📚 Topic Summary
Empty calories are foods that provide energy (calories) but have very little nutritional value, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are often found in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Eating too many empty calories can lead to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies, impacting your overall health. The goal is to choose foods that are nutrient-dense, meaning they offer a lot of vitamins and minerals per calorie.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its correct definition:
- Empty Calories
- Nutrient-Dense
- Processed Foods
- Sugary Drinks
- Deficiency
- Foods altered from their natural state, often with added sugar and unhealthy fats.
- A lack of something essential, like a vitamin.
- Foods or beverages that provide calories but little nutritional value.
- Beverages high in added sugars, such as soda and juice.
- Foods that are high in nutrients relative to their calorie content.
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank: energy, nutrients, weight, healthy, empty.
Foods with ______ calories provide ______ but lack essential ______. Consuming too many ______ calories can lead to ______ gain and poor eating habits. Focus on choosing _______ foods instead.
🍎 Part C: Critical Thinking
Think about your favorite snack. How could you make it healthier by reducing empty calories and adding more nutrients?