When it comes to weight loss, one of the biggest obstacles that individuals have to face is their taste buds.

Most individuals find it hard to stick to a calorie-controlled diet, because the foods they are eating aren’t as satisfying as their favorite high-calorie foods. The solution to this problem is to trick your taste buds. You can make your taste buds think that the low-calorie foods you are eating are as indulging as high-calorie junk foods.

Fortunately, there are various low-calorie foods available that both dietitians and professional chefs have found to be delicious and satisfying. This article highlights five such low-calorie foods that will trick your taste buds into believing that you are indulging, when in fact, you are not.

1. Cauliflower Rice

Rice is one of the most-loved foods in the world, and it is a staple in many households. However, one cup of cooked rice has approximately 200 calories. It is tough to say no to rice, especially when you crave Indian or Chinese cuisine.

The solution is cauliflower rice. This delicious vegetable is an incredible low-calorie substitute for rice, and you can make it easily at home. Grate cauliflower into tiny rice-like pieces using a box grater, or pulse in the food processor.

Cauliflower rice has approximately 25 calories for every cup. You can season it similarly to rice or use it for stir-fry dishes.

2. Zucchini Noodles

If you are a fan of Italian pasta dishes, but you’re trying to cut back on calories, try substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles.

Zucchini noodles, also known as ‘zoodles,’ are a fantastic substitute for pasta that would leave you feeling like you have gone to Italy. Zucchini noodles contain only about 25 calories per cup, whereas regular pasta contains around 200 calories per cup. You can prepare zoodles by using a spiralizer, which turns the zucchini into thin noodle-like pieces.

Once they’re spiralized, you can toss them with your favorite sauce or stir-fry them with some veggies for a delicious low-calorie meal to satisfy your cravings.

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has become incredibly popular among the fitness community in the past decade. It is a fantastic source of protein, and it has a creamy texture, similar to sour cream or cream cheese.

Greek yogurt is excellent for satisfying your sweet tooth, as it is extremely versatile and can be prepared in various flavors. Additionally, it is low in calories. A single serving of Greek yogurt, which is about ¾ cup, contains only 100 calories.

You can use it as a substitute for sour cream, in between meals, or use it as a base for smoothies for an excellent addition of protein to your diet.

4. Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is another vegetable that is perfect for satisfying your pasta cravings. Once you have cooked it, you can use a fork to scrape out the noodle-like flesh, which makes a perfect low-calorie pasta base.

Spaghetti squash has a similar texture to regular pasta; however, it is low in calories. Half a cup of cooked spaghetti has about 200 calories, while the same amount of spaghetti squash has only 20 calories.

You can use it for spaghetti pasta dishes, or mix it with some healthy fats, like olive oil or avocado, and enjoy it as a simple side dish.

5. Popcorn

Popcorn is a classic snack that has been around for generations. However, most individuals tend to associate popcorn with movie-theater sizes and butter. That’s not the case.

Popcorn can be an extremely low-calorie treat, perfect for satisfying your cravings for something crunchy. Two cups of air-popped popcorn contain only 60 calories, which is less than most vending machine snacks. For a flavor boost, you can dust it with some Parmesan cheese or some chili powder and make a tastier snack without adding excessive calories.

Conclusion

Tricking your taste buds isn’t hard if you know the right low-calorie substitutes. These five food substitutes are sure to leave your taste buds feeling satisfied without adding excessive calories to your diet.

Try incorporating these foods as a tasty way to eat fewer calories and achieve your weight-loss goals.