What are Elective or Discretionary Calories?
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to the USDA, a significant portion of the average American's daily calorie intake comes from discretionary calories, specifically from added sugars and solid fats. These 'extra' calories are a key factor in weight gain and poor nutrient intake, yet a small allowance can be part of a healthy diet. Understanding how to identify and manage these calories is essential for long-term health and weight management.