empty calorie
Energy without nourishment
Empty calories are calories from food or drink that provide energy but little or no nutritional value—no significant vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber.
Sugar and alcohol are the main sources: Soda is nothing but empty calories.
The term implies wasted dietary intake, calories that fill you up without nourishing you.
Light between-meal fare
- candySugary edible treats
- chipsThin fried slices
- sodaCarbonated soft drink
- fast foodSpeedy prepared meals
processed · fried · doughnut · cupcake · cookie · brownie · ice cream · pastry
Having no dietary value
- hollowEmpty within
- voidWithout legal effect
- devoidEntirely without
- unfulfillingLacking emotional reward
insubstantial · nutrient-poor · low-density · added sugars · white bread · white rice · enriched flour · filler
Body mass accumulation
- obesityExcess body fat condition
- overweightExceeding healthy mass
- BMIWeight-to-height ratio
- body mass indexWeight-to-height-squared quotient
metabolic syndrome · insulin resistance · blood sugar · sedentary · portion control · moderation · restriction · counting
Powerful urge to have
- guilty pleasureEnjoyment tinged with shame
- bingeBout of excess
- comfort foodEmotionally consoling dishes
- treatSomething pleasantly special
temptation · splurge · cheat meal · snacking · late-night eating · impulse · reward · emotional eating
snack
Light between-meal fare
fast food · processed · fried · doughnut · cupcake · cookie · brownie · ice cream · pastry · convenience
nutritionless
Having no dietary value
unfulfilling · insubstantial · nutrient-poor · low-density · added sugars · white bread · white rice · enriched flour · filler · micronutrient
weight gain
Body mass accumulation
- obesityExcess body fat condition
- overweightExceeding healthy mass
- BMIWeight-to-height ratio
body mass index · metabolic syndrome · insulin resistance · blood sugar · sedentary · portion control · moderation · restriction · counting · tracking
craving
Powerful urge to have
- guilty pleasureEnjoyment tinged with shame
- bingeBout of excess
- comfort foodEmotionally consoling dishes
treat · temptation · splurge · cheat meal · snacking · late-night eating · impulse · reward · emotional eating · stress eating
empty caloriesuperfood
Nutrient-dense dietary buzzword
whole food · nutrient-rich · lean protein · health food · complex carbohydrate
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