What are “empty calorie” foods?
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Empty calorie foods and beverages contain high amounts of sugar with little or no nutrition value. If the food ingredient label starts with (first or after water) sugar – including agave nectar, cane sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, honey, maple syrup, molasses or sucrose – that is a clue that it is an empty calorie food. Examples of empty calorie foods that should be limited/avoided are: candy, pastries and high sugar snack foods. Examples of empty calorie beverages that should be limited/avoided are: soda, regular sports drinks, sweetened tea, coffee drinks, energy drinks, fruit drinks and other sweetened drinks. Water is the preferred drink for children along with portion controlled (8 ounce) fat-free and low-fat milk and portion controlled (4 ounce) 100% fruit or vegetable juice.
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