What is a Negative Calorie Food

What is a negative calorie food? It sounds like a dieter's dream, doesn't it?

Well, actually- it is! Negative calorie foods are foods that burn more calories during digestion then they actually contain. Pretty sweet, right?

So you may ask yourself, 'What are these foods and why don't people only eat negative calorie foods to lose weight'?!?! While negative calorie foods are generally high in fiber, they are not what the average person is going to be able to consist on. In theory, you could eat negative calorie foods alone and lose weight, but in reality you are probably going to crave some pasta, protein, or sweets along the way. And also, you need a wide variety of foods to make up a nutritious diet. Since negative calorie foods are fruits and veggies, you would not be getting any protein, enough iron, and no whole grains.

The fruits that are considered to be negative calorie are: apples, cranberries, grapefruit, honeydew, lemons, limes, mangos, oranges, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, tomato, turnip, papaya, Peach, watermelon, tangerines, Cucumber (yes cumcumber is a fruit) and hot peppers (which surprise, surprise are fruits too).

The vegetables that are negative calorie are : lettuce, onion, broccoli, garlic, green beans, cauliflower, radish, carrots, cabbage, spinach, turnip, zucchini, chicory, garden cress and asparagus.

Now some people think the whole idea of negative calorie foods is hooey. I personally, think that its true. In my personal experience, I always become hungry again much fast after consuming an apple or some carrots, than I would after eating some toast. This would lead me to believe, that this is happening because of the negative calorie effect of the apple or carrots. And in the case that it is not true, these fruits and vegetables are so nutritious and vital to a healthy diet- that it doesn't make too much of a difference. Either way, you are going to lose more weight eating fruits and vegetables, rather than if you were carbo-loading like a mad woman.

I hope I answered that question of what a negative calorie food is. If you are new to the concept, that it is just another great reason to load up on fruits and veggies! Tasty, nutritious, AND a negative calorie food- doesn't get much better.