10 Wonderfully Low Calorie Foods

Counting calories is a good way to stay on top of your food intake, ensuring that you avoid overeating. Sadly, all of our favorite foods (pizzas, hamburgers, sushi, tacos, pasta, etc.) tend to be fairly high in calories. If you're looking for the best foods to add to your diet, here are some of the best low calorie foods to consider:

Broccoli

At just 31 calories per cup, broccoli is one of the best low calorie foods you can eat. It's loaded with Vitamin C, folate, and iron, plus a broad range of antioxidants  that can fight cancer and improve circulation.

Arugula

Arugula contains a paltry 4 calories per cup. The tangy, peppery leaves are an amazing source of dietary fiber and Vitamins A and C. They're rich in antioxidants and minerals that will help to improve your digestive and cardiovascular health.

Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the best sources of dietary fiber, and it's loaded with vitamins, minerals, and detoxifying agents that can boost your metabolism. Purple cabbage is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that may be able to block cancer and speed up your body's natural repair processes.

Asparagus

Few other foods are as effective at detoxing your body as asparagus, thanks to their diuretic properties. You get just 27 calories per cup of this veggie, which is loaded with all sorts of awesome vitamins and minerals. Heck, they even contain a bit of protein to help your body build muscle.

Lettuce

There are very few veggies as versatile as lettuce! You can eat it in hundreds of different types of salad, and it can even be used in your soups, stews, and other dishes. With just 5 calories per cup, it's an awesome source of B vitamins, minerals, and folic acid. The darker and more colorful the lettuce, the more nutrients it contains.

Cauliflower

This is yet another cruciferous veggie that deserves an honorary spot on your menu. You can use cauliflower to make "rice" and "mashed potatoes" that are both low-carb and gluten-free. You get just 30-40 calories per cup of cauliflower, but a whole host of antioxidants that can reduce your risk of cancer.

Beets

Beetroots contain a bit more sugar than other types of veggies, so you're looking at a higher calorie content—37 calories in just half a cup of beets. However, few veggies can match the antioxidant content of beets, thanks to the betanin that gives the root veggie its delightful color and flavor. They're also an amazing source of foliate, potassium, and iron.

Coffee

On its own, coffee contains ZERO calories. Coffee can boost your metabolism, help to increase endurance when working out, reduce hunger pangs, improve satiety, and drive back fatigue. It's only when you add milk and sugar that coffee has any calories.

Mushrooms

If you want to make your food taste "meaty" without using any meat or adding too many calories, mushrooms are your best choice. They all contain a lot of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with Vitamin B, potassium, and antioxidants that will improve your immune function. They're also the best food-based source of natural Vitamin D, which makes them vital to add to your winter diet.

Grapefruit

Half a grapefruit contains just under 40 calories, but it's still one of the best fruits for those who are trying to lose weight. Grapefruits are a citrus fruit, which means they're loaded with Vitamin C. However, they're also an excellent source of potassium, pectin, and folic acid. All in all, one of the best fruits on the planet!