Definition of Negative Calorie Foods

Forget the "negative" connotation in "negative calorie foods," since they actually have an extremely positive impact on our bodies. These are foods that should be included in any healthy diet. However, there is an even bigger incentive to eat these foods.

Definition

• Negative calorie foods are foods that are thought to use more metabolic energy than they contain. Negative calorie foods are naturally low in calories, and so it is believed that the amount of calories used in the process of chewing, digesting and eliminating is greater than the amount of calories contained in the food.

Function

• Many people use these foods as part of a weight loss program in order to be able to eat more foods without added calories.

Extra Benefit

• The added fiber of some of the foods also gives a feeling of lasting fullness.

Examples

• Some fruits and vegetables thought to have negative calories are asparagus, apples, beets, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cranberries, cucumber, grapefruit, green beans, green cabbage, lettuce, onions, oranges, papaya, radishes, spinach, strawberries, tangerine, turnips and zucchini.

Warning

• While rapid weight loss may occur, a diet of only negative calorie foods will not provide a nutritionally balanced diet and is not recommended. Check with your health care professional before starting any weight loss program.