What are empty calories?

The term empty calories describes foods that are very high in energy but low in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids. Everyday you need a certain amount of these nutrients so that your body can properly function.

If you go without these nutrients for an extended period of time, you will get sick in many ways and won't be able to complete even routine tasks. Empty calories are bad because they only give you calories and usually, a high amount of sugar. Foods filled with empty calories include soda, candy and most junk foods.

While dieting, you should avoid empty calorie foods because even though you might be losing weight, you won't get all the nutrients you need, so the weight will be coming off in an unhealthy way. Instead, eat foods that are low in calories but high in nutrients such as fruit, vegetables, low fat milk, lean meats and whole wheat breads.