25 Low-Calorie Foods That Are Super Filling And Tasty

Consuming fewer calories than you expend is the basic weight-loss rule that everyone knows. But the kind of food you eat to achieve a calorie deficit matters too. Low-calorie foods that keep you full can prevent mindless snacking and help you reach your goals.

“By having low-calorie foods that still contain the nutrients to provide energy and fullness, this can help people lose or maintain weight,” says Emily Morgan, RDN, CDN, a NYC-based nutritionist. For people who like to eat bigger portions at meals, low-calorie foods allow them to do that without causing them to gain weight.

What are the best low-calorie foods to have? The most filling foods contain a mix of protein, fiber, and fat, according to Morgan. These foods are high in nutrients and will keep you satiated and energized throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about that mid-day crash.

But portion control still matters, FYI. While some prefer to calculate their calories down to a tee, Jacqui Brockman, RD, CDN, points out that it’s not really necessary. “Everyone requires a different amount of calories to support their body’s energy needs. Measuring portion sizes isn’t necessary, but it’s helpful to pay attention to your hunger level before your meals and your fullness level during and after your meals,” she explains. “Being mindful of these two distinct feelings is important in order to help determine how much food you need during meal time.”

Next time you go grocery shopping, add these 25 best low-calorie foods chosen by nutritionists to your list of things to buy. They can help you get closer to your goals and make your taste buds happy.

Meet the experts: Emily Morgan, RDN, CDN, is a clinical dietitian with Stanford Health Care. She also runs her private practice serving clients across the world.

Jacqui Brockman, RD, CDN, is a nutritionist with 15 years of experience. She is the dietitian for Goldman Sachs and Downstate Medical Center’s STAR Health Center.

Lauren Minchen, MPH, RDN, CDN, has been working in the nutrition field for more than seven years. She aims to help her clients seek a balanced, sustainable lifestyle with healthy food.