Final answer:
Empty calories are high-calorie foods or beverages that lack essential nutrients. They can contribute to weight gain and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Empty calories refer to foods and beverages that are high in calories but low in nutrients. These calories come from added sugars and solid fats, such as those found in soda, candy, and processed snack foods. Consuming too many empty calories can contribute to weight gain and can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
For example, a can of regular soda can have about 150 calories, but it provides no essential nutrients like vitamins or minerals. On the other hand, a piece of fruit of similar calorie content provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals along with the calories.
To maintain a healthy diet, it is important to limit the intake of empty calories and instead focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that provide a variety of essential nutrients.
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