If you’re curious about which low-calorie foods to include in your diet, certified nutritionist and nutrigenomic advisor Disha Sethi shared her top picks of 5 foods with less than 50 calories on Instagram.

In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the role of a balanced and nutritious diet cannot be overstated. For those aiming to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight, incorporating low-calorie foods into your daily meals is a smart and sustainable approach.

However, if you’re wondering which are the low-calorie foods you must include in your diet, certified nutritionist and nutrigenomic advisor Disha Sethi took to Instagram to share 5 foods with less than 50 calories. “Explore my top picks of tasty treasures under 50 calories — a feast for flavour without the calorie overload,” she wrote in the caption.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutrient-rich food, offering essential B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and biotin, along with minerals such as selenium, copper, and potassium, Pooja Shinde, lead nutritionist at Elevate Now, said. “They support the immune system, aid digestion, and contribute to weight management due to their low-calorie and high-fibre content. With their abundance of antioxidants, mushrooms provide various health benefits.”

Shinde advises incorporating them into omelettes, salads, or as a side dish, aiming for at least one cup of cooked mushrooms several times per week for optimal nutrition.

Strawberries

Strawberries offer a wealth of health benefits, providing essential micronutrients like vitamin C, manganese, and fibre. “Their significant polyphenol content supports heart health, aiding in regulating blood sugar levels, and the antioxidants present may have potential cancer-fighting properties,” said Deepti Khatuja, chief clinical nutritionist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

Shinde explained that enjoying strawberries at different times of the day can be beneficial. “They make excellent additions to breakfast, whether in smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal and serve as a nutritious, low-calorie snack. Furthermore, they can serve as a healthier dessert option, complementing a well-balanced diet.”

Blueberries

Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants and anthocyanins that contribute to heart health, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential disease prevention. “Their rich content of vitamin C, fibre, and manganese supports overall well-being. Blueberries have been associated with improved cognitive function, blood sugar regulation, and vision health,” said Khatuja.

While not a cure, Shinde pointed out that regular consumption as part of a balanced diet may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and age-related cognitive decline. They also promote gut health, aid in weight management, and contribute to healthier skin.

Cucumber

Cucumbers offer a multitude of health benefits, including hydration, weight management, and support for skin health through antioxidants and silica. “Abundant in vitamin K for bone health and potassium for heart health, cucumbers’ fibre aids digestion and potential blood sugar regulation. With low calories and a refreshing quality, they are a versatile addition to meals and snacks,” said Khatuja.

Consuming at least one cup of sliced cucumbers daily maximises their nutritional advantages. “Their low-calorie and hydrating properties make them suitable for individuals managing diabetes or seeking weight loss,” Shinde pointed out.

Peppers

Peppers stand out as a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an abundance of micronutrients such as vitamins C, A, and B6. “The substantial vitamin C content contributes to immune function and skin health, while vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision and overall immune function,” said Shinde.

Furthermore, red peppers offer fibre, promoting digestive health, and capsaicin, a compound potentially linked to metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.

Shinde recommends using these peppers to add vibrancy to your breakfast, salads, or crunchy snacks. “Roasting them for lunch or dinner enhances their flavour. Integrating red peppers into meals provides a delicious way to harness their valuable nutrients.”