It can be hard to figure out just how much to eat when on a diet. Food exchange meal plans can help with this, whether a person is on a diet to lose weight or to control the amount of carbohydrates that he is eating. There are plans for various types of special diets at different calorie levels.
Function
Many diabetics use food exchange meal plans to help them regulate the amount of carbohydrates they are eating and to help them lose any extra weight they are carrying. These meal plans help people to select the right types and amounts of foods without having to spend a lot of time reading labels and counting calories.
Features
Food exchange meal plans tell a person how many items from each of a number of exchange lists she can eat per day or per meal. Lists are available for fruits, vegetables, starches, fats, other carbohydrates, milk, meat and meat substitutes, fast foods, combination foods and free foods. Each list contains foods that are similar in calories, carbohydrates, fats and protein so any food on the list can be exchanged for any other food.
Significance
Diabetics or other people using food exchange meal plans can quickly and easily plan out their meals for the day or the week. Even children can use these plans. A dietitian or health professional can tell a child how many foods from each of the exchange lists to eat at each meal, and then the child can choose the options he prefers. Each day, he should choose different options so that he has variety in his diet while staying within the plan.
Considerations
Sweet treats are listed in the other carbohydrates group, and must count instead of one of the fruit, milk or starch options. Since these foods aren't as healthy, their use should be limited and not indulged in regularly, according to Texas Children's Pediatric Associates.
Expert Insight
Choosing foods with low energy density is best since they will fill a person up with fewer calories, according to the University of Florida. Also, people should include snacks and foods that they enjoy in their food exchange meal plans so they have an easier time sticking with their diet, says the University of Florida.
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