You might think that the best way to lower calories is to reduce the amount of food you eat. However, the best way to decrease the number of calories you eat is to eat low-calorie foods.
The Benefits of Low-Calorie Foods
What is a calorie deficit diet? It is a diet where you eat fewer calories than you burn. According to Fitmate, “A calorie deficit diet plan helps you lose weight because if you consume less than your body needs, your body will use the fat stored in your body for energy. If your body burns the stored fat in your body for energy, you lose weight.”
If your diet primarily consists of low-calorie foods, you can have a calorie deficit that leads to weight loss. However, not all low-calorie foods are the same. For example, fruits, vegetables, and other low-calorie foods that have a ton of carbohydrates will leave you feeling hungry. Whereas calorie-dense foods with fat and protein, like fish and meat, will leave you feeling satiated longer. Protein fibers are the most satiating foods. Your goal should be to pick nutrient-dense foods for the best results.
Apples
An apple a day does more than keeping the doctor away. Apples have a ton of fiber. They are sweet, so they satiate a sweet tooth. Apples are bulky. They require you to chew a lot, which is one reason why they satiate your hunger. Make sure to eat the apple skin. This is where most of the protein is found.
Crunchy Vegetables
Vegetables are packed with nutrients, low in calories, and linked to healthy weight loss. Stick with crunchy vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and celery.
Whole Grains
When you eat whole grains, you feel fuller longer. These include pasta, brown rice, or oatmeal. Since they are full of fiber, it takes your body a while to break them down compared to refined grains, like white flour.
Sunflower Seeds
Look no further than sunflower seeds if you’re looking for delicious calorie-dense food. Sunflower seeds have a ton of fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients. Include sunflower seeds in your low-calorie salad to give them a nice crunch.
Fish
Fish has a ton of protein needed for weight loss and muscle retention during a calorie-deficient diet. Fish will keep you feeling full longer because it takes your body a long time to digest it. Some studies suggest that people who eat fish consume fewer calories and feel fuller longer when compared to people who eat beef.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are not crunchy vegetables, but they are low-calorie and can keep you feeling satiated. They have a lot of flavors, a high water content, and a ton of fiber. All it takes is a little bit of olive oil, pepper, and salt to turn a tomato into a phenomenal treat.
A Healthy Calorie Deficit
Creating a calorie deficit does not mean starving yourself. Instead, you can reduce your caloric intake safely by replacing high-carb foods with calorie-dense and nutrient-rich foods that promote health and well-being.
Also Read: Calorie Deficit: How Many Calories Should You Cut Out Each Day To Lose Weight?