this fruit has made to this list because of low calories it offers. It has amazing health benefits including better digestion, improvement in immune system and good heart health. The protective benefits in eye health are attributed to antioxidant zeaxanthin present in papaya.

Orange

Total calorie per 100 gm = 47, Dietary fiber = 2.4

One of the most delicious and juicy fruit, oranges are rich in Vitamin C and potassium and have very low calorie count. Oranges are known to boost the immune system. Other health benefits include making skin beautiful and lowering cholesterol levels. Oranges have no fat, cholesterol or sodium, making it very good for the heart health.

Related article: Best Slimming Foods

Asparagus

Total calorie per 100 gm = 20, Dietary fiber = 2.1

Asparagus is made up of 93% water, is low in calories and very low in sodium. It is very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and protein. It can be consumed as a salad, grilled, simmered, roasted or steamed. High fiber contents make asparagus quite satiating.

Lemons

Total calorie per 100 gm = 29, Dietary fiber =2.8

Though not a food that can be used for satisfying your hunger, lemons are very versatile and provide tremendous health benefits. It is commonly used as flavoring agent in water or on other prepared food. Lemons mixed in warm water with or without honey is known to reduce weight in obese people. Health benefits also include treatment of constipation, throat infections and indigestion.

Mushrooms

Total calorie per 100 gm = 22, Dietary fiber = 1

These are fleshy spore bearing fruiting body of fungus. Most commonly consumed variety is the white mushroom which is very low in calorie, fat free and very low in sodium. They provide important nutrients including selenium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B6. These are known to reduce cholesterol levels and are beneficial in diabetes and weight loss.

Cauliflower

Total calorie per 100 gm = 25, Dietary fiber = 2

It is a member of cruciferous family of vegetables and is regarded by many as the healthiest food on earth as it contains important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals. It can be consumed raw, as salad or cooked. The various health benefits like it’s fighting cancer, boosting heart health, anti inflammatory properties and digestive benefits make it a superfood and all this with very low calories intake.

Kale

Total calorie per 100 gm = 49, Dietary fiber = 2

Kale is a nutrient dense food that is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. This food is low in saturated fat and very low in cholesterol. It help relieve pain and improves heart health. With low calories per gram, Kale can become important part of any weight loss diet.

Apples

Total calorie per 100 gm = 52, Dietary fiber = 2.4

‘An apple a day, keeps the doctor away’ goes an old saying. It seems so true because apples are loaded with rich phytonutrients and antioxidants. It is rich in dietary fiber and help balance the LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio. Apples are beneficial in weight loss, heart health, lowering risk of diabetes and have a probiotic effect of promoting good gut bacteria.

Onions

Total calorie per 100 gm = 40, Dietary fiber = 1.7

Commonly used as additive along with other food and consumed for it’s cancer fighting quercetin or polyphenols, onion is one of a very versatile food and adds very little to the calorie load. It is also known to improve mood and skin and hair health. Onions are beneficial in diabetes, heart diseases and lowers the risk of obesity.

Broccoli

Total calorie per 100 gm = 34, Dietary fiber = 2.6

Another plant of cabbage family, broccoli is rich in many nutrients. Classified as a superfood, it is rich in phytonutrients and fiber. Broccoli also contains tremendous amounts of Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium. It is beneficial in fighting cancer, improving bone health, digestion and lowering cholesterol levels.

Peach

Total calorie per 100 gm = 39, Dietary fiber = 1.5

This sweet and delicious summer fruit is good for your health as it offers amazing health benefits at very low calorie load. It is beneficial in obesity, lowering cholesterol and some neuro-degenerative diseases. Peaches are loaded with all essential vitamins and is your ideal food choice for weight loss regimen.

Strawberries

Total calorie per 100 gm = 33, Dietary fiber = 2

Delicious and refreshing, strawberries are quite a health treat. These are loaded with Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. Health benefits include proper brain function, relief from high blood pressure, gout, arthritis and heart diseases. They are also good for eye care and all these benefits at a low calorie load to your daily total.

These are some of the amazing vegetables and fruits that you can include in your daily diet for tremendous health benefits without worrying about calories intake.

* Source calories and fiber data: USDA