ARE ZERO-CALORIE FOODS REALLY ZERO CALORIE?

Diet myths have come and gone, but some manage to stand the test of time. For example, the claim that celery, lettuce or other fruits and vegetables are zero calorie, is based on wishful thinking. NOT research.

Although many vegetables and fruits may be LOW in calories, make no mistake, they still count towards a day’s caloric intake. So, they aren’t actually a “negative” or “zero” calorie food as many claim.

HOW METABOLISM WORKS

Our bodies burn a certain amount of calories at rest. Some refer to this as Basal Metabolic Rate, BMR, or Resting Metabolic Rate, or RMR.

It takes into account height, weight and age, as well as the energy needed for normal body functions such as breathing and pumping blood.

The next factor to consider with metabolism (and the one negative-calorie proponents will tout) is the thermic effect of food. Otherwise known as the amount of energy used to chew, digest and store nutrients.

Surprisingly, about 10 percent of the calories we burn each day are used for this purpose. And, despite a minor increase in activity for a few hours after eating food — even with low-calorie foods — don’t expect this to result in extra weight loss.

Physical activity, whether it’s from activities of daily living or fitness activities, must also be taken into account when calculating total calories burned in a day.

A quick search on the internet leads to lists of “negative-calorie foods” and “calorie-burning” diets. Celery often tops lists, followed by lettuce, cucumbers and a few citrus fruits.

(One vegetable snack we like are our Kickin’ Shishito Peppers! Check them our in our online store https://balancedfoods.com/order/kickin-shishito-peppers/ )

These foods share similar nutrition profiles. They’re low in calories and have water contents greater than 90 percent.

These low-calorie, plant-based foods are great additions to a balanced eating plan BUT they lack adequate protein and fat to be the only source of nutrition.

ESTABLISH A FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO EATING

Shifting the focus away from individual foods, instead concentrate on establishing a healthy eating pattern that is a more sustainable and flexible approach to eating a variety of foods.

Considering over 70-percent of U.S. adults have a BMI (Body Mass Index) as “overweight” or “obese”, there is both an interest and need for clarity when it comes to safe, healthy and sustainable weight-loss approaches.

When enjoying a meal plan inclusive of a balanced variety of foods is an approach that will most likely lead to healthy eating habits, a trimmer body and self-confidence that will last a lifetime.

Make no mistake. When it comes to eating balanced and healthy, you shouldn’t sacrifice flavor in the process. That’s why we developed our recipes to taste delicious but be gluten free and preservative free with the right balance of macros.

No matter where you are in your health and fitness journey, consult with our nutritional consultant so they can work with you to create a realistic and balanced meal plan based on your needs, lifestyle and preferences.

Signing up for one of our CHALLENGES can offer the one-on-one guidance and accountability that help reaching your fitness goals a reality! Click here to learn more https://balancedfoods.com/challenge/

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