Final answer:
On a 2000-calorie diet, one might consume roughly 1.5 cups of dairy, keeping in mind the balance of other nutrients and the role of exercise. Exercise impacts energy balance but is not the sole element of weight management; overall diet and metabolic rate are also crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of cups of dairy one should consume on a 2000-calorie diet depends on the percentage of calories allocated to dairy and eggs. Nutrition guidelines suggest a balanced diet with a variety of food sources. In the context of a 2000-calorie diet, it's recommended to vary your sources of calories, not solely relying on dairy products.
One serving of dairy, such as 1/2 cup of whole milk, contains approximately 150 calories. If we consider that a single serving is 1/2 cup, then approximately three servings or 1.5 cups would be an estimated amount for a balanced diet from the dairy group, although specific recommendations can vary based on individual dietary needs and guidelines such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
It's worth noting that focusing solely on caloric intake from dairy is not sufficient for weight loss or health. It is imperative to consider the overall balance of the diet and incorporate physical activity. For example, while a cup of yogurt might contain about 325 kcal, regular exercise can significantly boost energy expenditure and support weight management.
However, exercise alone may not always be sufficient for weight loss because protracted dieting can reduce metabolic rate, while regular exercise can increase it, impacting energy balance.