Foods That Are Low Calorie and Delicious
By Genevieve Cunningham
When we're trying to improve health or lose weight, calories are important. If we eat too much, we run the risk of weight gain. If we eat too few, we might lack energy or slow down our metabolism. It's a hard thing to balance. Of course, it's easier if we have some low calorie, healthy foods in our reserve. Things that we can turn to in a pinch instead of opting for fatty convenience food. But what kind of food is both low calorie and delicious enough to keep us on track? If you need some tasty treats that keep your calorie count low, take a look at these options.
Berries
Berries are one of the healthiest fruit choices. They're full of antioxidants that boost the health of your skin, heart, and body overall. You can eat quite a few without consuming too many calories, and they're full of water -- which means they'll also hydrate your body. Plus, they're extremely tasty. Sweet, juicy, and still nutritionally dense, berries are an excellent choice for your menu.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is extremely low calorie. If you don't add any sweetener, it's exactly zero calories! You can't get any better than that. This is a good choice for anyone who really wants to reach for a soda, but knows they shouldn't. Instead, opt for herbal tea. It will provide some flavor, but without the side effects of soda. No, it's not the same -- but over time, it may help you wean off the soda addiction without adding more calories to your daily consumption.
Apples
Apples are delicious. They're sweet, juicy, and provide a soft, gritty texture. They're full of water, they clean the teeth, and they boost digestion. If you have the calories to spare, eat them with a small dollop of nut butter. If not, just crunch on some apple slices to satisfy a sweet tooth and fill an empty belly.
Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are sweeter than regular carrots. They provide a much needed crunch for people who love chips or popcorn. And they can be dipped in a dipping sauce for a little extra flavor. Plus, they're nutritious! Good for the eyes and extremely low in calories, baby carrots make an excellent snack for any time during the day.
Just because you're cutting calories, it doesn't mean you're stuck with boring, flavorless, bland foods. You can have the best of both worlds! Use these foods to keep the caloric intake low and the flavor high. Over time, your taste buds will adjust and you'll be eating healthy foods day in and day out for a healthier body overall.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Boynton Beach, Fla.