Foods With Negative Calorie Value

A negative calorie food refers to a food that requires more calories for your body to digest it, than the food itself contains. Basically, your body must work harder to extract the energy from the food. The theory behind negative calorie diets is that if you consume enough negative calorie foods, your body will be forced to use stores of fat for energy. Negative calorie foods are typically high in fiber, low in actual calories and nutrient dense.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that grows wild in many parts of the United States. Asparagus is harvested early in the spring and can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled or baked. You can eat asparagus on its own, but it is typically included as a side dish to a larger meal. Asparagus has around four calories per spear and is high in fiber and folic acid. Avoid adding sauces that may be high in calories.

Beets

Beets are one of the few vegetables where the roots and tips can both be eaten as food. Beets come in different colors including yellow, white and the most familiar red. Beets can be juiced, pickled, added to soups and baked. Beets are a good source of iron, folate, manganese, potassium and fiber. One cup of beets has about 74 calories.

Celery

Celery is a crunchy, light green vegetable with 12- to 16-inch stalks with leafy tops that all join together at the base. Celery is often eaten raw but can also be sliced and added to soups and stews. Celery has roughly 19 calories per cup.

Onions

Onions form the base for many dishes including soups, stews, casseroles and sauces. Onions can also be eaten raw and are often added to salads, sandwiches and burgers. Onions have a strong flavor and odor and come in many different varieties like white, yellow, Vidalia, red and Spanish. Onions are a high fiber food with about 60 calories per cup.

Apples

Apples are a sweet negative-calorie food available all year round, and they are eaten all around the country. Apple varieties include golden delicious, McIntosh, gala, honey crisp and granny smith. Apples are a good source of fiber, antioxidants and pectin, with around 80 calories each.