What does "alcohol is empty calories" mean?

LarryPGH

Just curious... as I've been reading, I've seen it mentioned (many times) that alcohol is nothing but "empty calories". I'm kinda confused what that means. Clearly, if I have a beer or a drink, those calories "count" for my daily intake, so that's not an issue.

What, then, does "empty calories" mean? Is it just that alcohol doesn't contribute anything nutritionally speaking? (In that case, having a 200-calorie beer means I lose out on the nutrients that I'd have gotten from eating 200 calories more food, but still count toward my daily target.)

Am I correctly understanding what "empty calories" means?

callipygianchronicle

Yes. You’re correct. It’s a food that delivers calories and nothing else of nutritional value. Therefore it is “empty” versus “wholesome."

JennsLosing

Yes. You’re correct. It’s a food that delivers calories and nothing else of nutritional value. Therefore it is “empty” versus “wholesome."

this, but actually if its beer, i believe there may be some nutritional value to it....read ur labels

AmeMahoney

Yes. You’re correct. It’s a food that delivers calories and nothing else of nutritional value. Therefore it is “empty” versus “wholesome."

this, but actually if its beer, i believe there may be some nutritional value to it....read ur labels

Not hardly. There are some studies where people try to say that it's beneficial to drink one or two beers a day, but it's mostly wishful thinking. Processed hops doesn't count as a grain serving.

Many people describe all kinds of foods as "empty calories" such as chips, sodas, and any kind of crappy "snack" food.

Mustang_Susie

No nutritional value. Meaning lots of calories and no nutrition.

aschultz9

I find the enjoyment factor of some alcohol makes them very meaningful calories