Efficiency of Eating Grass & Produce to Reach 2000kcal Daily

In summary, there is a common belief that each step in a food chain has a 10% efficiency rate, meaning we only receive 10% of the energy from the lower chain animal/plant. Some argue that humans should eat a purely vegetarian diet, citing this 10% efficiency rate as a reason. However, it is unclear how much grass or plant-based foods one would need to consume in order to meet the recommended 2000kcal daily allowance. This may include a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. A helpful resource for estimating daily consumption is provided in the link provided.
  • #1
Pengwuino
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I've always heard (from professionals as well) that each step in a food change has a roughly 10% efficiency rate. That is, you earn 10% of the energy the lower chain animal/plant earned when it ate/did whatever. Now my question is in regards to what you hear a lot of hippie-types say: Humans should eat off the land and eat grass. They use teh idea of the 10% efficiency as a way to convince you that it should be done. What I'm wondering though is how much grass would you need to eat in one day to fulfill the 2000kcal daily allowance people are adviced to keep? How many vegetables/fruits on average would you need to eat in a day to fulfill that allowance?
 
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  • #2
Pengwuino said:
What I'm wondering though is how much grass would you need to eat in one day to fulfill the 2000kcal daily allowance people are adviced to keep? How many vegetables/fruits on average would you need to eat in a day to fulfill that allowance?
As you've alluded, the term grass is metaphorically taken to mean a vegetarian diet. This may consist of vegetables, fruits, cooked grains, nuts, seeds & legumes. To give you a feel for daily consumption, here is a page with a http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtot18.htm [Broken].
 
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  • #3


The idea of eating off the land and consuming mostly grass and produce as a means of reaching 2000kcal daily allowance is not necessarily efficient or practical. While it is true that the efficiency rate of energy transfer between organisms in a food chain is approximately 10%, this does not mean that humans should solely rely on consuming grass and produce to meet their daily energy needs.

Firstly, grass and produce have relatively low energy densities compared to other food sources such as meat, dairy, and grains. This means that in order to reach 2000kcal, one would need to consume a large volume of grass and produce, which may not be feasible or desirable for most people. Additionally, grass and produce do not provide all the necessary nutrients and macronutrients that humans need for a balanced and healthy diet.

Furthermore, the idea of eating solely off the land and consuming only what is available in the immediate environment is not realistic in our modern society. Many people do not have access to vast grasslands or fertile land to grow a variety of produce. In addition, the amount of land and resources needed to sustain a solely grass and produce based diet for a large population would be unsustainable.

In terms of the specific quantities of grass and produce needed to reach 2000kcal, it would vary greatly depending on the individual's caloric and nutritional needs, as well as the specific types of grass and produce being consumed. It is also important to note that not all grass and produce are edible or safe for human consumption.

In conclusion, while consuming grass and produce can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet, relying solely on these sources to reach 2000kcal daily allowance is not efficient or practical for most individuals. It is important to have a diverse and balanced diet that includes a variety of food sources to meet our nutritional needs.
 

1. How much grass and produce do I need to eat to reach 2000kcal daily?

The amount of grass and produce needed to reach 2000kcal daily varies depending on the individual's age, weight, and level of physical activity. However, on average, an adult would need to consume around 8-10 cups of leafy greens and 2-3 cups of other vegetables, along with a small amount of fruit and grains, to meet their daily calorie needs.

2. Is it more efficient to eat grass or produce to reach 2000kcal daily?

Eating a variety of produce, including leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and grains, is more efficient than solely relying on grass. This is because produce contains a wider range of essential nutrients and a higher calorie density compared to grass.

3. How does the efficiency of eating grass and produce compare to other food sources?

The efficiency of eating grass and produce to reach 2000kcal daily may be lower compared to other food sources, such as meat or dairy products. This is because animal-based foods tend to have a higher calorie density and may require less volume to reach 2000kcal.

4. Can I reach 2000kcal daily by only eating grass and produce?

While it is possible to reach 2000kcal daily by solely consuming grass and produce, it may be challenging and require consuming a large volume of food. It is recommended to have a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups to meet your daily calorie needs and ensure adequate nutrient intake.

5. Are there any factors that may affect the efficiency of eating grass and produce?

Yes, several factors may affect the efficiency of eating grass and produce to reach 2000kcal daily, such as the quality and variety of the produce, individual metabolism, and level of physical activity. It is important to choose nutrient-dense and high-quality produce to optimize efficiency and meet your daily calorie needs.

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