SECRET NEGATIVE-CALORIE FOODS

In an effort to maximize weight loss, many people have sought to find negative-calorie foods, which supposedly either have zero calories or have a caloric content lower than the energy it takes for your body to digest them. In theory, by consuming negative-calorie foods, you will lose weight because all the calories are burned, and there is no potential for your body to store any of the calories as fat.

NEGATIVE-CALORIE MYTH

Although the notion of negative-calorie foods seems plausible and promising for dieters, "Time" magazine says negative-calorie foods do not actually exist. Dr. Nancy Snyderman, chief medical editor for NBC News, says negative-calorie foods are one of the most prominent myths in dieting. Supposed negative-calorie foods such as celery that can take effort to chew and digest do not actually burn calories. Student Health Services at West Virginia University confirms this myth and says the closest thing to negative-calorie foods is some beverages with caffeine, such as green tea or diet soda, which can temporarily speed up your metabolism.

SUBSTITUTION IS KEYLOW-CALORIE VALUE

Although they do not actively burn fat off your body, supposed negative-calorie foods are actually just low-calorie foods, which can be good substitutions for high-calorie foods when dieting, according to the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, which recommends blueberries, grapefruit, egg whites, canned tuna, bok choy, spinach and lentils. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. Supposed negative-calorie foods that are not as high in nutrients, such as pickles and celery, also can benefit your weight-loss efforts because they contain high amounts of water, which can help satisfy your appetite and keep you full.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, explains that the key to weight loss is substitution. More specifically, substituting or replacing low-calorie foods for high-calorie foods is the key to healthy, sustainable weight loss. Consider substituting a low-calorie protein sources, such as tuna, for a high-calorie protein source, such as red meat. Replace high-calorie snacking foods such as pizza or potato chips with fruits or vegetables. Missing meals or not eating is actually counterproductive. While you might lose weight by not eating, not eating enough calories or not eating often enough will slow down your metabolism.

DIETING STRATEGIES

Although there is no "best" food to eat to promote weight loss, foods low in saturated fat and sugar are the best to eat. The Harvard School of Public Health encourages you to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats. Water and other healthy beverages such as tea and coffee without added sweeteners or cream are useful for weight loss. Low-fat and nonfat dairy and soy products can help too. Diet soda in moderation is an acceptable replacement for regular soda. Sustainable weight loss can often require long-term dietary and weight loss changes. Please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for additional help in losing weight.