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Photo: Diana Chistruga

a photo of various type of vegetables and their serving sizes

According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 10% of Americans eat the recommended dailyservings of vegetables. This means many of us are missing out on the nutrients that vegetables deliver, especially potassium andfiber.

How many servings should you be eating? It depends on your calorie needs, age and gender. Generally, an adult should aim for 2½-4 cups of vegetables a day, according to theUSDA’s MyPlate. A good rule is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, which is also good news for your waistline, as vegetables are low in calories.

The most brightly colored produce is often the most nutrient-rich, so it’s important to eat a wide variety of colorful vegetables—particularly dark green, red and orange vegetables. To make sure you’re getting enough, check out these examples of what counts as a serving of vegetables. All calorie counts are for plain vegetables, with no added butter, dressing or other ingredients.

Michela Buttignol

a graphic showing various vegetable serving sizes

Serving Sizes of Common Vegetables

Here are a few examples of vegetables you’re likely to eat on a regular basis. All serving sizes are per theUSDA’s MyPlaterecommendations.

Salad Greens and Lettuce

Diana Chistruga

a bowl of various greens in a bowl surrounded by bowls of chopped chery tomatoes, red onions, and avocado

One serving is 2 cupsmesclun greens(about 10 calories), 2 cupsraw spinach(about 14 calories) or 1 cupcooked greens(about 40 calories), per the USDA.

Carrots

a serving size of carrots

Green Beans

a plate depicting a serving of green beans with lemon

One serving is 1 cup of green beans and is about 44 calories, per theUSDA.

Bell Peppers

a photo of chopped bell peppers on a cutting board

One serving of bell peppers is 1 cup chopped, raw or cooked fresh or frozen bell peppers or 1 large bell pepper, and is about 30 calories, per theUSDA.

Potatoes (Sweet and White)

a photo of a serving size of sweet potato on a plate with slices of butter on top

One serving is 1 large baked sweet potato (162 calories) or 1 cup of cooked sliced or mashed sweet potato (180 calories). One serving of potato is 1 medium boiled or baked white potato (145 calories) or 1 cup diced or mashed potato (136 calories).

Tomatoes

a serving size of a tomato on a plate with oil drizzled

One serving is 1 cup chopped or sliced, fresh, canned or cooked tomato (about 43 calories) or 1 large or 2 small fresh whole tomatoes (about 33 calories) or 1 cup grape tomatoes (about 47 calories), per the USDA.

Broccoli

a photo of a serving size of broccoli

One serving is 1 cup of cooked, fresh or frozen broccoli (about 30 calories).

Mixed Vegetables

a photo of a serving of mixed vegetables

One serving is 1 cup of mixed vegetables (118 calories), per theUSDA.

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