23 Low calorie Nigerian Foods (The Ultimate List)

Interested in low calorie Nigerian foods?

Rejoice!

Because I have assembled a list of 23 of the lowest calorie foods you can find in Nigeria.

These foods contain almost zero calories. Without further ado, here are...

23 Low Calorie Nigerian Foods 

In no specific order or category, here are the low calorie foods you can find in Nigeria:

1. Paw Paw (Papaya)

You'll agree with me that paw paw is just too sweet. And you'll be glad to hear that they are quite low in calories too.

And to top it up, papaya is also a rich source of key nutrients like vitamin A  and potassium.

One delicious cup of paw paw (140 grams) has only 55 calories [1].

2. Ewedu (Jute Leave)

Jute leave is a popular vegetable in the western Nigerian. It is used in making Ewedu soap. Ewedu is very low in calories.

100g contains only about 37 calories. 

3. Cabbage

Cabbage is quite low in calories, healthy and delicious. It is one of the most common ingredients used in making slaws and salads. 

A cup of cabbage (89 grams) contains only 22 calories [2].

4. Cucumbers

Cucumber is another nutritious vegetable that is super low in calories.

100grams of cucumber contains just 15 calories.

5. Carrot

Carrots are not only low in calories, but they taste good. Consuming carrot is said to help with good eyesight because they are rich in beta-carotene (which can be converted to vitamin A)

A cup of carrot ( 128 grams) contains only 53 calories and over 400% f the amount of vitamin A an average person needs daily [4].

6. Garlic

Garlic is another low-calorie vegetable that is well known for its strong smell, taste and medicinal properties. 

One clove of garlic (3 grams)  has only 5 calories [5].

7. Onions

Onions need no introduction. They are highly popular vegetable used in all kinds of cooking. And they happen to be  low in calories too. 

A medium-sized onion (110 grams) has about 44 calories [6]

8. Peppers

Peppers come in a variety of  colours, shapes and sizes. Although they might all look different, however, they all happen to contain few calories.

For example...

A cup of  chopped bell pepper (149 grams) contains only about 46 calories [7]

9. Okra

Okra is a widely popular vegetable in Nigeria. It is mostly consumed in the form of okra soup. The good news is that okra contains very little calories. 

100g of okra has a measly 33 calories 

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most, if not the most consumed vegetable in the world. They are used raw, cooked or pureed.

You'll be glad to hear that One cup  of cherry tomatoes (149 grams) has only 27 calories [8].

11. Lettuce

Lettuce is another low-calorie, high fibre vegetable. They are mostly used in making vegetable salads and sandwiches. 

It will surprise you to hear that one leaf  of romaine lettuce (6 grams) has just 1 measly calorie [9]. 

Yes! Just O-N-E!

12. Mushrooms

Mushroom is an edible fungus that is packed full of important body nutrients. And they also contribute little calories.

A cup of mushrooms (70 grams) contains only 15 calories [10].

13. Cauliflower

Cauliflower in recent years has started gaining popularity. Especially among the "Low-carb" fit-fams.

Because Cauliflower happens to be lower in carbs (compared to other grains & vegetables) and low in calories as well.

One cup of cauliflower (100 grams) has 25 calories and only 5 grams of carbs [11].

14. Celery

Celery is one of the lowest-calorie food on this list.

Celery is mostly made of water and insoluble fibre (both of which has 0 calories). That's why it's so low in calories.

Check this out:

 A cup of chopped celery (110 grams) has only 18 calories. 

15. Broccoli

If you take a trip to most farmers market in Nigeria, you find broccoli everywhere. And for good reason.

You see, broccoli is considered to be one of the most nutritious veggies on the planet. And it's low in calories, if I may add.

One cup  of broccoli (91 grams) contains just 31 calories and over 100% of the amount of vitamin C an average person needs daily [12].

16. Apples

Apples need no formal introduction. Apples are low in calories but loaded with dietary fibres.

One cup of apple slices (125 grams) contains about 57 calories and almost 3 grams of dietary fibre [13].

17. Strawberries

Strawberries are low-calorie delicious and nutritious fruits, that provides the body with many health benefits.

A cup of strawberries (152 grams) contains  50 calories or less [14].

18. Watermelon

As its name suggests, watermelon is a fruit that contains plenty of water. So it is only natural for it  to be low in calories.

It interesting to note that watermelon contains almost every nutrient and a high dose of vitamin C. 

There are 46 calories in one cup (152 grams) of diced watermelon [15]

19. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is not just a nutritious low-calorie fruit, but it also contains a particular compound that can help boost your metabolism [16].

There are 52 calories in half a grapefruit (123 grams) [17].

18. Lemons And Limes

Limes and lemons are versatile fruits that are also low in calories 

30 grams of lemon or lime juice has only 8 calories [18, 19].

19. Herbs And Spices

Herbs and spices are extremely low in calories.

Most herbs and spices have less than 5 calories per teaspoon [20].

Related reading >> Herbs & Spices for weight loss

20. Coffee And Herbal Teas

Coffee and some teas are very low in calories, especially when you don’t add anything to them.

Most herbal teas have negligible to very few calories, while  a cup of black coffee (237 grams) has only 2 calories [21].

Choosing black coffee or herbal tea over beverages with added sugar, cream or juice can significantly reduce your daily calorie intake.

21. Water

Well, this list will not be complete without adding water. Water is the grandfather of low calories foods. 

Plain water contains Zero (0!) calories. 

Summary

Conclusion

As you might have noticed, most of the lowest calories foods are fruits and veggies (especially).

That's exactly why you always hear the ever-popular advice to eat fruit and vegetables when you're trying to lose weight.  Because they are low in calories and rich in filling fibre.

So in essence, consuming the foods listed above will supply you plenty of nutrients for a minimal amount of calories.