Foods with the LEAST Calories!
If you’re trying to eat lighter but don’t want to feel like you’re starving all day, there are actually a bunch of foods out there that barely register on the calorie scale. These aren’t “magic” weight-loss foods, but they’re super light, super filling, and great for when you want to snack or bulk up a meal without overdoing it. Most of them are packed with water, fiber, or both, which means you get to eat more and still stay on track.
Here are some low-key heroes you can load up on without the calorie stress.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are mostly water, so they’re refreshing and crazy low in calories. One whole cucumber has around 16 calories, which makes it a perfect snack when you just want something crunchy. You can dip them in hummus or eat them plain with a little salt and lemon.
Zucchini
Zucchini works in everything from stir-fries to omelets to low-carb pasta. One cup only has about 20 calories and it’s loaded with water and a bit of fiber. It also gives you vitamin C and potassium without weighing you down.
Celery
This one’s a classic. Celery is made up of over 90 percent water and has around six calories per stalk. It takes a while to chew and helps you feel full, even though it barely adds anything to your daily intake. Try it with peanut butter, cream cheese, or just on its own.
Lettuce
Whether it’s iceberg or romaine, lettuce barely counts when it comes to calories. One cup of chopped lettuce is around five calories. While it doesn’t have tons of nutrients, it’s a great way to make your meals more filling without any calorie overload.
Radishes
Radishes are crunchy and slightly spicy, and you can eat several without hitting 20 calories. They’re full of water and contain a bit of vitamin C too. Add them to salads or slice them up with lime and chili powder for a fresh snack.
Cabbage
Cabbage is seriously underrated. It’s good cooked or raw and only has around 22 calories per cup. It’s also great for your digestion and can help reduce inflammation. Try it in slaws or stir-fries or even as lettuce wraps.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are earthy and satisfying, and only give you about 15 calories per cup. They’re also high in B vitamins and help support your immune system. You can sauté them, grill them, or toss them into anything from omelets to soups.
Pickles (unsweetened)
Pickles can be your go-to salty snack. Dill pickles are super low in calories — usually under 10 per spear — and help satisfy cravings. Just go for the ones without added sugar or too much sodium.
Spinach
Spinach is full of nutrients like iron and vitamin K, but super low in calories. One cup of raw spinach has around seven calories. You can toss it into smoothies, eggs, wraps, or pasta without even noticing it’s there.
Bell peppers
Colorful, crunchy, and slightly sweet, bell peppers are great raw or cooked. A medium pepper has about 30 calories and gives you more than your daily vitamin C. Slice them up for a snack or use them to stuff with protein and rice.
Seaweed
Seaweed snacks are super light with around 25 calories per serving. They’re salty and crisp and packed with minerals like iodine. You can eat them on their own or crumble them over rice or soups for a flavor boost.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile option that only has around 25 calories per cup. You can turn it into mash, rice, or even pizza crust. It’s also full of fiber and antioxidants that help support digestion and keep you feeling full.
Asparagus
Asparagus is light, low in calories, and has nutrients like folate and vitamin K. One cup of cooked asparagus has about 27 calories. It also has a mild diuretic effect which can help with bloating.
Tomatoes
Juicy and full of flavor, tomatoes only have about 22 calories per medium tomato. They’re also loaded with lycopene, which supports heart health and gives your skin a little boost. Eat them fresh, roasted, or blended into sauces.
Arugula
This peppery leafy green only has five calories per cup but adds a ton of flavor. It’s great in salads, sandwiches, or on top of eggs. It also has antioxidants and a bit of calcium to round it out.
Jicama
Jicama is crunchy, slightly sweet, and totally refreshing. One cup has about 45 calories and is packed with fiber, which helps you stay full. Try it raw with lime or chili powder, or chop it into your next salad.
Wrapping Up
These foods may not be calorie-free, but they’re pretty close and way more satisfying than you’d expect. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just want to snack smarter, loading up on these can help you stay full without overthinking every bite. Keep a few of them on hand for quick meals or snacks, and you’ll always have something to reach for that won’t throw you off track.
