Energy Density and the Foods You Eat

Energy Density and the Foods You Eat: The energy density of a product is the quantity of energy, as measured in calories, per unit of weight. Energy-dense foods have a high caloric content per serving.

Ice cream is an example of a product with a high energy density because it contains a large number of calories from the fat and sugar in the small serving size. Since there are few calories in a plateful of fresh spinach leaves, spinach has a low energy density.

The proportion of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), fiber, and water determines the energy density. Foods with a high fiber and water content have a reduced energy density. High-fat foods possess a greater energy density. Here are defining of Energy Density and the Foods You Eat.

Energy Density and the Foods You Eat

Energy Dense Foods

Foods that are energy-dense contain a high number of calories (energy) per gram. They typically contain more lipids and less water. Less nutrient-dense foods include desserts, deep-fried foods, French fries, pasta, crackers, and crisps. Examples of energy dense foods include starchy vegetables, thick sauces, cheese, nuts, and seeds, nut butter, butter, full-fat dairy, and fatty types of meat.1

Soups and beverages can have either a high or low energy density. Vegetable broth-based soups typically have a low energy density, whereas cream soups are energy-dense. Nonfat milk has a lower energy density than whole milk, and diet soda has a lower energy density than a sweetened soft drink.

 

Low Energy Dense Foods

Low-energy-density foods include verdant and colorful vegetables high in fiber. Similarly, watery foods such as citrus fruits and melons have a lower energy density. Low-calorie foods typically have a low energy density, but not always; therefore, it is essential to read the Nutrition Facts label to determine how many calories you consume daily.

The benefit of foods with low energy density is that they are frequently nutrient-dense, which means they contain a high concentration of nutrients per serving. Numerous fruits, berries, and vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Ultimately, weight management involves balancing the number of calories consumed with the number of calories burned. When you eat foods with a low energy density, you will feel full while consuming fewer calories. Plan all of your meals so that the foods you eat have a low energy density but are high in nutrients. Obviously, the opposite is also accurate.

If you consume predominantly low-energy-dense foods, you will require a greater volume of food to feel full, and as a result, you will consume more calories. This is not optimal if your goal is to lose weight, but it may be beneficial if your goal is to gain weight. If this is the case, choose high-energy, nutrient-dense foods, such as avocados, almonds, and seeds, over high-calorie, nutrient-poor snack foods.

Healthy Eating Tips

• • Choose fresh berries for dessert: There’s no need to finish a meal with a high-calorie desert since berries are sweet and delectable. If you must consume ice cream or cheesecake, measure out and consume only one serving (check the package for the serving size) to maintain a healthy calorie intake.
  • Load your plate with more vegetables: At least half of your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables low in calories. Leave a quarter of your plate for your protein source, and fill the remaining space with carbohydrate foods such as pasta, potatoes, or rice.
  • Serve more fruits and vegetables to your kids: Children who consume a greater quantity of fruits and vegetables tend to consume less energy-dense diets. If you have a child who is a fussy consumer, continue to serve vegetables; sooner or later, they will find something they enjoy.
  • Start with a simple garden salad or a bowl of clear soup: Before you indulge in something more energy-dense, such as pasta, pizza, or another high-calorie entree, these dishes will satisfy your appetite. Avoid high-calorie dishes with dairy and avoid the hefty salad dressings.

 

Drink Plenty of Water