Almost all foods contain calories, but some foods have so few that they aren’t worth really counting. These are frequently called “free foods”. If you’re on a diet and want a snack, here are a list of those “free foods” that you can eat in moderation without tracking.
Picture: Kim Coleman
First, a small caveat. There is nothing magical about the foods below. They contain calories, and consuming too much of them will make their low-calorie nature non-trivial. If you eat them in moderation though, they will quell your hunger.
Make sure that you practise mindfulness to make sure that they end up helping, not hurting, your overall progress.
Fibrous Vegetables:
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Fresh Green Beans
- Celery
- Spinach
- Kale
- Okra
- Cucumbers
- Cabbage
- Chinese Cabbage
- Bean Sprouts
- Alfalfa Sprouts
Condiments/Cooking Ingredients:
- Mustard
- Pickles
- Relish
- Sauerkraut
- Chicken/Beef broth (or bouillon)
- Soy Sauce
- Hot Sauce (e.g. Tabasco)
- Sriracha
Others:
- Sugar-free jelly
- Sugar-free gum
- Sugar-free mints
- Sushi Seaweed Wrap
Drinks:
- Coffee (with a splash of skim milk)
- Tea
- Sugar-free Beverages
Again, we’re not suggesting anything drastic, such as using these free foods to go on a cleanse. Also, before anything else, you should also make sure that you are on a reasonable, sustainable program. That being said, incorporating these foods into your diet as healthy, “free” snacks will fill your belly when you’re feeling munchy, and they free you from having to log every calorie you eat. That’s a great combination.
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