9. KALE
Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods around. For just 49 calories you get a ton of fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and protein. You can try making kale chips, put it in a salad, or I even regularly eat it in wraps.
10. MUSHROOMS
Pretty much all kinds of mushrooms are low in calories. Chanterelles have just 38 calories in a 100-gram serving, portabellas just 22. Put them in a sauce, a sauté, or even make them into a burger, they add nothing but earthy flavor and nutrients.
11. CARROTS
Carrots aren’t just good for your eyesight. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, are a natural diuretic, and can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. All that for just 41 calories per 100-gram serving.
12. BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, and so have many of the same benefits, including being low in calories (just 43 per 100 grams). But they aren’t everyone’s favorite vegetable. My sister absolutely despises them.
13. WATERMELON
Watermelon is another summertime favorite of mine. So sweet and juicy – who would’ve guessed that it is so low in calories? With just 30 in a 100-gram serving and containing loads of beneficial antioxidants, it really is a guilt-free treat. It’s even been known to boost your metabolism. Just be sure not to overindulge – something I’m definitely guilty of on occasion.
14. ZUCCHINI
Zucchini has just 17 calories in a 100-gram serving. I love it in a stir-fry or a pasta sauce, but you can use it in a ton of different ways, even in bread.
15. ONIONS
Onions are the starting point for a lot of different recipes. When I don’t know what I’m doing in the kitchen, I always start with frying some onions in a pan to get some flavor going. It’s nice to know that I’m not adding many calories, just 40 per 100 grams. They also contain beneficial flavonoids.
Some other nutrient dense foods include beets, lemons, tomatoes, grapefruit, and turnips.