The negative calorie diet doesn’t mean eating foods that have zero or minus calorific content – such foods don’t exist! However, there are some foods that require almost as much energy to digest as they offer in calories – hence “negative calorie foods”.

Although there is some controversy about whether negative calorie foods actually have a significant effect, there is no doubt that the diet has several benefits, including:

• Eating more fruit and vegetables (experts recommend five portions per day)
• Eating less calories (more likely to lose weight)
• Can increase your metabolism, leading to further weight loss and increased energy
• Doesn’t take as much effort – or cost – as some other supposedly effective diets

It’s important not to only eat negative calorie foods, as many lack high nutritional value. A negative calorie diet is usually at its best when you replace snacks and fatty foods with “negative calorie foods”, such as celery or apples.

Negative calorie foods

The most commonly cited example of a negative calorie food is celery. Made up of mainly water and cellulose, celery is hard to digest and provides only very few calories. However, it does offer some useful vitamins and minerals.

The general rule, therefore, is to look for fibrous fruit and vegetables. Here’s a list of other negative calorie foods (you might notice that sticking to the negative calorie diet promotes the eating of lots of healthy vegetables!):

• Green cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Cucumber
• Celery
• Cress
• Apples
• Fine Beans
• Chilli Peppers
• Cranberries
• Grapefruit
• Orange
• Pineapple
• Onion
• Spinach
• Strawberries

The right negative calorie diet for you

As with any major change to your diet and exercise routine, it’s worth getting professional advice and guidance. We can connect you with expert personal trainers and dieticians in your area. If you prefer, or if you live in a remote part of the country, we can even arrange an online programme.

You need to ensure that with a negative calorie diet you get enough protein, carbohydrate and essential fats – otherwise you could find yourself becoming weak and listless.

Contact us to find out more about our network of personal trainers and to arrange a training program. We also have a range of slimming solutions, health foods and weight loss products that that really work – with up to 60% off the brands you know and trust.