Recommended Servings for Adults

You can use the USDA food guide to make healthy choices about what you eat. The chart below shows the recommended amounts for adults to eat from each food group. These amounts are based on a diet of 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day. For a food guide that shows how much to eat from each food group based on your specific…

Recommended Servings for Adults

Topic Overview

You can use the USDA food guide to make healthy choices about what you eat. The chart below shows the recommended amounts for adults to eat from each food group. These amounts are based on a diet of 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day.

For a food guide that shows how much to eat from each food group based on your specific calorie needs, go to the website www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Sample foods

Food group

Amount needed each day

Grains

5–8 ounces

1 ounce is equal to:

  • 1 slice of bread.
  • 1 small (6-inch) tortilla.
  • 1 cup dry cereal.
  • ½ cup cooked rice, cooked pasta, or cooked cereal.

Vegetables

2–3 cups

1 cup is equal to:

  • 1 cup raw or cooked vegetables.
  • 2 cups raw, leafy greens.
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) vegetable juice.

Fruits

1½–2 cups

1 cup is equal to:

  • 1 cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.
  • 1 large apple, orange, or banana.
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) 100% fruit juice.
  • ½ cup dried fruit.

Dairy

3 cups

1 cup is equal to:

  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) milk or yogurt.
  • 1½ ounces hard cheese.
  • 2 ounces processed cheese.

Protein foods

5–6½ ounces

1 ounce is equal to:

  • 1 ounce meat, poultry, or fish.
  • 1 egg.
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter.
  • ½ ounce nuts (12 almonds or 7 walnut halves).
  • ¼ cup cooked beans, peas, or lentils.
  • ¼ cup tofu.

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

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References

Other Works Consulted

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture (2015). 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 8th ed. http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/. Accessed January 12, 2016.

Credits

Current as ofNovember 7, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Rhonda O’Brien, MS, RD, CDE – Certified Diabetes Educator

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.