What term describes foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients but low in calories?

The term that describes foods high in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients while being low in calories is "Nutrient Dense." Nutrient-dense foods are typically whole, unprocessed items like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes. They provide a substantial amount of nutrients per calorie, making them beneficial for health without contributing to excess calorie intake.

Other terms, such as "empty calories," refer to foods that provide little to no nutritional value relative to their calorie count, which is the opposite of nutrient density. "Processed foods" often contain additives and may have reduced nutritional value compared to whole foods, while "low-fat foods" can sometimes be misleading, as they may still contain high levels of sugar or additives that do not contribute to overall nutrient density. Therefore, the focus on nutrients rather than just calorie counts highlights why "Nutrient Dense" is the correct choice.