Low-Calorie Fruits for Dieting: Which Are the Fruits with Least Calories and Sugar?
Cordelia Tan, is a passionate advocate for women's health and well-being. Known as Fasty's number one fan, she expertly blends Eastern and Western health practices, offering a holistic approach to diet and wellness. Her work focuses on empowering women with knowledge and practical strategies for a healthier life.
There is no such thing as fruits with no calories, but many are low in both calories and sugar. Although calories and sugars often have a negative reputation, believe it or not, they are necessary for proper body function. Selecting the right fruits that align with your specific dietary needs and weight management goals could be the key element missing from your weight loss strategy.
Keep reading to find out which fruits have the least calories and sugar, and how they can boost your health and results. Learn how Fastic can help you enjoy your favorite fruits while staying on track with your diet’s guidelines.
Calories and Sugar in Fruits
Calories and sugar are vital for the body to perform essential physiological processes. The amount of food you ingest plays a major role in how effectively you reach your goals, whether balancing blood sugar levels, losing weight, or simply seeking healthier eating habits.
Role of calories in the body
The calories we obtain from food play a critical role in our bodies by providing energy for vital bodily functions, including breathing, maintaining body temperature, circulation, and cell reproduction. Their role extends from basic metabolic processes to voluntary activities, such as physical activities, where energy from calories is used to power muscle contractions and sustain movement.
Role of sugar in the body
Sugar, particularly in the form of glucose, serves as a primary source of energy for the body. Glucose is a critical component for proper brain and muscle functioning. Sugar helps fuel fundamental cellular, physical, and mental activity.
18 Fruits with the Least Calories and Their Sugar Content
Here are 18 fruits with the least calories you can incorporate into your diet.Â
Fruit | Serving Size | Calories | Sugars (grams) |
Blueberries | 1 blueberry (1.4g) | 0.8 | 0.1 |
Raspberries | 1 raspberry (2g) | 1 | 0.1 |
Blackberries | 1 blackberry (6.5g) | 2.8 | 0.3 |
Grapes | 1 grape (4.9g) | 3.4 | 0.8 |
Cherry | 1 cherry (8.2g) | 5.2 | 1.1 |
Strawberries | 1 large strawberry (18g) | 5.8 | 0.9 |
Apricots | 1 fruit (35g) | 17 | 3.2 |
Tomatoes | 1 medium whole tomato (123g) | 22 | 3.2 |
Plums | 1 fruit (66g) | 30 | 6.5 |
Red Bell Pepper | 1 pepper (114g) | 32 | 5.0 |
Clementine | 1 fruit (74g) | 35 | 6.8 |
Melon | 1 cup (177g) | 60 | 14 |
Papaya | 1 cup (145g) | 62 | 11.0 |
Peach | 1 fruit (175g) | 68 | 15 |
Oranges | 1 fruit (140g) | 69 | 12.0 |
Pineapple | 1 cup (166g) | 82 | 16.2 |
Apple | 1 medium size (182g) | 95 | 19 |
Pear | 1 medium size (178g) | 101 | 17 |
Choosing the Right Low-Calorie Fruits for Your Particular Diet
Which fruits go better with your preferred diet? Let’s look at the different types of diets and understand why some fruits are better for some diets than others.
Low-Fat Diets
In low-fat diets, fruits play a vital role in providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in fat. Fruits like oranges, apples, and melons are nutrient-rich and can be enjoyed as healthy snacks throughout the day.
Low-Carb DietsÂ
The ketogenic diet, for example — requires fruits low in sugar and carbohydrates. The go-to fruits for this diet are strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries due to their high fiber and relatively low carbohydrate content, compared to other fruits.
High-Protein Diets
Fruits are not naturally high in protein but are ideal for complementing a high-protein diet by offering plenty of necessary vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits rich in fiber and nutrients, such as berries, apples, and pears, aid in digestive health when combined with high-protein foods.
Low-Sugar DietsÂ
While undergoing diabetic-friendly, or low-sugar diets, choosing fruits with a low glycemic index is paramount to avoid elevating blood sugar levels. Excellent low-glycemic fruits to incorporate into your meals are cherries, apricots, and apples. These fruits help maintain balanced blood sugar levels due to their slower digestion and absorption.Â
Are you looking to take your healthy eating to the next level?Â
Intermittent fasting can be a great choice to boost the effects a well-balanced diet can offer to your health and body. While other dieting methods focus on specific food restrictions and calorie counting to attain results, intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat, not what you eat. Discover how the Fastic app can help you combine the ideal fasting method with your diet to enhance your health and body.
Why Opt for Fruits Low in Calories?
Aside from making you feel good physically, consuming fruits on a daily basis can positively impact your mood, mental clarity, and overall emotional well-being. There are many more positive reasons to incorporate low-calorie fruits into your everyday routine.
Health benefits during weight lossÂ
One of the main benefits of consuming low-calorie fruits is their ability to support weight loss. Foods with high fiber content and water help you feel full for longer and prevent overeating.
Provide essential nutrients for proper bodily functionÂ
Fruits in general provide essential nutrients that are critical for optimal health. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. These nutrients also enhance immune function, improve skin health, and help reduce inflammation.
Balanced diet without compromising satisfaction
Low-calorie fruits offer diverse flavors that make your meals more attractive and savory. In addition, they have a natural sweetness that can help tackle sugar cravings. Whether they are part of your meal, a dessert, or a midday snack, they are always welcome.Â
Substitute for high-calorie snacks
Fruits are a fantastic substitute for high-calorie snacks like cookies, chips, or candy. You can enjoy your favorite fruits in satisfying portions without worrying about excess calories. Understanding the calorie content of the fruits you eat helps manage calorie intake more effectively, whether trying to lose weight or aiming for a healthier diet.Â
Impact of portion sizes
Consuming large portions, even if it's fruits, can lead to an excess of calories. Don’t be fooled by the belief that, because it is fruit, it won’t negatively impact your body. Proper portion control through a balanced diet promotes sustainable weight loss, without the risk of overeating.
Incorporating Low-Calorie Fruits into Your Diet
Integrating fruits with the least calories and sugar into your diet encourages you to be adventurous and explore new fruits in creative ways — even the unusual ones. A diverse fruit intake provides your body with a wide range of nutrients, guaranteeing you obtain a variety of health benefits from different fruits.
Besides eating sliced or whole fruits as snacks, there are additional delicious ways to enjoy them, including:
Fruit-infused water: Create refreshing and unique drinks every time and add some mint for extra flavor.
Smoothies: Experiment with different fruit combinations and add your favorite nuts and grains.
Acai bowls: Customize your ideal acai bowl with a world of toppings, such as fruits, seeds, and nuts.
Take Healthy Eating a Step Further
Experiment with different fruits to determine which works best with your preferences and overall objectives. Want to take your health to the next level? Give intermittent fasting a try and combine it with your diet to boost its health benefits. Take the Fastic quiz to explore what intermittent fasting plan aligns best with your unique eating habits and health goals.
Disclaimer: It is advised to speak with a health professional before beginning intermittent fasting or a diet program. There may be side effects for people with certain medical conditions.
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