Good calories and bad calories

When it comes to food and nutrition, we often hear the terms “good calories” and “bad calories”. Let’s dive into the differences between good and bad nutrients in food, and how they can impact your health.

What are calories?

Calories are units of energy that we get from the food we eat. They are essential for our bodies to function properly, but consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Go and read What are calories? to learn more.

Good Calories vs. Bad Calories

When we talk about good calories and bad calories, we’re really talking about the nutrients that make up those calories. Good calories come from nutrient-dense foods that provide our bodies with the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients we need to stay healthy. Bad calories come from foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients.

Good Nutrients

Good nutrients include things like complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins. These are the types of nutrients that provide sustained energy and help our bodies function at their best. Some examples of good nutrient-dense foods include:

• Whole grains: These are complex carbohydrates that provide our bodies with energy and fiber. Good sources of whole grains include oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
• Fruits and vegetables: These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect our bodies from disease. Try to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
• Lean proteins: Proteins are essential for building and repairing our muscles and tissues. Good sources of lean protein include chicken, fish, tofu, and beans.
• Healthy fats: Fats are important for our bodies to function properly, but it’s important to choose healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.

Bad Nutrients

Bad nutrients include things like added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and processed foods. These are the types of nutrients that can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and other health problems. Some examples of bad nutrient-poor foods include:

• Sugary drinks: These are high in added sugars and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
• Processed foods: These are often high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium. Try to limit your intake of things like chips, crackers, and frozen meals.
• Fast food: These are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars.

While it’s okay to indulge in these foods occasionally, it’s important to make it a rare treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

EatWell app is a tool you can use to calculate your daily calorie needs and make calorie counting so much easier. Download EatWell app from the AppStore and try it out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to good calories vs. bad calories, it’s important to focus on the nutrients that make up those calories. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you feel your best and stay healthy. On the other hand, it’s important to limit your intake of nutrient-poor foods like sugary drinks, processed foods, and fast food. By making these small changes to your diet, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.