What does 2,000 calories look like? | Food Network Healthy Food: Recipes, Ideas and Food News
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The information listed on food labels is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is national average what most healthy adults require. Some people may need more or less depending on various factors such as gender, height and activity level. But do you know what 2,000 calories looks like? Considering the fact that many Americans are under-consumption important nutrients and calories on highly processed foods can be much higher than on whole, unprocessed foods, it’s hard to know what a healthy 2,000 calorie diet plan looks like . Here’s what you need to know about what 2,000 calories looks like on different types of diets.
What does 2,000 calories in a healthy diet look like?
You’ll almost never have a day with the perfect calorie count or ratio nutrients you want. Instead of focusing on the perfect breakdown of calories or macronutrients, which may not be healthy (and honestly, futile), it is more important to think about averaging them over a few days. Eat a variety of foods daily and balance your disk (fruits and veggies on half a plate, a quarter protein and a quarter whole grains, plus, some non-vegetarian milk) will help ensure you’re getting plenty of nutrients to keep for a healthy body. Here’s a 2,000-calorie diet with the right balance of macros and plenty vitaminminerals and fiber for omnivores, vegetarians and vegetarians. Reviewing these meal plans will give you an idea of the amount of food in 2,000 calories and how to balance the food groups on your plate.
What 2,000 calories looks like to an omnivore
Breakfast
Overnight Oatmeal Apple Pie: You can mix and match ingredients, which may alter the breakdown of nutrients.
1 cup coffee with 1/4 cup fat-free milk
Total calories: 283; Total fat: 11g; Protein: 13g; Total Carbs: 35g; Fiber 9g
Morning snacks
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
Total calories: 224; Total fat: 5g; Protein: 23g; Total Carbs: 23g; Fiber 3g
Lunch
Add these ingredients to your bowl to boost your nutrient intake:
- 1/3 avocado
- 1/4 cup thick salsa
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Total calories: 782; Total fat: 38g; Protein: 43g; Total Carbs: 70g; Fiber 13g
Afternoon snack
Total calories: 152; Total fat: 6g; Protein: 6g; Total Carbs: 20g; Fiber 7g
Dinner
Total calories: 524; Total fat: 17.5g; Protein: 35g; Total Carbs: 61g; Fiber 11g
Evening snack
2 cups are blown up popcorn
Total calories: 62; Total fat: 1g; Protein: 2g; Total Carbs: 12g; Fiber 2g
Total for the day: Total calories: 2,027; Total fat: 78.5g; Protein: 122g; Total Carbs: 221g; Fiber 45g
What 2,000 calories looks like to a vegetarian
This menu is based on a vegetarian diet that includes eggs and fish.
Breakfast
Overnight Oatmeal Apple Pie: You can mix and match ingredients, which may alter the breakdown of nutrients.
1 cup coffee with 1/4 cup fat-free milk
Total calories: 283; Total fat: 11g; Protein: 13g; Total Carbs: 35g; Fiber 9g
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
Total calories: 224; Total fat: 5g; Protein: 23g; Total Carbs: 23g; Fiber 3g
Lunch
1 ounce tortilla chips with 1/4 cup canned salsa
Total calories: 737; Total fat: 44g; Protein: 21g; Total Carbs: 69g; Fiber 12g
Afternoon snack
Total calories: 152; Total fat: 6g; Protein: 6g; Total Carbs: 20g; Fiber 7g
Dinner
Total calories: 524; Total fat: 17.5g; Protein: 35g; Total Carbs: 61g; Fiber 11g
Evening snack
2 cups are blown up popcorn
Total calories: 62; Total fat: 1g; Protein: 2g; Total Carbs: 12g; Fiber 2g
Total for the day: Total calories: 1,982; Total fat: 84.5g; Protein: 100g; Total Carbs: 220g; Fiber 44g
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What 2,000 calories looks like to a vegetarian
Breakfast
Overnight Oatmeal Apple Pie: You can mix and match ingredients, which may alter the breakdown of nutrients.
1 cup of coffee with 1/4 cup of almond milk
Total calories: 214; Total fat: 7g; Protein: 6g; Total Carbs: 35g; Fiber 9g
Morning snacks
2 tablespoons almond butter
Total calories: 289; Total fat: 17g; Protein: 9g; Total Carbs: 29g; Fiber 7g
Lunch
1 ounce tortilla chips with 1/4 cup canned salsa
Total calories: 737; Total fat: 44g; Protein: 21g; Total Carbs: 69g; Fiber 12g
Afternoon snack
Total calories: 152; Total fat: 6g; Protein: 6g; Total Carbs: 20g; Fiber 7g
Dinner
Spicy Vegan Sloppy Joe’s: Add 1/3 sliced avocado
1 time serving Smoked Kale Chips
Total calories: 486; Total fat: 23g; Protein: 13g; Total Carbs: 64g; Fiber 15.5g
Evening snack
2 cups of popcorn
Total calories: 162; Total fat: 1g; Protein: 3g; Total Carbs: 38g; Fiber 5g
Total for the day: Total calories: 2,040; Total fat: 98g; Protein: 58g; Total Carbs: 191g; Fiber 55.5g
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant specializing in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of Greek Yogurt Kitchen: 130+ delicious, healthy recipes for every meal of the day.
*This article was written and/or reviewed by an independently registered dietitian.