The TRUTH About Calories

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Does broccoli provide negative calories?Are there foods so low in calories that it takes as many (or more) calories to digest them as they contain? That is the myth behind diets that claim help on the weight loss through "zero-calorie" or "negative-calorie" foods.

It would certainly make dieting easier if we could munch on calorie-free foods all day. But other than water and diet beverages, there is unfortunately no such thing as a zero-calorie or negative-calorie food, according to Researches on this subject.

Busting the "Zero-Calories" Myth

Despite from foods that have been engineered / changed to be calorie-free, like sugar substitutes, virtually all foods contain calories. Some foods contain very few calories, and we do burn a few calories when we chew and digest the foods we eat. But the idea that eating certain foods can put us into a negative calorie balance just far from true.

"Some foods do require more energy to digest, but digesting foods in self that are so-called 'zero-calorie' such as celery or cucumbers is not going to have much or non impact" on your total calorie expenditure or weight-loss efforts, Reality is that "It wouldn't be smart nutritionally to think that you are somehow tricking your body and subtracting calories."

Foods that are sometimes touted as being zero-calorie or negative-calorie include:There are no zero calorie foods.

  • Apples 
  • Asparagus 
  • Beets 
  • Broccoli 
  • Cabbage 
  • Carrots 
  • Cauliflower 
  • Celery 
  • Cucumbers 
  • Garlic 
  • Grapefruit 
  • Lemons 
  • Lettuce 
  • Mangos 
  • Onions 
  • Spinach 
  • Turnips 
  • Zucchini

The point is that if you would have to eat such large amounts of these foods to make your body work hard enough to cancel out the calories that it wouldn't be worth it.

Zero to Hero Calories

Although these food choices with supposed "zero calories" aren't going to put you into a negative calorie balance, there are other great benefits to eating them. "They are all fruits and vegetables, so they are great foods to incorporate into your diet," says Lummus.

These foods are also high in fiber and pack a hefty nutrition punch. Veggies and Fruits tend to be "nutrient-dense," meaning that they contain relatively few calories in comparison to their high level of nutrients.

What's more, they can help you on your Weight loss Journey. Fruits and vegetables can be just as filling as higher-calorie foods, but with far fewer calories and often a lot more bulk.

If you are trying to lose weight, start by adding vegetables to your main dishes, snacking Smart like on fruit, piling your sandwiches with fresh vegetables, and having fruit instead of dessert after your meals. This doesn't "trick" your body into a calorie deficit, but it can help you feel full and satisfied while still eating fewer calories and getting lots of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

One true "zero" beverage to make sure you are getting enough of is water. Not only is it healthy to drink enough water, but Replace water for sugar-sweetened beverages can save you hundreds of calories. so Drink plenty of water 6-8 bottles / day avoiding calories and artificial/preservatives/colors etc.....