Food Pyramid Choices
Low in Calories

Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

Fruits Lowest in Calories

Dark Red Sweet Cherries, 35 Calories

Per one-half cup serving they contain about 35 calories. Cherries are a rich food source for Vitamin C which serves to support the immunity system of the body.

When dieting, the body is often malnourished, thus reducing its level of immunity.

Including Vitamin-C rich foods such as cherries and fruits from the Citrus Family can assist in bringing the body back to its healthy balance.

Apples, 50 Calories

One small raw apple contains about 50 calories and provides a morning crunch that may serve to wake you up more effectively than a morning cup of java containing caffeine.

Applies are low in calories and also low in fatty acid content, making it one of nature's purest, most desirable choices. Just ask Eve if in doubt....

Apricots, 17 Calories

You'll need to consume about three medium sized apricots in order to enjoy a serving size. They are tiny, and contain tiny calories - but not all small things are accompanied with small calories.

Like the apple and other fresh, raw and natural fruits, apricots contain only scant notes of lipids.

Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries & Strawberries

The Berry Family is naturally low in calories. Per one-half cup serving blackberries contain about 30 calories and are an excellent source for dietary fiber.

Blueberries are a bit higher in energy values at 40 calories per one-half cup serving.

Raspberries are also an excellent choice for dietary fiber grams, containing 30 calories per one-half cup. Strawberries are lowest in calories at 23 per half cup and about 45 per cup.

Cantaloupe, Casaba Melon, Honeydew Melon, Watermelon, 50 Calories

All melon contains about 50 calories per one cup serving and most are excellent sources for Vitamins A and C.

More Natural Fruits Lowest in Calories

Dates, one Deglet Noor variety contains about 23 calories and is an excellent source for potassium needs.

One fig in its natural state contains about 35 calories.

One kiwi that is of medium size contains 45 calories and is a powerhouse of Vitamin C benefits.

Currants, in their raw state, contain about 30 kcals per one-half cup and are a good source for Vitamin C.

Grapefruit - white, pink and red are naturally low in calories and fat containing about 45 calories per half a fruit.

Natural fruits which contain about 30 calories per one-half cup include: green grapes, peaches, plums, pineapple, and tangerines.

Calories in Grains

Grain Group Calories [Energy Values/Kcals]

When the daily menu involves the Grain Food Group, the situation is much like the movie 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly'. Fact is, some grain choices are much healthier than others. Let's look at examples.

The Good Grains, Also Known as Complex Carbohydrates

These include those grains which are closest to Mother Nature and Father Earth such as wheat, oats, barley, cornmeal and rice.

The Bad Grains, The Middle Ground - But Definitely Not Sacred Ground

These are grains which had went through a refining process, and which contain unhealthy additives and preservatives. An example is a box of ready-made stuffing which is also stuffed with lots of calories.

The Ugly Grains, Also Known as Simple Carbohydrates

These grains are loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives, lots of fat and generally lots of sugar. Examples include pies, cakes, cookies and that morning breakfast pastry.

Grains & Their Caloric Content

Keep in mind that the human body requires from 6 to 11 servings of grains each day, more servings than from any of the other Food Groups in the American Food Pyramid.

Calories in Dairy Foods

Dairy Food Group Calories [Energy Values/Kcals]

If you're trying to lose weight, try switching from the regular dairy food selections to their skinnier peers -  those containing reduced fat content. You can save quite an impressive amount of energy values by doing this.

For example, regular milk contains about 150 calories per cup. Skim milk contains about half the amount of calories.

Dairy Food List, Calories

Weight Loss Tip

Don't cut cheese and milk from your weight loss plan while dieting. Both are considered complete proteins and work to keep you healthy while supporting muscle health.

Vegetables Lowest in Calories

Based on Raw State

Our list of low calorie vegetables below is based on 1/2 cup in their raw, natural state unless we note otherwise. For the vegetables which contain the same amount of calories, we listed them on the same line.

Lowest Calorie Vegetable List

All of the raw vegetables in our list are considered super foods.

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