Zero Calorie Diet Freebies

If this is the summer of YOU--and you are striving to lose a few pounds, to feel and look better, to have more energy and less aches and pains--then why not make dieting as easy as possible?

My last blogpost was all about how much easier it is to lose weight in the summer. (If you didn't catch that one, you can read it next!) In addition to all the benefits you get automatically by dieting in the summer months, you can reap additional freebies by choosing foods with zero--or close to zero--calories.

1) The first and very best diet freebie is WATER. Not really a food, but an essential component of every diet. Water is not only calorie-free, but also very close to cost-free. If you prefer fancy water, or bubbly water, go for it. You might like to add a bunch of fresh mint leaves, cucumber slices, strawberries, or lemon wedges. Do whatever it takes to drink more water! When your body is hydrated, everything works better and more easily, including all your organs, your heart, your digestive system, your joints, and your muscles. You will have more energy and less aches and pains.

2) The next best diet freebie is TEA. Black and green tea leaves contain antioxidants which may help ward of many types of cancer. Tea contains less caffeine than coffee and might be a good substitute for those afternoon slumps, if coffee is too stimulating. Tea is great hot or cold, iced with lemon, or just plain. Herbal teas can be calming and relaxing in the evening. If you don't add anything to your tea, except maybe a squeeze of lemon, tea is calorie-free. (Keep in mind that coffee and tea are both mild diuretics, and cause the body to excrete water. Drink more plain water in addition to your tea!)

3) SALAD stuff is not completely calorie-free, but close! Veggies like cucumbers are mostly water, with a bit of fiber, and contain almost zero calories. Greens like lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, kale, arugula, watercress, and most fresh herbs are extremely low in calories while high in vital nutrients. Make a leafy green salad the basis for one of your meals each day, use only a small amount of olive oil and vinegar for your dressing, and watch the pounds disappear!

4) PICKLES are another freebie! But choose your pickles carefully--or make your own at home. Some pickles--like bread and butter--contain sugar, so you will want to avoid these. Look for dill pickles instead. Trader Joe's carries Hot and Spicy Pickles that add a punch of flavor to a sandwich and zero (or pretty close!) calories.

5) SAUERKRAUT is also extremely low in calories and high in nutrition. Look for the raw kind, which is naturally fermented using only salt, instead of the cooked variety. (Trader Joe's, Costco, and Whole Foods all carry this product.) You can also make your own. (My husband is in charge of making the kraut at our house.) Raw kraut is a natural probiotic, containing loads of healthy bacteria, so it's great for your gut! If you like things spicy, you can substitute kimchi--a Korean staple which is also naturally fermented cabbage, along with garlic and spices.

You get the idea! There are loads of different freebies you can pile onto your plate. Fill your belly with these nutritious choices, including lots of veggies, and you will be on track to make significant changes to your body composition. Need help with meal planning, exercise, or support? I am here to help! Drop me a message in the comment section below.