Negative calorie foods are defined as those that utilize more calories or energy to burn than the actual caloric value of the food itself, resulting in a "negative" calorie count. Many vegetables, which contain multitudes of vitamins and minerals, make the body work harder to digest and break them down into their base nutrients and juices, resulting in fewer or no "leftover" calories once the food has been digested. Today, negative calorie diets or foods are a popular addition to diets and weight-loss programs.
Greens
Green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach and lettuce and kale, among others, are popular negative calorie foods. All rich in fibers (that don't digest) and low in calories, these foods fill you up without filling you out. For example, a half a cup of chopped broccoli contains about 45 calories, while a 1 cup serving of kale offers about 36 calories, and a cup of chopped raw spinach contains about 5 calories.
Carrots
Carrots are high in fiber and low in calories. A cup of chopped carrots contains about 45 calories, while a serving of carrot juice (natural) may contain about 40 calories. Carrots are chock full of vitamin A and fibers, and offer a satisfying crunch that many dieters need to replace salty snack foods.
Squash
Zucchini and yellow squash are also considered negative calorie foods. A cup of summer squash such as yellow squash contains less than 40 calories, and a cup of cooked pumpkin contains about 50 calories.
Peppers
Many chili peppers are considered negative calorie foods, as they are not only low in calories, but also contain capsaisin, which causes chemical reactions in the body such as flushing and sweating, which increases metabolism and burns more calories. Jalapenos, habaneros and green, red and yellow peppers can be eaten raw and plain or cooked in foods.
Beans
Lima beans are considered a negative calorie food rich in vitamins and nutrients. A cup of cooked lima beans contains about 170 calories, while a cup of bean sprouts (also known as mung beans) contains about 30 calories per serving. Soybeans, a rich source of protein, contain about 254 calories per 1 cup serving.
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