According to the U.S. Department of Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ranges are given for those who are sedentary and consume about 1,600 calories and those who are more active and consume about 2,800 calories a day. One slice of bread, one cup of vegetables, one medium apple or orange, one cup of milk or a portion of meat equal to a deck of cards. Schulz said that people often flip the pyramid upside down and intake more of the group that is supposed to be taken sparingly. She suggests that if you can not eat all the correct servings, at least eat more nutritionally oriented. For example, eat brown rice instead of white, oatmeal instead of Fruit Loops, wheat bread instead of white and low fat milk instead of whole.
Portion control is also important.
One out of every two Americans is overweight. The Food and Drug Administration requires nutrition labeling on processed food products. Schultz said not to eat it if it can not be pronounced or if it contains what should be cut back. Manufacturers have used an ingredient called BHA or BHT in order to preserve the foods. This is an embalming ingredient.