Whether you are trying to lose weight or choose better food options to realise optimal health, understanding the difference between calorie dense and nutrient dense foods is a step in the right direction.
This can be a bit of a tricky area but basically, calorie dense foods are mostly products that are a combination and contain trans-fats, salt, and sugar. So think cake, cookies, potato chips, fish & chips.
But there are health options too that can aid health and weight loss. Calorie density or energy density simply means there is a lot of energy available in a small amount of food. Some health options include avocado, nuts & seeds, and full-fat yoghurt.
Nutrient density has more nutritional value within the food. Eating foods higher in nutrients can help improve nutrient intake, which can provide health benefits such as preventing weight gain, promoting heart health, and reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Some nutrient dense foods include nuts, sweet potato, salmon, legumes, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach, quinoa, and berries to name a few. Here, as you can see, meats, fish, poultry, pusles, vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy is where you will find the nutrients you need for optimal health.