Which of the following best describes nutrient-dense foods?

Nutrient-dense foods are characterized by their high nutritional value relative to their calorie content. This means they provide a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances while being lower in calories compared to other food items. Such foods typically include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes. The emphasis on being "low in calories" is essential here because it underscores that nutrient-dense options maximize health benefits without excessive caloric intake, making them ideal for maintaining a balanced diet.

In contrast, foods that are high in sugars and fats often contribute to increased calorie counts without providing substantial health benefits, which is what other options suggest. Additionally, options describing foods as high in calories and low in nutrients do not align with the definition of nutrient density. Lastly, being low in carbohydrates does not inherently denote nutrient density, as many nutrient-rich foods contain healthy carbohydrates. Therefore, the best description of nutrient-dense foods is that they are high in nutrients and low in calories.