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“Extras” are foods that provide
calories but not a lot of nutrients—such as sodas, candy and other sweetened
foods, solid fats and alcohol. It is important to eat enough foods from the
food groups to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need before filling up
on “extras.”
Another related term you may have heard is discretionary
calories, which are leftover calories after you have met your nutrient requirements. You can choose to use your discretionary calorie allowance on "extras," or on additional foods from the food groups.
The discretionary calorie allowance for most people—especially those who are not physically active—is very small, between 100 and 300 calories per day. Many people use their allowance by choosing higher fat or sugared foods from the food groups such as higher-fat meats, french fries or sweetened bakery products.
For more information on discretionary
calories go to:
http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/discretionary_calories.html
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