Energy density: a new way to look at food.

• Position: Your Life - Brief Article

Energy density is the number of calories in a given volume of food. For example, one cup of lettuce has fewer calories than one cup of ice cream, so the lettuce has a lower energy density rating. According to the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, eating more foods with low energy density will allow you to maintain a healthy diet while still feeling full after meals. Studies show that the total volume of food people eat remains relatively steady over the course of a week, so if you replace energy-dense foods with lower energy density items, you will eat the same amount of food (and feel just as full), while decreasing your caloric intake. The result is weight loss and better health.

You don't have to eat lettuce at every meal to enjoy the benefits of this diet plan. By...