Empty Calories

Many of the foods and beverages we eat and drink contain empty calories. That is calories from fats and/or added sugars. Fat and sugar add calories to the food but no nutrients and are often called empty calories.

Learning more about solid fats and added sugars can help you make better food and drink choices.  Fats that are bad for you are fats that are solid at room temperature, like butter, beef fat, and shortening. Some solid fats are found naturally in foods. They can also be added when foods are processed by food companies or when they are prepared.

Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added when foods or beverages are processed or prepared.  Foods with calories and nutrients like vitamins are better for you.

This message for Healthy Living is brought to you by the Warm Springs Diabetes Program.