What for those who may eat extra meals and nonetheless shed extra pounds? That’s the idea of a “volumetrics” eating regimen, which focuses on consuming increased portions of very low-calorie, nutrient-dense meals. While you select objects with fewer energy, you’re capable of eat extra with out overshooting your day by day consumption objectives.

“Excessive-volume, low-calorie meals are an awesome alternative for weight reduction as a result of we eat with our eyes first, and enormous portion sizes usually sign satisfaction,” says Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN. “These meals are usually excessive in water content material and fiber, which might improve satiety with out including extreme energy.” It’s no marvel, then, {that a} volumetrics-based consuming plan is available in at No. 3 on U.S. Information and World Report’s 2025 rating of greatest weight-loss diets.

If you happen to’re seeking to refill on meals you possibly can get pleasure from in increased portions and nonetheless attain your weight-loss objectives, try this record of seven dietitian-approved picks.

1. Cucumbers

There’s lengthy been a rumor that cucumbers are a “unfavorable calorie” meals, which means they comprise much less vitality than it takes to your physique to digest them. Whereas scientific proof doesn’t essentially assist this concept, cucumbers are nonetheless a particularly low-cal meals at simply 15 energy per cup.,  

Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, recommends cucumbers as a snack you possibly can crunch on all through the day. “Slice into sticks, sprinkle with every thing bagel seasoning, and pair with hummus or Greek yogurt dip,” she suggests. “You possibly can even use cucumber slices as an alternative of bread for bruschetta.”

2. Strawberries

Need a candy meals that packs loads of well being advantages however not quite a lot of energy? Load up on strawberries. Moreover containing a mere 49 energy per cup, they’re full of water, fiber and vitamin C, shares Hardy. They’ve even been related to diminished irritation, improved insulin resistance and decrease ldl cholesterol., ,

“Strawberries are a scrumptious, low-calorie, high-volume meals,” says Hardy. “Attempt them sliced on a salad or grain bowl, chopped on in a single day oats or rolled in 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon sugar and frozen.”

3. Air-Popped Popcorn

Slathered-in-butter movie-theater popcorn will not be the best choice for low-calorie snacking, however an air-popped selection is an excellent choice. At simply 31 energy per cup, it’s a crowd-pleaser you possibly can be ok with munching on film evening.

“Three cups of salted air-popped popcorn clocks in at below 100 energy and gives a satisfying, high-fiber, whole-grain crunch,” says Hardy. (Yep, popcorn is a complete grain!) Want somewhat one thing for taste apart from salt? “Spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs or dietary yeast for a savory snack,” suggests Hardy.

4. Mushrooms

“Whether or not sliced, entire or as a big portabello cap, mushrooms are low in energy and full of B nutritional vitamins and phytonutrients like beta-glucan that may assist scale back irritation,” says Enright. White mushrooms, for instance, are one of many lowest-calorie meals round, with simply 15 energy per cup (uncooked).

Fungi are additionally über versatile—there’s no finish to the meals you may make with them. “Use portabellos as a bun or mini pizza base or dip uncooked mushrooms into hummus or bean dip for a fiber- and nutrient-rich snack,” suggests Enright.

5. Grapefruit

There’s no have to throw again to the ’80s and go on a grapefruit eating regimen. (The truth is, to your well being, we strongly advise in opposition to it.) Nonetheless, Enright says there’s a purpose the citrus fruit is such a constant fan favourite for weight reduction. She factors to a cup of grapefruit’s minimal calorie depend (69 energy), excessive water (92%) and filling fiber (2.5 grams).  

“Pair half a grapefruit with a protein like cottage cheese or a hard-boiled egg, and high with chia or hemp seeds for a balanced breakfast or snack,” suggests Enright. Or make a tangy salad with grapefruit, beets and greens.

6. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens aren’t simply garnish. They’re a veritable superfood, including coloration and diet to all kinds of dishes. “Select darkish leafy greens like spinach, arugula, kale or bok choy for a wide range of vitamins together with nutritional vitamins A, C, Ok, folate and iron,” recommends Enright.

A 1-cup serving of kale, for instance, gives 68% of the Each day Worth of vitamin Ok and 20% of the Each day Worth of vitamin C—at simply 7 energy in addition. “You possibly can pile your plate excessive for only a few energy,” says Enright. “Take pleasure in [leafy greens] uncooked as a salad base, dehydrated (like kale chips), or sautéed as a easy aspect.”

7. Broccoli

Even for those who dish up a complete forest of those mini bushes, you gained’t overdo it on energy. Per cup (uncooked), broccoli has simply 31 energy. Broccoli additionally packs fiber and accommodates plant compounds which were linked to decrease irritation and diminished threat of sure cancers.

There’s no scarcity of the way you possibly can get pleasure from broccoli. “You possibly can steam, roast, air-fry, shred or rice it, then toss into stir-fries, slaws or quesadillas,” says Hardy. Attempt these 20 broccoli recipes you’ll want to make forever.

Our Professional Take

Placing extra meals in your plate doesn’t must imply placing on weight. Nutrient-dense meals which can be decrease in energy can can help you get pleasure from bigger parts, at the same time as you slim down. Simply needless to say you’ll doubtless want so as to add different meals to maintain your diet balanced. “Many high-volume, low-cal meals are additionally low in protein,” Enright factors out. “To create extra balanced and satisfying meals, pair them with lean proteins from crops (like beans or tofu) or animals (like rooster, eggs or low-fat dairy).”