Final answer:
Calories from foods that offer few nutrients are known as empty calories. These include sugary drinks and junk food, which provide energy but few nutrients. Nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables provide necessary vitamins and minerals, and recognizing these helps in making healthier food choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calories that come from foods offering few, if any, nutrients are often referred to as empty calories. These are calories that provide energy but lack the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly and stay healthy. Foods high in empty calories typically include sugary drinks, candies, and junk food like chips or fast food. On the contrary, nutrient-dense foods provide a high amount of nutrients compared to their calorie content.
Nutrient density and energy density are important concepts when making healthier food choices. Foods with high nutrient density, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, are more beneficial than those with high energy density but low nutrient content because they support overall health without excessive calorie consumption. Recognizing and choosing more nutrient-dense options can help manage weight and provide essential nutrients to your diet.
It is also important to understand discretionary calories, which are the remaining calories in your daily allowance after meeting nutrient needs with nutrient-dense foods. These can be spent on additional nutrient-dense items or on foods and beverages that are higher in fats and sugars, guiding individuals towards a balanced diet.