The truth about low calorie diets

Low-calorie diets have had a reputation for being bland, sparse, and difficult to follow for more than a few days at a time. However, with a little creativity and insight, it is possible to lose weight in a healthy way and feel supported while following a low-calorie diet.

In addition to the low-calorie, low-fat group of foods to choose from, many more options are considered negative calorie foods, which are obviously a great addition to any low-calorie diet. Negative calorie foods do have some calories, of course, but the body uses more to eat, prepare, and digest them than their original calorie count. The more negative calorie foods you add to your diet, the more fat your body will burn.

Weight gain occurs when we consume more calories than we can burn. Eating fewer calories than we expend through physical activity is the only sure way to lose weight and keep it off in the long term.

Low-calorie foods are often high in fiber, which is great for dieters and anyone who needs to lower cholesterol. Fiber makes us feel full longer, helping us avoid snacking between meals. Fiber also keeps the digestive system working properly and causes the body to burn more calories during the digestion process than other types of food.

While following a low-calorie diet, make sure you’re getting the right amount of protein, vitamins, and nutrients your body needs to thrive, especially if you’ve incorporated a lot of negative-calorie foods into your meals.

Low calorie diet foods

Some low-calorie vegetables to include in your diet are:
Asparagus
Broccoli
cabbage
carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
cucumbers
Garlic
Lettuce
Onions
Peppers
Spinach
Zucchini

Some low-calorie fruits to enjoy for snacks or dessert include:
apples
Blackberries
Pink grapefruit
sweet melons
lemons
records
oranges
peaches
Feathers
raspberries
Tomatoes
Watermelon

In addition to raw fruits or vegetables, some other perfect snacks for low-calorie diets include:
walnuts
pretzels
sorbet
sugar free gelatin
whole grain cereals
Yogurt

Sample low calorie diet menu

Breakfast:

– Omelet with egg whites and low-fat cheese
– Fresh fruit with oatmeal
– Tea, coffee, water or orange juice

Lunch:

– Salad with light dressing
– Soup
– Drink without sugar

Dinner:

– Boneless skinless chicken breast
– Steamed broccoli
– Salad with light dressing
– Skim milk, sugar-free drink, coffee, tea or water

Snack:

– Sugar-free gelatin
– handful of walnuts
– hot tea

Any type of diet, low-calorie or not, should definitely be accompanied by a lot of physical activity to facilitate the weight loss process. Whether it’s walking, dancing, running, jogging, swimming, biking, lifting weights, or any of the other types of physical activities that burn calories and tone muscles, make sure you get moving for an hour at least three times a week.

And, even though you may be consuming fewer calories than with other types of diets, never skip a meal thinking you’ll be saving calories, as this will have the directly opposite effect on your weight loss efforts.