Health experts recommend that 45 percent - 65 percent1 of your total daily calories come from carbohydrates. If you eat a 2,000-calorie diet, this is about 300 grams of carbohydrates per day. An ounce of cereal or a slice of bread contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates.

The average person really doesn't need to count carbohydrates. Simply follow MyPyramid2 recommendations to ensure you're getting the right kind and amounts of carbohydrates.

Here's the MyPyramid pattern for someone who eats 2,000 calories per day:

• Fruits: 2 cups
• Vegetables: 2.5 cups
• Grains: 6 ounces
• Meat & Beans: 5.5 ounces
• Milk: 3 cups

It's important to consider your total eating pattern and make choices based on the nutrient content of foods. Follow MyPyramid and enjoy a variety of foods from each of the food groups.

References:
1. Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Sciences, Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Fat, Protein and Amino Acids. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC 2002.
2. "Steps to A Healthier You," MyPyramid, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2005.