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Nutrition for Adults

The amount of food an adult needs each day depends on age, sex and the level of physical activity.

How Much Food Do I Need Daily?

Nutrition for Adults

Food Group

Women 19-30 Years Old
Women 31-50 Years Old
Women 51+ Years Old

Men 19-30 Years Old
Men 31-50 Years Old
Men 51+ Years Old

Fruit

2 cups
1 1/2 cups
1 1/2 cups

2 cups
2 cups
2 cups

Vegetables

2 1/2 cups
2 1/2 cups
2 cups

3 cups
3 cups
2 1/2 cups

Grains

6 ounce equivalents*
6 ounce equivalents*
5 ounce equivalents*

8 ounce equivalents*
7 ounce equivalents*
6 ounce equivalents*

Protein

5 1/2 ounce equivalents**
5 ounce equivalents**
5 ounce equivalents**

6 1/2 ounce equivalents**
6 ounce equivalents**
5 1/2 ounce equivalents**

Dairy

3 cups
3 cups
3 cups

3 cups
3 cups
3 cups

Source: www.ChooseMyPlate.gov

These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities. Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs. 

*For more information about ounce equivalents of grains, visit https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/grains

**For more information about ounce equivalents of proteins, visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov/protein-foods

Wellness Tips


  • Keep a journal of what you eat and how long you exercise. This will help you see patterns and help you make improvements in your diet and exercise regimen. 
  • Track your progress. Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. 

Adult Nutrition Resources

  • American Heart Association — Diet and lifestyle recommendations from the American Heart Association to reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Florida Association of Food Banks — The Florida Association of Food Banks’ members are the 13 Feeding America affiliated Regional Distribution Centers in Florida. Members partner with more than 2,500 faith-based and nonprofit agencies meeting the daily needs of people who struggle with hunger throughout all 67 counties in the state of Florida. 
  • Florida Food Assistance Program — The Food Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low-income buy healthy food. 
  • Let's Eat for the Health of It[ application/pdf ] — A simple guide on eating healthy from ChooseMyPlate.gov.
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