Daily Food Requirement

The United States Department of Agriculture, also known as USDA, issues regular recommendations for food requirements based on the latest in research and nutritional studies. Every five years the USDA publishes a report titled "Dietary Guidelines for Americans." the latest edition came out in 2005. It highlights all the federal nutritional policies and recommendations regarding healthy eating and physical activity. The publication is intended to provide people with advice on good dietary practices and nutritional requirements.

Grains

The USDA recommends that all healthy adults and children consume grains with every meal. It makes specific recommendations based on age, sex and level of physical activity. The 2005 guidelines recommend that an adult male aged 19 to 30, needs eight ounce-equivalents per day of grains. One ounce-equivalent from the grains group would be one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice, cooked pasta or cooked cereal, or 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal. The USDA recommends that a women belonging to the same age group consume six ounce-equivalent. At least half of the grains intake should come from whole-grain sources such as whole wheat flour, bulgur, oatmeal, whole cornmeal and brown rice. These recommendations are aimed at increasing the intake of dietary fiber and other important nutrients, such as magnesium, selenium, folate, thiamin, riboflavin and other B vitamins.

Vegetables

An adult male needs 3 cups of vegetables; the adult female requires 2 1/2 cups. The USDA also provides specific weekly recommendation intakes for the vegetable subgroups: dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, starchy vegetables and other vegetables. One cup refers to chopped, loosely packed vegetables but with leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and parsley, 2 cups is needed instead. Vegetables are low in fat and calories and supply the body with much-needed vitamins and antioxidants.

Meats and Beans

This group comprises all meats, fish, legumes, eggs and nuts. The USDA recommends varying sources of protein and including fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The adult female needs five ounce-equivalents, while the adult male needs six. One ounce-equivalent of protein translates to 1 oz. of fish or meat or one egg.