What are EMPTY CALORIES?

You may have heard and read the term "empty calories" before. But what exactly empty calories means??? Why are they so bad for you , and how can you avoid them?

Empty Calories = High Calories but Low Nutrition

Contains Calories: Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat (collectively known as Macro-nutrients)

No Calories: All vitamins & minerals including antioxidants (collectively known as Micro-nutrients) as well as fiber

"Empty Calories" describes foods high in calories but low in nutritional values (also known as junk food!), lacking the health-promoting micro-nutrients.

Examples of food containing mostly empty calories :

1. French fries, fried chicken, chips and all other deep-fried foods
2. Candy, pop and other sweetened packaged foods
3. Beer, wine and all other alcoholic beverages
4. Refined grains such as crackers, cookies, white rice and white bread

How to Avoid Empty Calories?

Avoid deep-fried foods. Instead of deep-frying, use other methods of cooking.  Avoid sweetened drinks and canned drinks. Try whole grains instead of refined grains. Whole grains are packed with beneficial fiber and antioxidants. For instance, have a slice of whole-wheat bread instead of white bread. Have a bowl of whole-grain breakfast cereals or unsweetened oatmeal instead of corn flakes. Snack on fruits! Instead of prowling for a box of crackers in the mid afternoon, snack on fruits. Better yet, dip them in low-fat yogurt to get additional calcium and protein.