Negative-calorie food diets share the idea that eating certain foods can actually have a reduced caloric effect. The concept behind this diet is that the number of calories your body expends to chew and digest certain foods is more than the number of calories found in the food itself. Generally, these foods include fibrous vegetables and fruits. However, in her book, "Diet Myths That Keep Us Fat," Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports that there is no reputable scientific evidence to prove that eating certain foods will have a negative caloric effect. MayoClinic.com agrees. Further, these diets can be harmful as they can promote drastic weight loss and restricted consumption of other important nutrients. Speak to your doctor before beginning a negative-calorie diet.
Vegetables
The vegetables included in the negative-calorie food diets include asparagus, beets, broccoli, green cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, chili peppers, cucumbers, endive, garlic, lettuce, onions, papayas, spinach, turnips and zucchini. Each of these vegetables is high in fiber and low in calories. The idea is that you can eat of lot of them without gaining weight. For example, proponents of negative-calorie diets claim that eating one stick of celery, which contains approximately 5 calories, will burn up to 95 calories.
Fruits
The fruits included in the negative-calorie food diets include apples, cranberries, grapefruit, lemons, mangoes, oranges, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries and tangerines. Keep in mind that fruits are high in natural sugars; eating them in excess may spike your blood sugar levels and increase your appetite. Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet, but they can not substantiate your diet on their own.
Balanced Diet
Vegetables and fruits, such as those listed here, are low in calories and high in fiber and water. The high volume of non-caloric fiber and water found in these foods can help curb your appetite, however they will not provide you with well-rounded supply of nutrients that your body needs to thrive. Ideally, your diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins to keep your diet balanced and sensible. Adding exercise to your daily routine can also help reduce your calories.
References
- "Diet Myths that Keep us Fat"; Dr. Nancy Snyderman; 2009
- "MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss"; Dr. Donald Hensrud; 2010
- "The Diet Channel: Negative Calorie Diet"
- "Negative Calorie Foods"



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