In today's food landscape, it's no secret that many items, both food and beverage, are synonymous with "empty calories." This term signifies calories derived from foods lacking essential nutrients, a significant concern in modern dietary practices.

Are you striving for a healthier diet? If so, you've likely encountered the advice to steer clear of empty calories. Understanding this concept is paramount in making informed dietary choices for better health.

When going to the aisles of grocery stores, it becomes evident that numerous packaged foods are laden with empty calories. These items offer minimal nutritional benefits, instead primarily comprising solid fats and added sugars. ((Reedy J, Krebs-Smith SM. "Dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among children and adolescents in the United States." J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Oct;110(10):1477-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2010.07.010. PMID: 20869486; PMCID: PMC3428130.)) Consuming such foods can contribute to weight gain and the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Understanding how to identify and differentiate empty calorie sources is crucial for making mindful and healthy food choices. Recognizing these foods helps individuals improve their nutritional intake.

This article explores the concept of empty calories, explaining what they are and identifying common foods and drinks that contain them. It also offers practical strategies to improve the nutritional value of your diet.

What Are Empty Calories?

Empty calories are found in foods and drinks that mainly provide energy from added sugars or unhealthy fats. These lack vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

These calories provide energy but lack essential nutrients, causing an unbalanced diet and potential health issues.

Consuming empty calorie foods and drinks regularly can contribute to weight gain, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Understanding Empty Calories

Calories serve as units representing the energy potential of food once converted within the body. While our daily intake requires a certain amount of calories, it's vital to recognize that not all foods are created equal. Some foods not only offer calories but also essential nutrients crucial for our health, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, when a food primarily contributes calories with little nutritional value, it's categorized as containing "empty calories." ((Understanding empty calories. (2016, June 16). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-empty-calories.))

Examples of such foods include desserts like cakes, cookies, and donuts, as well as sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice. Certain meats, such as bacon and sausages, also fall into this category. Full-fat products like butter and ice cream, processed oils like soybean and canola, and condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce are common culprits. Fast food items, including burgers and pizza, and even alcohol, are also major sources of empty calories. These foods offer minimal health benefits and lack the essential nutrients needed for optimal well-being.

Foods labeled as "empty calories" often contain more calories than the body needs to maintain a healthy weight. Opting for nutrient-rich alternatives is not only preferable, but also essential in ensuring a balanced and healthful diet.

Research conducted in 2012 revealed that, on average, adult males consumed approximately 923 empty calories daily, while females consumed an average of 624 empty calories each day. ((Snacking Associated with Increased Calories, Decreased Nutrients: USDA ARS. (n.d.). https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2012/snacking-associated-with-increased-calories-decreased-nutrients.))

The allure of empty calories lies in their added fats and sugars, which enhance their taste and can trigger cravings among individuals.

It's essential to note that sugar contains 4 calories per gram, fats contain 9 calories per gram, and pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram.

An earlier study conducted in 2010 revealed that approximately 40% of the total calorie intake among children aged 218 in the United States consisted of empty calories. ((Reedy J, Krebs-Smith SM. "Dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among children and adolescents in the United States." J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Oct;110(10):1477-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2010.07.010. PMID: 20869486; PMCID: PMC3428130.))

Of these empty calorie sources, half were attributed to six main product types, namely soda, fruit juice, dairy desserts such as ice cream, grain desserts like muffins and cookies, pizza, and whole milk.

It's worth noting that while whole milk falls into this category, it remains a valuable source of calcium and protein. Studies indicate that the consumption of whole milk does not pose an increased risk of obesity in children. ((Vanderhout SM, Aglipay M, Torabi N, Jni P, da Costa BR, Birken CS, O'Connor DL, Thorpe KE, Maguire JL. "Whole milk compared with reduced-fat milk and childhood overweight: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Feb 1;111(2):266-279. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz276. PMID: 31851302; PMCID: PMC6997094.)) ((Spence LA, Cifelli CJ, Miller GD. "The Role of Dairy Products in Healthy Weight and Body Composition in Children and Adolescents." Curr Nutr Food Sci. 2011 Feb;7(1):40-49. doi: 10.2174/157340111794941111. PMID: 22299005; PMCID: PMC3267168.))

Furthermore, a 2020 review highlighted that the recent implementation of updated nutrition standards for school meals has significantly enhanced the quality and alignment of meals with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. ((Gearan EC, Fox MK. "Updated Nutrition Standards Have Significantly Improved the Nutritional Quality of School Lunches and Breakfasts." J Acad Nutr Diet. 2020 Mar;120(3):363-370. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.10.022. Epub 2020 Jan 13. PMID: 31948795.))

Bottom line

Empty calories refer to foods that primarily provide energy but lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Examples include sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fast food items. Excessive consumption of these empty calorie foods can lead to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies. Research indicates high intake levels, particularly among children, emphasizing the need for dietary awareness and healthier choices. While some staple foods like whole milk may fall into this category, they still offer nutritional benefits. Efforts such as improved school meal standards aim to address these concerns and promote healthier eating habits aligned with dietary guidelines.

The Impact of Empty Calories on Health

Empty calories pose significant health risks due to their lack of essential nutrients and high levels of added sugars and unhealthy fats.

Regular consumption of foods and beverages rich in empty calories can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and a range of related health issues. These may include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Various Aspects of Health: Weight Management and Chronic Diseases

Weight Gain and Obesity: Consuming foods and beverages laden with empty calories can contribute to weight gain and obesity. These items often pack a high calorie punch without providing the necessary nutrients to support satiety and overall health. Over time, excessive consumption of empty calorie foods can lead to an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, resulting in an unhealthy accumulation of body fat.
Cardiovascular Diseases: The excessive intake of empty calorie foods, particularly those high in added sugars and unhealthy fats, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Diets rich in empty calories can elevate levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and blood pressure, while also impairing overall cardiovascular health. These factors contribute to the development of conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
Type 2 Diabetes: The consumption of empty calorie foods can significantly impact blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Foods high in added sugars can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance over time. Moreover, excessive calorie intake from empty calorie sources can contribute to weight gain, a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome: Empty calorie consumption is closely linked to the development of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a combination of factors such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and abnormal lipid profiles. Diets rich in empty calories, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, can exacerbate these risk factors and contribute to the onset of metabolic syndrome.

Bottom line

Empty calorie consumption often displaces the intake of nutrient-dense foods, leading to deficiencies in vital nutrients crucial for overall health and well-being. It's essential to recognize the detrimental effects of empty calorie consumption on long-term health outcomes and take proactive steps to make healthier dietary choices.

Identifying Empty Calorie Foods

Empty calorie foods are prevalent in today's food environment, often disguised as enticing options that offer little to no nutritional value. Recognizing these empty calorie sources is crucial for making informed dietary choices and promoting overall health. And choosing nutrient-dense alternatives and prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods can help optimize nutritional intake and support long-term well-being.

Reading Food Labels for Empty Calories

Reading labels of food is essential for identifying empty calorie sources and making informed dietary choices. Understanding how to interpret food labels can empower individuals to select nutrient-dense options and steer clear of empty calorie traps.

Key things to look for when reading food labels for empty calories include:

Added Sugars: Check the ingredients list for sources of added sugars such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose. Be mindful of foods with high sugar content, as they often contribute empty calories without offering significant nutritional value.
Unhealthy Fats: Pay attention to the type and amount of fats listed on the label. Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, as they can contribute to empty calorie consumption and adverse health effects.
Serving Size: Be mindful of the serving size indicated on the label, as it can influence the calorie and nutrient content of the food. Adjust portion sizes accordingly to avoid overconsumption of empty calories.
Nutrient Content: Assess the nutrient content of the food to determine its overall nutritional value. Look for foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein while low in added sugars and unhealthy fats.
% Daily Value: Use the % Daily Value (%DV) listed on the label as a guide to assess the nutritional adequacy of the food. Aim for foods with higher %DV for essential nutrients and lower %DV for added sugars and unhealthy fats.

Bottom line

To determine which items contain empty calories, examine the labels. By paying close attention to food labels and understanding the ingredients and nutritional content of foods, individuals can make more informed choices to limit empty calorie intake and promote better overall health.

Common Misconceptions about Empty Calories

Empty calories are a topic often surrounded by misconceptions and misunderstandings. Here are some common misconceptions about empty calories:

1. All Calories Are Equal

One common misconception is that all calories are created equal, regardless of their source.

While it's true that calories provide energy, not all foods offer the same nutritional value. Empty calorie foods provide calories but lack essential nutrients, contributing to an imbalanced diet and potential health issues.

2. Cutting Calories Leads to Weight Loss

While reducing calorie intake can contribute to weight loss, focusing solely on calorie restriction without considering the nutritional quality of foods can be counterproductive.

Empty calorie foods may be low in calories, but they often fail to provide the nutrients necessary for sustained energy levels and overall health. Instead, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods can support weight loss efforts while promoting optimal health.

3. Carbohydrates Are Always Empty Calories

Carbohydrates are often demonized as sources of empty calories, particularly refined carbohydrates found in sugary snacks and processed foods.

However, not all carbohydrates are empty calories. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are examples of carbohydrate-rich foods that provide essential nutrients and fiber, making them valuable components of a healthy diet.

4. Fat-Free Foods Are Always Healthy

Many fat-free or low-fat foods are marketed as healthier alternatives, but they may still contain significant amounts of added sugars and other empty calorie ingredients to enhance flavor.

Additionally, some fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados, are essential for overall health and should not be avoided entirely.

5. Empty Calories Only Come from Junk Food

While many empty calorie sources are commonly associated with junk food, such as sugary snacks and fried foods, they can also be found in seemingly healthier options.

For example, certain fruit juices and flavored yogurts may contain added sugars, contributing to their empty calorie status. It's essential to read food labels and choose nutrient-dense options whenever possible.

The Psychology of Empty Calorie Consumption

Empty calorie consumption is often influenced by psychological factors that contribute to cravings, overeating, and unhealthy food choices.

Key aspects of the psychology of empty calorie consumption include:

Cravings and Reward System: Empty calorie foods are often designed to be highly palatable, triggering cravings and activating the brain's reward system. The combination of sugar, fat, and salt in these foods can stimulate dopamine release, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. As a result, individuals may find themselves craving these foods and engaging in excessive consumption, even when not hungry.
Emotional Eating: Many people turn to empty calorie foods as a form of emotional coping mechanism, seeking comfort or relief from stress, boredom, sadness, or other negative emotions. Emotional eating can lead to mindless overeating and reliance on unhealthy food choices to regulate mood and emotions.
Social and Environmental Influences: Social and environmental factors also play a significant role in empty calorie consumption. Social gatherings, celebrations, and cultural norms often revolve around food, leading individuals to indulge in empty calorie-rich foods in social settings. Additionally, the omnipresence of fast food outlets, vending machines, and convenience stores makes it easy to access and consume empty calorie foods on a regular basis.
Habitual Behaviors: Over time, repeated consumption of empty calorie foods can become ingrained as habitual behaviors, making it challenging to break free from unhealthy eating patterns. Habits such as snacking while watching TV or reaching for sugary drinks throughout the day can perpetuate empty calorie consumption without conscious awareness.
Psychological Stressors: Psychological stressors such as time constraints, financial pressures, and work-related stress can also influence empty calorie consumption. In times of stress, individuals may prioritize convenience and comfort over nutritional value, leading to increased consumption of empty calorie foods.

Bottom line

Understanding the psychological drivers behind empty calorie consumption, individuals can begin to recognize and address their triggers for unhealthy eating habits. Developing coping strategies, building resilience to emotional triggers, and fostering a mindful approach to food can help promote healthier eating behaviors and overall well-being.

Creating a Balanced Diet

To achieve and maintain a balanced diet incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods into daily meals, so you can ensure receive the essential nutrients needed for optimal functioning.

Here are key considerations for creating a balanced diet:

Variety. Including a diverse range of foods from all food groups ensures a broad spectrum of essential nutrients. Aim to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals to provide a comprehensive array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
Portion Control. Paying attention to portion sizes is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and preventing overeating. Use mindful eating practices to tune into hunger and fullness cues, and aim to consume appropriate portion sizes to meet your nutritional needs without excess calories.
Moderation. While no foods are off-limits in a balanced diet, moderation is key. Enjoying occasional treats and indulgences is part of a healthy relationship with food, but excessive consumption of empty calorie foods can detract from overall nutritional quality.
Whole Foods. Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods over highly processed and refined options. Whole foods retain their natural nutrients and fiber content, offering superior nutritional value compared to processed alternatives.
Hydration. Staying adequately hydrated is essential for supporting overall health and well-being. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit sugary beverages and excessive caffeine intake, which can contribute to empty calorie consumption.
Meal Planning. Planning and preparing meals in advance can help ensure a balanced diet throughout the week. Consider incorporating a variety of colors, flavors, and textures into your meals to make eating enjoyable and satisfying.
Mindful Eating. Practicing mindful eating involves paying attention to the sensory experience of eating and being fully present during meals. This can help foster a greater appreciation for food, enhance satisfaction, and prevent mindless overeating.

Healthy Alternatives to Empty Calorie Foods

When seeking to make healthier dietary choices, it's essential to replace empty calorie foods with nutrient-dense alternatives that nourish the body.

While some foods, such as fresh produce, may not bear labels, it's crucial to understand how to interpret food labels for those that do. Look for terms like "no sugar added," "low fat," or "a low-calorie food" approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Foods bearing these labels must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring they undergo minimal processing, alteration, or reformulation.

One effective strategy for incorporating more nutritious foods into your diet is to adopt the "eat the rainbow" approach. This straightforward method entails diversifying your meals by consuming a spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables.

For instance, you might focus on red and orange foods one day, such as apples, oranges, and carrots. The next day, explore yellow options like peppers, squash, and kale, followed by blue and purple choices like blueberries and blackberries.

Don't overlook white foods, as they also offer valuable nutrients and flavor; consider incorporating bananas, cauliflower, and parsnips into your meals for added variety and nutrition.

Here are some healthy alternatives to common empty calorie foods:

Instead of sugary snacks like candy bars and cookies, opt for:
- Fresh fruits such as berries, apples, oranges, and bananas
- Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, and figs (in moderation)
- Unsweetened Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruit
Instead of sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice, choose:
- Water infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint for added flavor
- Herbal teas without added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice for a fizzy treat
Instead of fried foods like french fries and potato chips, try:
- Baked sweet potato fries seasoned with herbs and spices
- Air-popped popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast or cinnamon
- Oven-baked vegetable chips made from thinly sliced carrots, beets, or kale
Instead of high-fat desserts like ice cream and cake, consider:
- Frozen banana slices blended into creamy "nice" cream
- Chia seed pudding made with unsweetened almond milk and fresh fruit toppings
- Homemade fruit sorbet made with frozen berries and a touch of honey
Instead of processed meats like bacon and sausage, opt for:
- Lean protein sources such as grilled chicken breast, turkey breast, or fish
- Plant-based protein alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or lentils
- Homemade veggie burgers made with beans, quinoa, and vegetables
Instead of refined grains like white bread and white rice, choose:
- Whole grain options such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, and oats
- Ancient grains like farro, barley, and bulgur for added variety and nutrition
- Whole grain pasta or noodles made from whole wheat, brown rice, or legumes

Tips for Reducing Empty Calorie Intake: The Healthy Eating Habits

Reducing empty calorie intake is a crucial step towards fostering a healthier diet and lifestyle. By implementing simple yet effective strategies, you can gradually decrease your consumption of empty calorie foods and improve your overall nutritional intake.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Read Food Labels: Take the time to carefully read food labels and ingredients lists when grocery shopping. Look for terms like "low sugar," "low fat," or "whole grain" to identify nutrient-dense options and avoid products high in empty calories.
Cook at Home: Cooking homemade meals allows you to control the ingredients and cooking methods used, reducing the likelihood of consuming empty calorie foods. Experiment with healthy recipes using fresh, whole ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals.
Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes when eating meals and snacks. Avoid oversized servings of empty calorie foods and instead focus on balanced portions that include a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
Choose Whole Foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet to ensure you're getting essential nutrients without excess empty calories.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent thirst from being mistaken for hunger. Avoid sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice, which contribute to empty calorie consumption.
Plan Ahead: Plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid impulse purchases of empty calorie foods. Stock your kitchen with healthy options like fresh produce, nuts, seeds, and whole grain snacks to curb cravings and promote better food choices.
Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues while eating. Slow down and savor each bite, focusing on the flavors and textures of your food. Avoid mindless eating in front of the TV or computer, which can lead to overconsumption of empty calorie snacks.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can gradually reduce your intake of empty calorie foods and move towards a more balanced and nutritious diet. Remember that small changes add up over time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to improve your healthy eating habits.

Key Takeaways

Empty calorie foods may already be lurking in your pantry, but moderation is key. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, it's okay to include some empty calories in your diet, but it's important to keep them in check. Aim to limit your intake to 75 calories or fewer of these foods per day. Alternatively, consider reducing the frequency of consumption to once a week or opting for smaller portions.

To make healthier choices, try swapping empty calorie options for more nutritious alternatives:

Choose low-fat cheese over full-fat varieties.
Opt for plain yogurt with fresh fruit instead of sweetened yogurt.
Select no-added sugar cereal instead of sweetened varieties.
Replace sugary sodas and fruit drinks with plain water.
Snack on high-fiber popcorn instead of cookies.
Enjoy dehydrated vegetables, crunchy beans, or dried seaweed instead of potato chips.

Making these smart swaps not only helps you cut back on empty calories but also allows you to indulge in delicious and nutritious alternatives. For instance, if you're craving the taste of a strawberry milkshake, consider whipping up a fruit smoothie with wholesome ingredients.

Try this strawberry-banana smoothie recipe, boasting just 298 calories per serving. With 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of dietary fiber, and only 4 gram of fat, it provides a satisfying and nutrient-rich option. Plus, the 39 grams of sugars come from natural sources rather than added syrups, making it a healthier indulgence.

In This Article

What Are Empty Calories?

Understanding Empty Calories

Bottom line

The Impact of Empty Calories on Health

Various Aspects of Health: Weight Management and Chronic Diseases

Bottom line

Identifying Empty Calorie Foods

Reading Food Labels for Empty Calories

Bottom line

Common Misconceptions about Empty Calories

1. All Calories Are Equal

2. Cutting Calories Leads to Weight Loss

3. Carbohydrates Are Always Empty Calories

4. Fat-Free Foods Are Always Healthy

5. Empty Calories Only Come from Junk Food

The Psychology of Empty Calorie Consumption

Bottom line

Creating a Balanced Diet

Here are key considerations for creating a balanced diet:

Healthy Alternatives to Empty Calorie Foods

Here are some healthy alternatives to common empty calorie foods:

Tips for Reducing Empty Calorie Intake: The Healthy Eating Habits

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Key Takeaways

Mutrition

Empty Calories: What is It, Food List And More