How many calories does the average American need to consume each day? A national survey sponsored by the International Food Information Council Foundation found almost 90 percent of the respondents didn't know the answer to this question.

Nearly everyone knows they must reduce calories to lose weight, but what does that mean to you? What number are you reducing from? Many Americans are consuming 3,000 or more calories per day. It's suggested the average American should consume between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day.

What's the best way to spread these calories throughout your daily meal routine? Simply by having 6 small meals a day averaging 300 to 400 calories each.

Click to see nine fast & easy 400-calorie lunches!