It might take some willpower to chew into this fibrous food, but doing so on a regular basis is sure to help you improve your health. It’s a well-known health food, but don’t let the rumors draw you in: no, celery is not a negative-calorie food. No food is negative calories, that’s not how bodies or thermodynamics work.
However, this leafy veggie is quite low in calories and high in fiber, which means it’s a great snack if you want to get to dinner without going over your calorie budget. Throw it into soups, salads, and even smoothies, but lighten the peanut butter.
Keeps Vampires Away, Too
Experienced chefs already know the wonders of adding a touch of garlic to their dishes, but did you know this low-cal food is packed full of nutrients? It has tons of vitamin B6 (great for brain and liver function, body growth, blood cells, and plenty more) and our old friend vitamin C. It also gives you calcium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese.
With enough garlic, you'll not only get these important things, but you may see your skin starting to look better and your immune system working better. Too much may make you turn up your nose, but a dash is usually just right.
Ewe Won't Believe Your Eyes
Looking for meat that's packed full of nutrients, but you're tired of chicken and turkey? Head down to the butcher to pick up some lamb, which is a rich source of high-quality protein and a large number of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 (good for the body's nerves and blood cells, as well as DNA).
Lamb also provides phosphorus, which is essential to the body's growth and maintenance. If you want to keep your metabolism going strong, this meat should make its way to your plate. Just watch those portions – too much, and your metabolism won't be able to keep up.
Ch-ch-ch Chew
You've probably played around with these little guys by growing some interesting hairstyles, but did you know they're packed full of nutrients? Even better, they're incredibly low in calories.
One serving (about 28 grams) of chia seeds includes 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, eighteen percent of your calcium, thirty percent of your manganese, thirty percent of your magnesium, twenty-seven percent of your phosphorus, as well as amounts of zinc, vitamin B3, potassium, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. We shouldn't have to say it twice — if you're trying to improve your metabolism: eat chia seeds.
Cukes Are Cool Under Pressure
Need to hydrate more while getting all the nutrients your body needs? The cucumber would like to introduce itself. You're probably familiar with this low-cal veggie, but did you know that its high content of water is a great way to make sure your body gets the H2O it needs during the day?
Cucumbers also offer alkaline minerals — a healthy way of maintaining your body's natural pH balance. Cut up a cucumber for a quick snack, put them on your next salad for extra crunch, or put them in water to make a cool, refreshing treat.