Empty calories, in casual dietary terminology, are calories present in high-energy foods with poor nutritional profiles, typically from processed carbohydrates or fats. Also known as a discretionary calorie, an "empty calorie" has the same energy content of any other calorie but lacks accompanying nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, or in the case of refined grains, fiber.
Limiting empty calories is important to prevent weight gain, especially in sedentary individuals. This is essential when people try to lose weight so that they have an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals and avoid malnutrition. Dietitians recommend replacing empty-calorie foods with nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables.
The following foods are often considered to contain mostly empty calories:
   | Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs - Chapter 2 Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs |
| | Nutrient-dense food vs. empty-calorie food - Nutrient-dense food vs. empty-calorie food | Calorie Counter |
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