If you're looking for the best low calorie foods you can eat, this list has got you covered! This list is comprised of 35 incredible low calorie options, from fruits and vegetables to lean meats and more. Plus, every option on it has under 150 calories a serving.
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The Best Low Calorie Foods
The food you eat matters, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
And creating a calorie deficit is the most important factor when it comes to weight loss. Unfortunately, there are only 2 ways to create a deficit, you can either eat less food - AKA calories -, or you can increase your activity level and burn more calories.
With that said, we all have limited time available to us in a day to be more active and burn more calories. So, eating fewer calories is the main way most of us will be able to achieve a calorie deficit.
And that's exactly why I wanted to put together this list. I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to identify low calorie foods that you can incorporate more of into your diet seamlessly.
Anyway, this list of low calorie foods is comprised completely of nutrient-dense choices that'll keep you full for hours after you eat them. Plus, there are options for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. And it also features a wide variety of foods - there's produce, dairy, grains, and meats you can choose from.
Plus, as I mentioned just a minute ago, everything here has under 150 calories per serving - most have less than 100 calories!
Healthy Low Calorie Foods To Eat
1. Leafy Greens
Nutritional info for 1 cup (30g) leafy greens:
- 7 Calories
- 0.1g Fat
- 1.1g Carbs
- 0.1g Sugar
- 0.7g Fiber
- 0.9g Protein
Salads are a popular low calorie diet food, and for good reason. So, kicking off our list of low calorie foods are leafy greens.
Some of the best leafy greens you can incorporate into your diet are:
- Kale: This leafy green is nutrient-dense power house. It's high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It's great raw in salads, baked into chips, or blended into smoothies.
- Spinach: This versatile green is packed with nutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It's tasty eaten raw in salads, sautéed, or added to smoothies and soups.
- Collard Greens: A staple in Southern cuisine, collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, and calcium.
- Swiss Chard: This leafy green is a good source of magnesium, potassium, and iron. It can be sautéed, steamed, or used in soups and stews. But I actually even like to eat it raw in salads too.
- Romaine Lettuce: This crisp and crunchy green is a popular choice for salads, especially Caesar salad. Romaine lettuce is also a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and fiber.
The greens themselves are super low in calories, and if you have them with one of these low calorie salad dressings, you can eat a filling and satisfying meal for well under 100 calories!
2. Celery
Nutritional info for 1 Cup (101g) of celery:
- 16 Calories
- 0.2g Fat
- 3g Carbs
- 1.4g Sugar
- 1.6g Fiber
- 0.7g Protein
Celery has been a popular low calorie snack for years, and with good reason. It's one of the lowest calorie vegetables you can eat, and it's packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
You can eat raw celery as a snack with a low calorie dip, or you can blend it up and make some celery juice with it!
3. Cucumber
Nutritional info for 1 cup (104g) of cucumbers:
- 16 Calories
- 0.1g Fat
- 3.8g Carbs
- 1.7g Sugar
- 0.5g Fiber
- 0.7g Protein
Cucumbers are made mostly of water, so you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing in a ton of extra calories. Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy them - you can eat them alone, in a savory dish or salad, or even grated up in this low calorie tatziki dip.
4. Cabbage
Nutritional info for 1 cup (70g) of shredded cabbage:
- 17 Calories
- 0.1g Fat
- 4.1g Carbs
- 2.2g Sugar
- 1.8g Fiber
- 0.9g Protein
There are a ton of ways to cook and prepare cabbage, and each cup has less than 20 calories, making it a tasty staple if you're following a low calorie diet.
For what it's worth, one of my favorite ways to incorporate cabbage into my day is by making coleslaw with it. The recipe is especially delicious when it's paired with some BBQ.
5. Mushrooms
Nutritional info for 1 Cup (96g) of mushrooms:
- 21 Calories
- 0.3g Fat
- 3.1g Carbs
- 1.9g Sugar
- 1g Fiber
- 3g Protein
Mushrooms are popular for their savory flavor and unique texture. They're also a common plant-based alternative to meat since they do pack as much protein per serving as they do carbs.
They also have the added benefit of being super low in calories, as well as an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin D.
6. Zucchini
Nutritional info for 1 cup (124g) of zucchini:
- 21 Calories
- 0.4g Fat
- 3.9g Carbs
- 3.1g Sugar
- 1.2g Fiber
- 1.5g Protein
As far as low calorie vegetable side dishes go, I don't think there's anything better than some sauteed zucchini. It has less than half the amount of calories per serving when compared to vegetables like broccoli or carrots, and it's delicious eaten either raw or roasted.
7. Tomatoes
Nutritional info for 1 cup (180g) of tomatoes:
- 32 Calories
- 0.4g Fat
- 7.1g Carbs
- 4.7g Sugar
- 2.2g Fiber
- 1.6g Protein
Both tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are nutritious low calorie foods that should be a part of any healthy diet. They're rich in potassium - which can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease - and also fiber.
Tomatoes make a fantastic base for low calorie soups and stews, while cherry tomatoes make a fantastic low calorie snack to pick at.
8. Bone Broth
Nutritional info for 1 cup (220g) of beef bone broth:
- 40 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 10g Protein
Along with being low in calories, bone broth is loaded with so many healthy benefits. It's high in protein, good for digestion and gut health, and can boost your immune system.
Plus, it's super versatile - you'll never run out of ways to use it! One of my favorite ways to use it is as the base for my low calorie ramen recipe.
9. Watermelon
Nutritional info for 1 cup (152g) of Watermelon:
- 46 Calories
- 0.2g Fat
- 11g Carbs
- 9g Sugar
- 0.6g Fiber
- 0.9g Protein
Like cucumbers, watermelons are made up of more than 90% water, so you can eat more of this sweet and refreshing fruit without worrying about consuming too many calories. I mean, a whopping 150 gram serving of this fruit has just 46 calories. That makes watermelon one of the best low calorie high volume foods you can eat.
Oh, and of course, they're full of health benefits like helping you stay hydrated, reducing inflammation, and improving your heart health.
10. Strawberries
Nutritional info for 1 cup (140g) of Strawberries:
- 47 Calories
- 0.4g Fat
- 11g Carbs
- 7g Sugar
- 2.9g Fiber
- 1g Protein
Feel free to top your yogurt bowls, granola, and oatmeal with tons of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are some of the lowest calorie fruits available. In fact, a whole cup of strawberries has less than 50 calories!
Also, for what it's worth, strawberries are rich in flavonoids which have been shown to not only increase cognitive function but also protect the brain from damage too.
11. Broccoli
Nutritional info for 1 cup (156g) of cooked broccoli:
- 54 Calories
- 0.6g Fat
- 12g Carbs
- 2.2g Sugar
- 5.2g Fiber
- 3.8g Protein
In addition to being low in calories, broccoli is one of the highest fiber cruciferous vegetables you can eat, so it makes a truly filling and healthy side dish for any meal. Also, since it's so high in fiber, it can help aid in blood sugar control, and it can also reduce inflammation.
By the way, if you're looking for a low calorie meal that you can eat broccoli in, you have to check out my beef and broccoli stir fry.
12. Carrots
Nutritional info for 1 cup (156g) of carrots:
- 54 Calories
- 0.2g Fat
- 12g Carbs
- 5.4g Sugar
- 4.6g Fiber
- 1.2g Protein
Carrots are one of my favorite raw veggies to snack on, but they're also great in salads, soups, and stews. You can even roast them as I did in my chicken tenderloins recipe!
Not to mention, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which will help keep your eyes healthy.
13. Grapes
Nutritional info for 1 cup (92g) of grapes:
- 62 Calories
- 0.3g Fat
- 16g Carbs
- 15g Sugar
- 0.8g Fiber
- 0.6g Protein
On top of being low in calories, grapes are packed with weight loss health benefits. They contain an antioxidant called resveratrol, which has been found as a natural way to slow aging and fight cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
14. Apples
Nutritional info for 1 cup (125) of apples:
- 65 Calories
- 0.2g Fat
- 17g Carbs
- 13g Sugar
- 3g Fiber
- 0.3g Protein
Like the other fruits on this list, apples are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great option for losing weight.
What sets apples apart is their high levels of pectin, a kind of fiber that breaks down slowly and keeps you satiated for a longer period.
15. Peaches
Nutritional info for 1 cup (168g) of peaches:
- 65 Calories
- 0.42g Fat
- 16g Carbs
- 14.1g Sugar
- 2.52g Fiber
- 1.53g Protein
Snacking on peaches is a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings with fewer calories. Plus, they're packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and can aid in digestion, making them a great between-meal snack.
16. Corn
Nutritional info for ½ cup (50g) of corn:
- 66 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 14g Carbs
- 3g Sugar
- 2g Fiber
- 3g Protein
Though relatively higher in carbs than other vegetables, corn is still super low in calories! You can add corn to any meal you're having, or just eat it off the cob with some salt and a bit of low calorie butter.
17. Sugar Snap Peas
Nutritional info for 1 cup (160g) of sugar snap peas:
- 67 Calories
- 0.4g Fat
- 11g Carbs
- 6.4g Sugar
- 4.5g Fiber
- 5.2g Protein
Sugar snap peas are healthy, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or sauteed in minimal oil for a tasty snack or side dish with less than 100 calories.
18. Lean Fish
Nutritional info for 3 oz. (85g) of cod:
- 70 Calories
- 0.6g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 15g Protein
Lean fish like cod, tilapia, and sole are high in protein and low in calories. Also, since basically all of the calories in the fish come from protein, they're super thermogenic foods, which means your body has to work harder to digest them and naturally burns more calories as a result.
19. Eggs
Nutritional info for 1 large egg (50g):
- 70 Calories
- 5g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 6g Protein
Eggs can be a super healthy and tasty addition to any low calorie diet. They're packed with protein and vitamins and will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. Plus, they make a terrific low calorie breakfast option - you can make two eggs in the morning in a number of different ways for less than 150 calories!
20. Greek Yogurt
Nutritional info for 1 container (150g) of Fage plain nonfat Greek yogurt:
- 80 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 5g Carbs
- 5g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 16g Protein
Greek yogurt is an excellent low calorie source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Just make sure you pick a Greek yogurt that's low-fat and low in sugar too. The 0% fat Greek yogurt from Fage is my favorite - along with their low fat kind.
By the way, if you're looking for some more yogurt options that are all high in protein and low in calories, you'll want to check out my high protein yogurt list. It's got 20 really tasty options on it.
21. Shrimp
Nutritional info for 3 oz. (85g) of shrimp:
- 84 Calories
- 0.3g Fat
- 0.2g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 20g Protein
Shrimp is another seafood that's low in calories, carbs, and fat. It's also super high in protein, so it's really satiating as well.
I've honestly been eating shrimp - coated in a bit of Old Bay - every single night for dinner, and it's been one of my keys to losing weight recently. It's just such a quick, easy, and convenient meal I can whip up in no time.
22. Oranges
Nutritional info for 1 cup (180g) of oranges:
- 85 Calories
- 0.2g Fat
- 21g Carbs
- 17g Sugar
- 4.3g Fiber
- 1.7g Protein
Oranges are the highest-ranking fruit on the satiety index, which means they can stave off hunger for longer periods of time after eating them than any other fruit can. They're also high in vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and staving off infections.
23. Popcorn
Nutritional info for 3 Cups (24g) of popcorn:
- 90 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 18g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 3g Fiber
- 3g Protein
This movie theater favorite can be a really low calorie snack, as long as you aren't tossing it in huge amounts of butter. In fact, three heaping cups of popcorn with no oil has less than 100 calories!
I love eating popcorn when I want something to pick at, especially if I'm watching a TV show or movie. Also, this may sound weird, but when I'm craving something sweet and salty, I love dipping it into some PB2. Ever since I've been a kid, I've loved doing this.
24. Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Nutritional info for 1 Cup (226g) of 1% milk cottage cheese:
- 90 Calories
- 1 Fat
- 4g Carbs
- 4g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 16g Protein
Similar to yogurt, cottage cheese is a versatile and delicious dairy snack that is super high in protein and also low in calories. Plus, since it's so low in calories, you can eat it with fruit, nuts, or just a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey and easily stay within your calorie goal for the day.
25. Pink Salmon
Nutritional info for 4 oz. (113) pink salmon fillet:
- 131 Calories
- 2.5g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 19g Protein
Salmon is high in protein and rich in omega 3-fatty acids - which have been shown to prevent heart disease and reduce your risk of stroke.
Also, for what it's worth, it's without a doubt one of my favorite kinds of fish to eat. Honestly, I could eat it every night.
A few of my favorite recipes to make with it are:
You really can't miss with any of those recipes. They're all a home run every time I make them for the fam.
26. Brown Rice
Nutritional info for ½ Cup (97) cooked brown rice:
- 108 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 22g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 2g Fiber
- 3g Protein
While white rice is relatively low in calories, brown rice is the better choice when it comes to health benefits - as it's rich in magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins.
Besides being lower calorie, brown rice also has a higher fiber content, and it digests slower, keeping you fuller for longer.
27. Skinless Chicken Breasts
Nutritional info for 3 oz. (85g) of chicken breast:
- 110 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 24g Protein
Chicken breast is by far my favorite lean-protein source. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, but my all-time favorite way to cook chicken breasts is in the air fryer. It's just so flavorful and takes less than 10 minutes to make, so it's a real life-saver on busy days.
28. Potatoes
Nutritional info for 1 small potato (80g):
- 110 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 26 Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 3g Fiber
- 3g Protein
Potatoes are not only low in calories, but they're also the most satiating food you can eat. That means they'll keep you fuller longer than any other food out there.
Potatoes also happen to be high in potassium, choline, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, so they don't just taste good, they're also good for you.
29. Quinoa
Nutritional info for ½ cup (93) cooked quinoa:
- 111 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 20g Carbs
- 1g Sugar
- 3g Fiber
- 4g Protein
Quinoa's fluffy texture and mildly nutty flavor make it a popular alternative to other grains. Additionally, quinoa has a lower glycemic index than brown and white rice, making it a great grain to go with if you're trying to stabilize your blood sugar at meals.
30. Sweet Potato
Nutritional info for 1 (151g) cooked sweet potato:
- 115 Calories
- 0.2g Fat
- 27g Carbs
- 9g Sugar
- 3.8g Fiber
- 2.1g Protein
Sweet potatoes - like regular potatoes - are another one of the best low calorie vegetables you can eat. Plus, just like their white counterparts, they are extremely satiating. I know for me anyway that whenever I eat a sweet potato, I'm usually full for hours afterward.
These air fryer sweet potato fries are one of my go-to recipes to make with them. They go great with just about anything and everything.
31. Lentils
Nutritional info for 1 Cup (198g) of cooked lentils:
- 115 Calories
- 0.4g Fat
- 20g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 7g Fiber
- 9g Protein
Lentils and other legumes, such as beans and peas, are excellent sources of plant-based protein and soluble fiber. Lentils are definitely my favorite legume, and I love adding them to some of the bone broth that I mentioned earlier.
32. Chia Seeds
Nutritional info for 2 tablespoons (24g) of chia seeds:
- 116 Calories
- 7.4g Fat
- 10.2g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 8.2g Fiber
- 4g Protein
Chia seeds are an amazing source of fat and fiber, and they're also pretty high in protein too. Speaking of protein, if you want to make yourself a high protein breakfast with chia seeds, you can make these protein overnight oats! They're so, so good.
33. Skinless Turkey Breasts
Nutritional info for 3 oz. (85) of turkey breast:
- 125 Calories
- 1.8g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 25.6g Protein
Turkey breasts are another excellent choice as far as low calorie meat options go. Not only are turkey breasts low in fat and calories, but they're also packed with protein. So, if you're trying to build/maintain muscle mass, turkey is a great option to go with.
34. Lean Red Meat
Nutritional info for 3 oz. (83g) of eye of round steak:
- 130 Calories
- 3g Fat
- 0g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Fiber
- 25g Protein
If you want to eat red meat while following a low calorie diet, go for lean cuts like eye of round or sirloin steak. These cuts have fewer calories since they're lower in fat and they're also super high in protein too. By the way, if you want to eat ground beef, I recommend picking up the 90/10 kind at a minimum. The higher fat blends of ground beef are loaded with calories.
For more low calorie options, check out my list of low calorie meats.
35. Oats
Nutritional info for 1 cup (234g) of oatmeal:
- 150 Calories
- 3g Fat
- 27.g Carbs
- 0g Sugar
- 4g Fiber
- 5g Protein
Finishing off this list of low calorie foods is heart-healthy oats.
Oats make a super filling, delicious, and easy-to-prepare breakfast option. Also, what's nice about them is that you can mix 'em with water or any low calorie milk you have on hand and they're good to go.
Plus, another thing to love about oatmeal is that it's jam-packed with fiber - so it'll keep you full for hours after you eat it.
My Final Thoughts On This Low Calorie Foods List
Well, those are all the best low calorie foods you can eat!
As you've probably noticed, along with having fewer calories, these whole foods are also packed with nutritional benefits. So, no matter what your diet goals are, these nutritious foods are all great options!
Anyway, I hope you find this list helpful.
As always, if you have any low calorie food suggestions that weren't on the list, leave a comment below and let me know what I missed.
More Low Calorie Food Lists
If you liked this low calorie foods list, you should check out my other low calorie guides on the blog. I have a good feeling you'll enjoy them, too!
Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Low calorie fast food breakfast
- Low calorie fruits
- Low calorie chips
- Low calorie ice cream
- Low calorie snacks
- Low calorie yogurt
- Low calorie cocktails
By the way, if you're looking for some easy and delicious low calorie recipes you can make at home, make sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. I post new recipes on 'em all of the time!
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