Empty Calories

One of the basic principles of healthy eating is that we should make the calories we consume count towards our nutrient requriements. So, what makes calories qualify as empty? The best criteria for judging the value of the calories you are consuming is to ask yourself, does the food supply a variety of vitamins, minerals, high quality protein, good fats and good carbohydrates.

As a rule, empty calories are deficient in nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals. Another way of saying this is that when a food’s caloric value far outweighs its nutrient value, it is not the best choice for a healthy diet.

For more information on the five major nutrients click on the links provided for each nutrient.

Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals

Here is a list of foods that you should consider limiting or eliminating from your diet.

Click here for a printable copy of this list.

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