empty calories

1. Food that has little or no nutritional value. For example, Snacking on beer and potato chips makes for a lot of empty calories. [1960s]

Example Sentences

You don’t feel that guilty gobbling her empty calories.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometimes, we need to drive over the speed limit or consume some empty calories to feel alive.

From Salon

The right seeks "evocative empty calories" so they can feel without having to think.

From Salon

“Then the excess of sugar that isn't needed for fueling activity is just empty calories triggering an insulin response, leading to inflammation, extra calorie consumption, weight gain, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and all the rest.”

From Salon

This sounds like sugar's keeping us fed, but added sugars are actually empty calories – they are bereft of any nutrients like vitamins or fibers.

From Salon