Calories

Learn to make healthier food choices by using the Nutrition Facts table on prepackaged foods. Calories are found in the Nutrition Facts table.

What are calories?

Calories are the amount of energy in food. Nutrients that provide calories are carbohydrates, fat and protein.

Your body uses the energy from calories to do all of your daily activities, from walking to talking to sleeping. 

If you eat more calories than you need over time, you may gain weight. If you eat less calories than you need over time, you may lose weight. 

Where can you find calories?

Calories are found in food and drinks that contain carbohydrates, protein and/or fat.

How can you make a healthier choice?

• The calories in the Nutrition Facts table are based on an amount of food.
• If you eat more than the amount of food, your calorie intake will be higher than the value listed.
• If you eat less than the amount of food, your calorie intake will be lower than the value listed.

Helpful hints at the grocery store:

Use the nutrition facts table to choose and compare foods:

• choose foods that are lower in sugars and saturated fat
• choose a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grain foods and protein foods. Choose those that have little to no added sodium, sugars or saturated fat.