Discretionary Calories

In MyPyramid, discretionary calories are those not used by the healthy choices outlined in each food group. They can be used to eat more foods from any food group, eat higher-calorie choices that contain solid fats or added sugars, or choose drinks with high-calorie sweeteners or alcohol. It doesn’t take long to rack up discretionary calories! In order to increase your discretionary calorie allowance, bump up your exercise time each day to burn calories and increase lean muscle.

common favorites and their discretionary calorie amounts:
2-inch brownie, 243 calories 10 oz. chips, 152 calories 12 oz. beer, 145 calories 5 oz. red wine, 100 calories 1 glazed donut, 242 calories 2 oz. candy bar, 150 calories 20 oz. soda, 260 calories 20 oz. juice drink, 250 calories 2 medium cookies, 160 calories	How much do I get? Depending on age, gender and activity level, discretionary calories for adults range between 132 and 512 calories per day.
	(see chart on Making MyPyramid Work for You for recommendations)
A word about sodium: Keep sodium intake below 2,300 mg per day (approximately 1 teaspoon of total salt). Choose whole foods that are naturally low in sodium, and keep added salt to a minimum. Read Nutrition Facts labels to keep an eye on added sodium in processed foods.