The diabetes exchange diet is a structured meal planning tool designed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. It can help people with diabetes control both calorie and carbohydrate intake to promote a healthy weight and blood sugar control. The 1,500-calorie diabetic exchange diet is ideal for active women trying to maintain weight. Consult with a physician before making any changes to the diet.
Starches
People following the 1,500-calorie diabetic exchange diet are allowed eight servings from the starch group a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. On the exchange diet, people can exchange items within a group because each serving provides the same calories and carbohydrates. A serving is equal to one slice of bread, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cold cereal, 1/2 cup of hot cereal, 1/2 cup of peas or corn, five crackers and two rice cakes. Whole-grain starches are recommended for the added fiber. Fiber in food helps to control hunger and blood sugar, according to MayoClinic.com.
Fruits
People can have three servings of fruit on the 1,500-calorie diabetic exchange diet. A serving of fruit is equal to a small apple, four apricots, a very small banana, one cup of cut-up cantaloupe, a small nectarine, a medium peach, 2 tbsp. of raisins, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/3 cup of prune juice. As a diabetic, it is better to eat the fruit than drink the juice because the fiber in the whole fruit helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Milk
Two servings of milk are allowed on the 1,500-calorie diabetic exchange diet. A serving of milk is equal to 1 cup of milk or 1 cup of yogurt. To save on calories, people following the low-calorie diet should choose skim milk and fat free, sugar free yogurt.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
People following the 1,500-calorie diabetic exchange diet can have five servings of meat and meat substitutes a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A serving is equal to 1 oz. of meat, 1 oz. of poultry, 1 oz. of fish, 1 oz. of cheese and 1 egg. Lean meats are recommended to decrease saturated fat intake and save on overall calories, according to MayoClinic.com
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Three servings of non-starchy vegetables are allowed on the 1,500-calorie diabetic exchange diet. A serving is equal to 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw, according to MayoClinic.com. A non-starchy vegetable includes broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, leafy greens, eggplant, spinach, Brussels sprouts and cucumbers.
Fats
Fat intake is limited to three servings a day on the 1,500-calorie diet. A serving is equal to 1 tsp. of butter, oil, margarine and mayonnaise, six almonds, 1 1/2 tsp. of nut butter, 1 tbsp. of regular salad dressing, 1 slice of bacon and 1 tbsp. of cream cheese. To reduce the risk of heart disease, MayoClinic.com suggests limiting the intake of saturated fats such as butter, bacon and cream cheese.
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