calorie counter

Generally, unnecessary calories are converted in the body to fat. However, if calorie intake is limited for the sake of reducing weight, insufficient vitamin and mineral intake may lead to malnutrition. Dieticians recommend in every case that nutrient-dense food such as fruit and vegetables be substituted for empty-calorie food.

Example of foods containing mostly empty calories:

• Candy, Soft drinks, beverages with a low juice component, and other foods containing Sugar
• White bread and other products of white flour
• White rice
• Margarine or shortening
• Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages
• Butter, lard, and other highly-saturated fats.
• High fat foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, potato chips, and French fries

References

• Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Retrieved on 2006-05-09.
• Nutrient-dense food vs. empty-calorie food. Calorie Counter. Retrieved on 2006-05-09.