Top 10 sources of calories in the U.S. Diet – Suzanne Boos RD

What Americans Eat

These are the top 10 sources of calories in the American diet:

1. Grain-based desserts (cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, crisps, cobblers, and granola bars)
2. Yeast breads
3. Chicken and chicken-mixed dishes
4. Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks
5. Pizza
6. Alcoholic beverages
7. Pasta and pasta dishes
8. Mexican mixed dishes
9. Beef and beef-mixed dishes
10. Dairy Desserts

Americans are told first and foremost to eat more fruits and vegetables.  Are we not eating them or are they so low in calories they don’t contribute much?  Perhaps both.  If this is what we eat, we need to incorporate more vegetables into the chicken, pasta, beef and Mexican dishes.  We need to decrease our overall calories and get the protein we need without additional fat and calories.    If you are using meal replacements, such as the CNC soups, try adding diced tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini for increased volume, taste and nutritional value.  Think about your top 10 sources of calories and try to move fruits, vegetable and lean proteins to the top of the list.

Source:  Report of the DGAC on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010