Empty calories are bad nutrients present in the infamous sweets. Taking it can be very harmful to your health.
It’s quite possible that most people don’t know what empty calories are all about. First of all, don’t be fooled, as bad nutrients are not good for our body. The fact that they are empty does not mean that it is something that is not fattening. Quite the contrary, as its real significance lies in the absence of good substances for the body.
Most of the treats that we love to eat when we go to the mall or give to our children to calm down are part of this list that is harmful to health. But, before putting an end to this destructive habit, let’s find out what those aforementioned calories are about and be aware of the positive and negative foods in our diet.
What are empty calories?
Firstly, after getting informed, you will definitely get rid of empty calories in your life. The image above can give you a good idea of what these bad nutrients are about. In other words, the fact that they are empty is the same as saying that they do not contribute nutrients to your body.
Candy, processed potato chips, cookies, chewing gum, all of this is part of what should be avoided. In fact, the worst thing of all is that foods with empty calories, in addition to not contributing to health, also make it difficult for the body to function. It’s certainly not easy to leave them aside forever, which is why it’s recommended to avoid them as much as possible.
Where to find empty calories?
We all know that the body needs a lot of nutrients and minerals. Therefore, the first step to finding out if what you are consuming is actually good for your body is to read the label. It is mandatory for industries to be transparent with their consumers, that is, whenever you buy something the back part is reserved to inform you what you are ingesting when purchasing the product.
Never forget to take a look at the list where it says “potions”. At first, this is exactly where you will know the amount of nutrients you will be ingesting with each amount consumed. That is, there are different modes for each item. Sometimes eating 6 peanuts is not a problem, but 7 or 10 could be.
Currently there are three basic items that if it is on your product label it is best to avoid. Sodium, trans and saturated fat are the main enemies of health and make up the so-called empty calories. These bad nutrients can end up really damaging your health.
You know the good old noodles that save the meals of many Brazilians? Well, it is one of the most harmful to the body’s balance, as it has a huge amount of sodium. Ideally, there should be no more than 20% of this element. If not, discard and research a new alternative.
What are bad nutrients?
You’ve certainly heard that trans fat is highly harmful to your health. Any food that contains this substance is potentially considered part of the empty calorie list. It is so avoided that even the labels choose not to include the daily amount of consumption, because the ideal is not to consume it.
That oatmeal fitness cookie, for example, is another item that makes up bad nutrients. There is nothing of health value in this product. As much as it is widely used in famous diets, you should know that there is no nutritional value involved. That is, you may even be losing weight, but not in the right way.
That’s where counterpoint comes in. Being empty calories is not directly related to gaining weight or losing weight, but rather to how bad bad nutrients can do to the body. Therefore, it is advisable to practice substitution.
Beneficial exchanges
You know that immense desire to eat some junk food from the street? Let’s end this daily. When you think of something tasty and not at all nutritious, turn to something healthy immediately. Swap a juicy candy for a banana or other fruit of your choice. Only then will it be possible to adhere to a healthy diet.
Another thing that can really help the process of “breaking out” of your eating routine is drinking lots of water. Every time you think about eating something unhealthy, drink a glass of water. Finally, only with a lot of patience and persistence is it possible to adapt to more beneficial habits for your life.
Why avoid empty calories?
Why invest in something we already know will be bad? This is how you should think about empty calories. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates need to be avoided when shopping at the end of the month. However, it is known that this is almost impossible, so exercise a critical eye on whatever is ingested by you and your family.
Finally, prioritize those that contain a smaller quantity of the items listed above. And remember: the amount of potion varies depending on each person’s profile. In other words, what is indicated on the packaging may not be the best option for a child or elderly person.
Now, when we talk about “fats”, be aware that the body needs them. But not all of them are beneficial for the body. Trans and saturated fats are the ones that should be avoided in principle, as they are bad nutrients.
Furthermore, try to avoid as much as possible these foods loaded with “nutritional values”. Protein, for example, is very good, but it can be very harmful to your health when too much of it in potions. Look for natural foods that have what your body needs and enjoy the results.
Finally, read more about foods that are bad for your health in Sweetener – Benefits, harms and difference between synthetic and natural
Sources: Uol, Nova Nutrii, Minha Vida, Nova Nutri, IN, WEBRUM, Unimed
Image sources: Ideia Nutri, Vix, Tia Cris Pediatra, Men’s Helth, Mude.Vc
