Then and Now: Caloric Intake

Then

Working as hard as they did, and in the extreme cold, the men of the Corps of Discovery consumed approximately six thousand calories a day. Seven to nine pounds of buffalo meat per person, per day, was average. Because their diet contained very little fat, even with these caloric loads, the men were often hungry.

Now

For the average person today, the recommended daily consumption is 1,600 to 2,800 calories. A maximum of 20% of calories from protein sources is recommended – an average of 9 oz of meat per day per person – compared to the 9 lbs of meat consumed each day by members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition..

Even the most elite athletes in training today seldom consume more than 5,000 calories a day.

Seven to nine pounds of buffalo meat per person, per day, was average.

© 2004 Prairie Public Television