10 low-calorie foods to burn fat and deflate your belly

There are some foods that, thanks to the low calorie content, help us burn fat and speed up our metabolism. Let's find out what they are so as to introduce them into our diet to lose weight and deflate the belly.

What are zero calorie foods? Let's talk about those foods that nutritionists call negative calorie foods: foods that, to be digested, need more calories than they contain. In this way they help burn fat, as well as promoting natural intestinal activity, eliminating excess gases and therefore the annoying abdominal swelling.

The right foods for the zero calorie diet

We are talking about foods that contain at most 50 calories per hundred grams, low calorie foods, therefore, that help us burn fat and stay fit. Here are those foods that must not be missing on our table.

1. Excellent cucumbers against water retention

Among the foods that contain few calories there are cucumbers with only 16 kcal per 100 grams. They are rich in water and vitamin C, the ideal food for those who want to lose weight: they fight water retention, favoring diuresis and eliminating toxins, they also help maintain the right level of body hydration. Cucumbers are ideal in salads but also as a snack, as they increase the sense of satiety.

2. Celery for the right amount of water and fiber

Celery is another food that, just like cucumbers, has a very low calorie content: also in this case 16 kcal per 100 grams. Celery is mainly composed of water but it also provides a good amount of fiber useful for intestinal well-being, helping to deflate the belly. Celery also contains potassium and sodium which is why it cannot be missing from the diet, especially when doing sport or doing regular physical activity. It can be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack and it is excellent in cold dishes. Anyway, avoid mixing celery with cheeses, especially soft ones, which are rich in fat.

3. Asparagus rich in folic acid

Asparagus have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and they are rich in folic acid; asparagus contains only 20 kcal for every 100 grams of product and it is able to accelerate the metabolism. Asparagus has a delicate taste and it is excellent even lightly scalded and tasted with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, an appetizer to combine with lean white meats like chicken or turkey that contain few calories.

4. Cauliflower to stock up on vitamin C

Cauliflower, in addition to containing few calories, 25 kcal per 100 grams, is a very versatile food that can be enjoyed with a salad, or in a healthy and light soup. Cauliflower contains a good amount of vitamin C which also makes it an antioxidant food that helps us fight the damaging effects of free radicals and protect the heart from cardiovascular diseases.

5. Lycopene-rich tomatoes protect the heart

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and they also contain lycopene, the substance that gives the vegetable its red color and helps prevent heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes contain 18 Kcal per 100 grams and, when cooked, they also help to keep bad cholesterol under control and are ideal for those suffering from hypertension.

6. Zucchini for a load of vitamins and potassium

Among the foods suitable for a zero-calorie diet we find zucchini, which contain only 17 kcal per 100 grams. They are a healthy and digestible food, they contain important vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C and they are rich in potassium. They can be enjoyed on the grill, stewed or cooked in a pan with the addition of a little extra virgin olive oil and onion.

7. Chili pepper that speeds up the metabolism

Thanks to the capsaicin content, the chili pepper is able to accelerate the metabolism helping to burn fat immediately after having assimilated it. They contain 40 kcal per 100 grams and, in addition to giving flavor to our dishes, they are able to curb the appetite by increasing the sense of satiety. It can also be used as a condiment to replace sauces and more caloric spices such as paprika or Tabasco.

8. Grapefruit increases the sense of satiety

Grapefruit, both yellow and pink, is a food that contains few calories, about 36 per 100 grams. It is thirst quenching and increases the sense of satiety. Those who do not like the sour taste of yellow grapefruit can try the pink one that has the same properties but the taste is sweeter.

Besides the grapefruit also the mandarins and oranges are citrus fruits with a low content of calories, about 45 kcal per 100 grams. The lemon instead contains 29 per 100 grams of product: you can use it as a condiment for salads or fish. The ideal would then be to drink a glass of warm water and lemon in the morning, before breakfast, which helps eliminate toxins.

9. Watermelon with diuretic properties

A fresh and refreshing fruit to be included in the list of low calorie foods: the watermelon, symbol of summer, contains 30 kcal per 100 grams and it is rich in water. It has diuretic properties, it also contains potassium which helps regulate blood pressure. A great snack to eat on hot days.

10. Coffee that increases metabolism

Among the foods that contain few calories we also find coffee, as each cup contains only 2 calories, and it increases the metabolic rate. However, it is important not to exaggerate with the consumption to avoid excitability or accelerated heart rate: the recommended dose is 3 cups a day to be consumed preferably without sugar, also avoiding cream or milk.