Empty calories

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/empty-calories

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the compositional basis?Primarily composed of sugars and fats, with minimal micronutrients, fiber, or protein
2. What is the nutrient density metric?Characterized by low nutrient density relative to caloric content
3. Why are empty calories bad for my body?Because they don’t give you the nutrients your body needs, they can make you feel hungry again soon and can lead to extra weight and health problems.
4. How do empty calories make me feel hungry?Foods with no fiber or protein don’t tell your brain you’re full, so you might eat more even though you already have a lot of calories.

Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that provide energy and are needed in large amounts.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals essential for health, needed in small quantities.
Nutrient Density: A measure of the beneficial nutrients in a food relative to its energy content.