When it comes to eating food, not all calories and kilojoules are created equal. While some foods provide our bodies with essential nutrients, others are high in “empty” calories and offer little to no nutritional value. This can have a significant impact on weight loss and weight gain.
Empty calories are calories that come from foods that are high in sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates. These foods, such as candy, soda, and processed snacks, provide the body with little to no vitamins, minerals, or other essential nutrients. They can also contribute to weight gain and other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Consuming empty calories regularly can lead to an excess intake of calories, leading to weight gain and obesity.
On the other hand, nutrient-rich foods are foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. These foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, provide the body with the nourishment it needs to function properly. They can also help to protect against chronic diseases and promote overall health. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you to feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories overall, which may help with weight loss.
For example, a 100g of french fries has around 365kcal, while a 100g of broccoli has only 34kcal. But the broccoli is a nutrient-rich food, providing vitamins and minerals, and the french fries, despite having more calories, is an example of empty calories, providing no real nutritional value.
It’s important to keep in mind that the key to a healthy diet is balance, and not to avoid entirely the empty calories, but to consume them in moderation. By including more nutrient-rich foods in your diet and limiting the intake of empty calorie foods, you can ensure that your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs to function properly and also help with weight loss or maintenance.
In conclusion, not all calories and kilojoules are the same when it comes to eating food. While some foods provide our bodies with essential nutrients, others are high in “empty” calories and offer little to no nutritional value. This can have a significant impact on weight loss and weight gain. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet and limiting the intake of empty calorie foods can ensure that your body is getting the nourishment it needs and help with weight loss or maintenance.