How Many Calories Are In Steamed Green Beans? A Closer Look at This Low-Cal Veggie

Green beans are a classic vegetable choice prized for their crisp fresh flavor. When watching your calorie intake, steamed green beans make an excellent low-calorie addition to your plate. But just how many calories are in steamed green beans? Let’s take a closer look.

Calorie Count of Steamed Green Beans

A 1-cup serving of steamed green beans contains approximately:

• 61 calories

With only 61 calories per serving, steamed green beans are one of the lowest calorie vegetable options.

This calorie count is based on green beans steamed without any added fats or oils. Steaming is one of the healthiest preparation methods for preserving nutrients while keeping calories down.

Macronutrients in Steamed Green Beans

The macronutrient breakdown for steamed green beans is:

• Carbohydrates: 13.5g total carbs, 6g sugar, 7.5g fiber
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0.5g

Carbs make up the greatest share at 46% of the total calories. The majority of these carbs come from naturally occurring sugars and fiber.

Steamed green beans have a minimal amount of fat and moderate protein. Their high fiber content helps promote feelings of fullness.

Nutrient Density and Volume of Steamed Green Beans

In addition to being low calorie, steamed green beans are:

• Nutrient-dense – good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, manganese
• High volume – 1 cup provides substantial portion with few calories

Their water content adds volume and weight without packing in extra calories. This combination makes them highly satiating for a small calorie investment.

Calorie Density of Steamed Green Beans

The calorie density of steamed green beans is approximately:

• 52 calories per 100 grams

This calorie density is quite low, especially for a starchy vegetable. Foods with calorie densities below 100 calories per 100 grams are considered low-calorie.

Compare per 100g:

• Steamed green beans: 52 calories
• Steamed broccoli: 34 calories
• Baked potato: 93 calories

Steamed Green Bean Calories Compared to Other Cooking Methods

Steaming green beans results in the lowest calorie count compared to other cooking methods:

• Steamed: 61 calories per cup
• Boiled: 63 calories per cup
• Roasted: 70 calories per cup
• Sautéed in oil: Around 120+ calories per cup

Avoid cooking methods that add a lot of fat or oil to keep the calorie content down. Stick to steaming, boiling, or roasting green beans with minimal added fat.

Weight Loss Benefits of Steamed Green Beans

With their stellar nutrition profile and low calories, steamed green beans can be a slimming addition to your diet. Benefits include:

• Low energy density promotes fullness on fewer calories
• High satiety keeps hunger at bay between meals
• Fiber aids digestion and stabilizes blood sugar response
• Nutrients support body’s natural fat-burning processes

Substitute steamed beans for higher calorie sides as part of a balanced weight loss plan.

Tips for Serving Steamed Green Beans

Take advantage of the versatility of steamed green beans:

• Toss in salads or grain bowls for extra nutrition
• Mix into pasta, quinoa, or rice dishes
• Serve as a low-calorie side at meals
• Pair with lean proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu
• Garnish with herbs, spices, lemon juice, vinegar for flavor

Get creative with healthy seasonings to enhance their natural taste and keep calories down. Steamed green beans make the perfect slimming substitute for higher calorie sides.

The Takeaway on Steamed Green Bean Calories

When prepared by steaming, green beans clock in at just 61 calories per one cup serving, offering a generous portion size for minimal calories. With their stellar nutrition profile and satiating fiber and volume, steamed green beans are an excellent addition to any weight management or healthy eating plan.