There are very few things in life that are harder to do than strictly sticking to a diet. Trust us, we’ve been there: you cut down on the food that you like in order to achieve the weight that you’ve always wanted, but slowly, that resolve starts to fade. And your cheat day – the only beacon of light through this journey – feels like it’s ages away.
So you give in – you succumb to the temptation that is the slice of cake in your fridge or the box of chocolates in your cupboard that both satiates your cravings and ruins your diet. The good news however, is that there is such a thing as diet-friendly snacking. We’re talking about foods with no calories, low carb veggies, or negative calorie snacks! Here’s a list of some of the best low-calorie foods that you can snack on anytime, cheat day or not.
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Low Calorie Snacks
Greek Yogurt
If you’re looking for a low-calorie snack that’s high in protein, go ahead and reach for the Greek Yogurt. You can enjoy it plain or add a good selection of fruits to spice it up! Greek yogurt also has a 7-day shelf life, so you can snack on this every day for a week, no problem.
What you can do with it:
It’s easy to enjoy a plain cup of greek yogurt, but did you know you can also use it as a mayonnaise substitute? Say goodbye to calorific salad dressings and use greek yogurt for a healthier and more filling meal.
Strawberries
Don’t underestimate this little red fruit! Strawberries are packed full of essential nutrients like folate, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. To top things off, 100 grams of strawberries only contain 33 calories, making it one of the best zero-calorie foods.
What you can do with it:
Strawberries make a great addition to cereals, yogurts, or parfaits, or enjoyed as is. Craving for a guilt-free dessert? Dip your strawberries in low-calorie chocolate and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Green Apple
An apple a day keeps the doctor away but green apples, in your diet, should be a mainstay. Green apples are amazing when it comes to nutrients. Containing only 52 calories per serving, green apples are also good for lowering your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and even helps in preventing cancer.
What you can do with it:
Slice it, dice it, or even juice it – there’s a ton of ways to enjoy green apples and almost no wrong way to consume it. Just don’t eat it when it’s inside an apple pie unless you want to ruin your diet.
Broccoli
It’s the bane of most vegetable-fearing children, but the best friend of those of us trying to lose weight. A cup of broccoli contains only 64 calories, has three grams of protein, and is rich in vitamin C. Broccoli can work as a snack or an addition to meals, making it one of the most versatile diet foods you can find.
What you can do with it:
Steaming it is usually the way to go, but if you want bolder flavours out of your broccoli flowers then you should try roasting it. Just lay your florets on a baking tray, add a dash of salt and pepper, stick it in your oven, and you’re done!
Kale
Like the watermelon, kale also had its moment in the dieting fad spotlight. Not to be confused with lettuce, this green, leafy vegetable is one of the most popular diet foods in the world and for good reason. Aside from it having only 49 calories per serving, kale is also super packed when it comes to nutrients.
What you can do with it:
Kale is one of the most versatile veggies out there. Throw it in a bowl of salad for some classic kale goodness, or make kale chips to trade your potato chips in for. Feeling more adventurous? Mix kale with your scrambled eggs and enjoy a unique and healthy take on this classic breakfast dish.
Zero Calorie Foods
Watermelon
There’s a reason why the watermelon diet became one of the biggest fads of 2018. This popular summer fruit is a delicious staple in the low calorie foods department because it’s composed of mostly water. These melons only contain 30 calories per serving but are also rich in fibre. Just don’t eat too much unless you want to end up bloated!
What you can do with it:
Watermelons are generally enjoyed as it is. But if you’re feeling more creative, blend it with low-fat milk for a refreshing watermelon smoothie.
Celery
If you’re looking for negative calorie food, then start munching on your celery sticks. Containing only 15 calories per serving, celery is definitely one of the best zero calorie foods that you can get your hands on. In fact, the calorie content is so low, you burn more calories just by digesting the celery stick!
What you can do with it:
Celery stalks can be a great addition to any salad, soup, or stock. Looking for a quick snack? Grab a stick of celery and a jar of low calorie ranch dressing and munch away.
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