The brain and body need macronutrients that include carbohydrates, fats, and protein in the right amounts to energize the body. About half of the calories should come from carbohydrates, 30% from fat, and 20% from protein. Food energy density is the amount of energy, represented by the number of calories, in a specific weight measurement.

Food Energy Density

Energy density is determined by the proportion of macronutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and water.

• Energy-dense foods are high in calories per serving.
• Foods with large amounts of fiber and water have a lower density.
• Foods high in fat have an increased energy density.
• An example of a high-energy-density food is a donut because of the high-calorie count from the sugar, fat, and small serving size.
• An example of a low-energy-density food is spinach because it only has a few calories in a whole plate of raw spinach leaves.

Energy Dense Foods

Energy-dense foods contain a high number of calories/energy per gram. They are typically higher in fat and lower in water. Examples of energy-dense foods include:

• Full-fat dairy
• Butter
• Cheese
• Nut butter
• Fatty cuts of meat
• Starchy vegetables
• Thick sauces
• Nuts
• Seeds

Less nutrient-dense foods include:

• Sweets
• Deep-fried foods
• French fries
• Pasta
• Crackers
• Chips

Foods like soups and beverages can be either high or low energy density depending on the ingredients. Broth-based soups with vegetables usually have low density while creamed soups are energy-dense. Non-fat milk is less dense than regular milk, and diet soda is less dense than regular soda.

Low Energy Dense Foods

• Foods with low energy density include high-fiber green and colorful vegetables.
• Foods with low energy density are often nutrient-dense, which means they have plenty of nutrients per serving size.
• Many fruits, berries, and vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Foods high in water content like citrus fruits and melons are usually less energy-dense.
• Low-calorie foods often have a low energy density, but not always.
• It’s important to read nutrition labels to know how many calories are being provided daily.

Weight Management

• Weight management is about watching how many calories are taken in and how many calories are burned.
• Filling up on foods with low energy density will cause the body to feel satisfied while eating fewer high-density calories.
• Plan all meals so they include foods with a low energy density and high in nutrients.
• However, the opposite can happen if individuals eat mostly low-energy-dense foods, will need a larger volume of food to fill up, and as a result, will take in more calories.
• This is not ideal for losing weight, but it could be helpful if trying to gain weight.
• High-energy-dense foods that are nutritious include avocados, nuts, and seeds.

Adjustment Recommendations

Add More Fruits and Vegetables To The Plate

• At least half of a plate should be covered with low-calorie fruits and vegetables.
• Berries are sweet and delicious and provide antioxidants
• Leave a quarter of the plate for the protein, and the remaining quarter can hold a serving of starchy foods like pasta, potatoes, or rice.
• Eating more fruits and vegetables will partially fill the body leading to eating less high-energy-dense foods.
• Picky eaters should try various recipes, sooner or later, they will discover something they enjoy.

Start With Salad or a Bowl of Clear Broth Soup

• Soups and salads will fill the body before the main energy-dense course like pasta, pizza, or another high-calorie food.
• Avoid heavy cream-based salad dressings and creamed soups.
• Water has zero calories and drinking a few glasses can help suppress the hunger until the next meal, or a low-density snack.

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From Consultation to Transformation

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References

www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/pdf/r2p_energy_density.pdf

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