The Lowest Calorie Foods On The Planet

Everybody knows that a large intake of calories causes you to become overweight. If trying to lose weight, it's not so important how much food you eat, but how many high calorie foods you eat. Having a list of the lowest calorie foods is very helpful if you want to lose weight or just have a more healthy diet.

Here is a list of ten of the lowest calorie foods you should include in your diet in order to eat healthily and lose weight successfully by Lunch Box Diet author Simon Lovell:

1. Broccoli
   Broccoli is recognized as being one of the healthiest green vegetables, and contains phytochemicals which help to prevent cancer. 100 grams of broccoli contains about 33 calories, and it contains just 2% carbohydrate. It provides a good boost to your levels calcium, protein and magnesium.

2. Carrots

Carrots contain a similar amount of calories to broccoli, but with a slightly higher carbohydrate level of 8%. Carrots contain many other beneficial components though like carotenoids which act as an important antioxidant. These protect the retina from becoming damaged, thus providing protection against eye damage.

3. Low Fat Yoghurt

One 4 ounce portion of low fat yoghurt contains roughly 40 calories. Low fat or fat free yoghurt is good for the intestines and prevents the growth of bacterium that can cause stomach cancer and peptic ulcers. It also prevents irritable bowel syndrome symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea and constipation

4. Low fat Cottage Cheese

A 4 ounce serving of low fat cottage cheese contains about 80 calories and zero grams of fat. It is great for dieters who want to enjoy cheese and not feel guilty about what it will do to their waist. Despite being low in calories it is also high in protein.

5. Tangerines and Oranges

These fruits contain an abundance of healthy components, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E. Eating them regularly can help protect against infection and keep you looking younger. One tangerine contains about 40 calories, while an orange contains about 70.

6. Dry Fruit

Dried fruits are also very rich in vitamins and carry many health benefits. For example, figs are known to lower risk of cancer and improve digestion, while dried plumbs are known to ease the effects of stress. A 30-50g portion of dried fruit provide a very healthy snack for anybody.

7. Cherries

Cherries are another fruit that have properties helping them to protect against cancer. They  are rich in potassium and vitamin C, and also provide a mild laxative action.

8. Lentils

Coming in a variety of colours, lentils are one of the best sources of iron you can get from a vegetable. They are rich in protein, vitamin B, folate and dietary fibre. One 4 ounce serving contains around 70 calories.

9. Chillis

Chillis contain around 20 calories per 100 grams, and contain antioxidants which can      protect against cancer, heart disease and early ageing. Also, they provide a good source of          vitamin C and betacarotene and can reduce the risk of blood clots.

10. Soups

Soups are a great way to enjoy a tasty yet low calorie meal. One portion of soup usually contains nothing over 150 calories. Soups are good for the digestive system and excellent for warming up your stomach enjoy during the cold winter

Simon Lovell is personal trainer and author of The Lunch Box Diet, voted 'the best diet ever' by Elle Magazine. He is also fitness expert to the likes of Marie Claire & Women's Fitness in the UK.

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