Calorie density

Calorie density is a food’s calories per weight.

Calorie dense, nutrient poor

Some foods are calorie dense, but nutrient poor. Examples would include chocolate, ice cream, pastries and many deep fried items.
Some are calorie dense and also nutrient dense. Examples would include nut & nuts butters, lean cuts of meat, seeds & many kinds of cheese.

Low calorie density, macro nutrient poor, micro and phyto nutrient rich*

Low calorie density foods are frequently nutrient rich. Some good examples include fruits and vegetables, whole-grain pastas rice & breads, cereals, salads and broth-based soups.
There are some low calorie density foods that are also nutrient poor. Classic examples would include lettuce and celery.





*Macronutrients are carbohydrate, protein and fat; Micronutrients are vitamins & minerals; Phytonutrients are plant chemicals (usually the pigments which give fruit n veg their vibrant colours) which help prevent disease. These are often powerful antioxidants.