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Depends on whether the person is a man or woman and their age. It also depends on how you count "food eaten". Food eaten can be measured in pounds of food sold to grocery stores or in calories eaten at home. Since foods have different weights and can have different calorie amounts, the results vary. Food delivered to grocery stores is measured in pounds of food. This does not include Alcoholic Beverages though. Unfortunately, this does include food that is stolen or spoils and is thrown away either by the grocer or consumer. Measured this way, the average American "eats" about 3,600 calories per person per day and has not changed much from 1909 when it was 3,500 calories per person per day. These calories come from milk (14%), meat (28%), eggs and legumes (5%), grain products (26%), fruits and vegetables (14%) and fats, sweets and beverages (13%). Unfortunately, people's activities have changed a lot since 1909 when cars, televisions and computers were not available. In 1909, people were more active in their jobs (physical laborers or farmers) and in their leisure activities (walking, biking or riding a horse). What also has changed is where we get our calories. Back in 1909 we ate mostly (57%) carbohydrates (starches) and less fat (32%). In 1985 we were eating mostly fats (43%) and less carbohydrates (46%). That trend has reversed by 1994 and we are eating more carbohydrates (51%) and less fat (33%). However, we haven't changed our activity habits and still spend too much time sitting in front of the television and computers. We can't continue to eat as if we were a farmer working the soil using a horse and plow. Food eaten can also be counted as food consumed at home and away from home as calories. The government periodically surveys Americans to find out what they are eating and the latest results (1994) are 2,095 calories per day with 50% carbohydrates, 34% fat (12% saturated fats), 15% protein and 2% alcohol.

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19y ago

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