Last Updated on February 12, 2025
Zero calorie foods are a tool I use to get people fit and healthy with the most delicious food possible. I find that not many people know about zero calorie foods so I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you can use them to get incredible results.
You’ll learn:
- What Zero Calorie Foods Are
- Their Benefits
- 50 of the Best Zero Calorie Foods for Weight Loss and Health
- How to Eat Them to Get the Best Results
Let’s do this.
What are Zero Calorie Foods?
Zero calorie foods are extremely low in calories and often referred to as “negative calorie foods.” This means that your body burns more energy digesting them than they actually provide, making their net calorie impact negligible.
To put it simply: When you eat zero calorie foods, you burn off what you consume automatically, making them an excellent tool for weight loss and mindful eating—without the need for obsessive calorie counting.
However, the benefits of these foods go far beyond just calorie control!
Do Zero Calorie Food have Benefits?
The zero calorie foods I’m sharing offer incredible benefits for your metabolism, digestion, and overall health. Here’s why they’re a game-changer for fitness and health:
They Keep You Full – Packed with fiber and water, these foods help curb hunger and keep you satisfied longer.
They Boost Hydration – Many zero calorie foods have high water content, supporting optimal digestion, detoxification, and nutrient absorption.
They’re Nutrient-Dense – While low in macronutrients (carbs, fats, and protein), they’re rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support metabolism and overall health.
They Support Weight Loss – By naturally regulating hunger and reducing overall calorie intake, they make weight loss easier without the need for restrictive dieting.
Real-Life Example: One of my clients, Sarah, struggled with overeating at night. By incorporating more zero calorie foods into her meals—like a big side of roasted cauliflower and a cucumber salad—she felt more satisfied, snacked less, and finally started seeing results without feeling deprived.
50 Best Zero Calorie Foods
Here are 50 of the best zero calorie foods, starting with the most nutrient-dense options for the best results.
Vegetables:
- Spinach – 7 calories per cup
- Kale – 8 calories per cup
- Romaine Lettuce – 8 calories per cup
- Arugula – 5 calories per cup
- Cabbage – 22 calories per cup
- Watercress – 4 calories per cup
- Celery – 6 calories per stalk
- Cucumber – 16 calories per cup (sliced)
- Zucchini – 17 calories per cup
- Radishes – 19 calories per cup
- Asparagus – 27 calories per cup
- Broccoli – 31 calories per cup
- Cauliflower – 27 calories per cup
- Mushrooms – 15 calories per cup
- Bell Peppers – 24 calories per cup (sliced)
- Tomatoes – 22 calories per medium tomato
- Brussels Sprouts – 38 calories per cup
Fruits
18. Strawberries – 49 calories per cup
19. Blueberries – 57 calories per cup
20. Raspberries – 64 calories per cup
21. Watermelon – 46 calories per cup
22. Grapefruit – 52 calories per half
23. Peaches – 59 calories per medium peach
24. Blackberries – 62 calories per cup
25. Oranges – 62 calories per medium orange
26. Papaya – 55 calories per cup
27. Apples (in moderation) – 95 calories per medium apple
Herbs & Spices
28. Basil – 1 calorie
29. Parsley – 1 calorie
30. Cilantro – 1 calorie
31. Rosemary – 3 calories
32. Thyme – 3 calories
33. Oregano – 3 calories
34. Mint – 1 calorie
35. Dill – 1 calorie
36. Sage – 2 calories
37. Chives – 1 calorie
38. Tarragon – 5 calories
39. Curry Powder – 7 calories
40. Cumin – 8 calories
41. Paprika – 6 calories
42. Ginger – 2 calories
43. Turmeric – 8 calories
44. Cinnamon – 6 calories
45. Nutmeg – 12 calories
46. Black Pepper – 6 calories
47. Cardamom – 6 calories
48. Cloves – 6 calories
49. Mustard Powder – 5 calories
50. Garlic – 4 calories per clove
Pro Tip: Load up on these herbs and spices to add flavor and maximize the nutritional benefits of your meals without adding calories!
Pin this list of Zero Calorie Foods to Pinterest so you’ll have it forever
How to Eat Negative Calorie Foods for the Best Results
Here’s how to enjoy zero calorie foods and use them to maximize weight loss and wellness benefits:
Pair Them with Protein & Healthy Fats – While zero calorie foods are great, you still need protein and healthy fats for balanced nutrition. Try spinach with eggs or cucumbers with avocado and salmon.
Use Herbs & Spices Generously – The more variety, the better! I always tell my clients to include at least three herbs and spices in every meal to enhance flavor and satiety.
Eat Zero Calorie Foods Before Higher-Calorie Meals – This strategy helps naturally control portion sizes. For example, start dinner with a side salad packed with cucumbers, arugula, and tomatoes.
Make Hydrating Snacks – Swap processed snacks for hydrating, fiber-rich options like sliced bell peppers with a sprinkle of sea salt or a cup of berries.
Success Story: My client, Jason, used to struggle with late-night cravings. By snacking on high-fiber, zero calorie foods like celery with turmeric and black pepper, he cut his nightly calorie intake in half—without feeling deprived. And you can, too!
Remember to have at least 1 serving of a zero calorie food and at least 3 servings of herbs and spices into every meal for the best results.
While zero-calorie foods are a great tool, they don’t provide enough macronutrients on their own. For noticeable improvements in your body, health, and energy levels, you need a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients.
To get the best results, I always recommend eating for your unique metabolic type. It’s key to getting long lasting results because each type needs different amounts of different macronutrients to burn fat. Take my Metabolic Type Quiz to discover what works best for your body. That training explains how your metabolic type influences weight loss, energy levels, and overall health. Learn what works best for your body and start seeing real results.
xo
Your Coach and Biggest Cheerleader,
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