Do you restrict yourself from eating food to avoid calories? Then here is a list of foods you can include in your diet.
1. Garlic: Many people use garlic in their food because this pungent bulb enhances the flavor of your food. But beside this, it has many health benefits. Allicin is a compound found in garlic that has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. According to the National Institutes of Health, Allicin can lower blood pressure, fight off hardening of the arteries, and reduce the risk of cancer. Also, it has antioxidant properties which help your body fight against free radicals by producing an acid that rapidly reacts with free radicals.
2. Green tea: Green tea is a good source of antioxidants. Polyphenols present in green tea have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. Unsweetened brewed green tea is a zero calorie beverage and contains much less caffeine than tea/coffee. It is also known to have different health benefits such as preventing stress, chronic fatigue, treating skin conditions and improving arthritis by reducing inflammation.
3. Cocoa Powder: Many people think cocoa powder and chocolate as same thing, but they are not. Cocoa is an ingredient of chocolate (chocolate includes milk products, sugar, etc). Pure and unadulterated cocoa powder is a non-fat component of cocoa liquor, made by grinding cocoa beans. It helps in decreasing the levels of cortisol hormones, which induce stress in your body and can hinder your weight loss. One of the best ways to consume cocoa powder is to mix 1 spoon of cocoa powder in a glass of skimmed milk and have it without any added sugar.
4. Coleslaw: You can make your own healthy coleslaw salad consisting primarily of shredded raw cabbage, carrots and other crunchy vegetables. Instead of mayonnaise or cheese dressings, add some pepper and vinegar dressing. One cup of this salad will set you back by just 17 calories and will provide 42 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. Also, it’s loaded with sulforaphane, which is a chemical that enhances the production of enzymes in your body that fight oxidative damage.
5. Salsa: Make your own fresh salsa dip with chopped onions, tomato, pepper, lime and garlic. All these vegetables are low in calories and provide you with vitamin C, folate and fiber. Care should be taken while storing the salsa since it consists of raw vegetables which can act as a growth medium for potentially dangerous bacteria, especially when unrefrigerated.
6. Herbs and spices: Herbs and spices not only add taste and aroma to your food but also reduce the effect of unhealthy fats on your body. Most dried herbs and spices are low in calories, providing about 4 to 7 calories per teaspoon. Some spices are good sources of nutrients such as paprika, which is an excellent source of vitamin A. Parsley is rich in vitamin C, cumin is a source of iron, and caraway seeds even contribute a little calcium to your diet. Other spices with health benefits include cloves, coriander, fennel leaves, mint, nutmeg, parsley, rosemary, and sage – all of which are sources of antioxidants.