Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar. Diet plays a major role in the treatment of diabetes. The exchange diet is a structured meal planning tool developed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. A 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet is best suited for active women of small stature trying to lose weight. Consult with a physician before starting any diet plan.
Starches
The exchange diet divides foods into groups based on similarities in calories, carbohydrate and fat content, explains MayoClinic.com. Foods within a group can be exchanged for one another because each serving provides the same number of calories and carbohydrates. People following a 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet can have five starch exchanges a day. A starch exchange is equal to one slice of bread, 1/2 of an English muffin, 1 oz. of a bagel, five crackers, 1/2 of a hamburger or hot dog roll, 1/2 cup of hot cereal, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cold cereal, 1/2 cup of corn or peas and 1/3 cup of pasta or rice.
Fruits
Fruits provide the body with fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is better for people with diabetes to eat the fruit than drink the juice, says MayoClinic.com, because the fiber found in fruits helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar. People following a 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet can have three fruit exchanges a day. A fruit exchange is equal to 1 small apple, four apricots, one small orange, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 17 grapes, 1 cup of cantaloupe, 1 cup of blueberries, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit and 2 tbsp. of raisins.
Milk and Yogurt
Two milk and yogurt exchanges are allowed on the 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The 1,200-calorie diet is considered a low-calorie diet and it is better to choose low-fat and fat free milk products to limit overall calorie intake. A milk exchange is equal to 1 cup of milk and an 8 oz. container of yogurt.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meat and meat substitutes are a source of protein and fat in the diet. Lean meat choices, such as poultry, fish, pork tenderloin and beef eye of round, provide fewer calories and are better choices on the low-calorie diet. People following the 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet can have four exchanges of meat and meat substitutes a day. An exchange is equal to 1 oz. of meat, poultry or fish; two sardines, 1/4 cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of egg substitute and two egg whites.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
People following a 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet can have two non-starchy vegetable exchanges a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An exchange is equal to 1/2 cup of cooked or 1 cup of raw vegetables. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, onions and eggplant.
Fat
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease and unsaturated fat choices are recommended over saturated fat choices. While following a 1,200-calorie diabetic exchange diet, fat exchanges are limited to three servings a day. Examples of unsaturated fat exchanges include six almonds, 1 tsp. of olive or canola oil, 2 tbsp. of avocado, 1 tsp. of mayonnaise or margarine and 1 tbsp. or oil-based salad dressing. Examples of saturated fat exchanges include 1 tsp. of butter, one strip of bacon, 1 tbsp. of heavy cream and 1 tbsp. of cream cheese.
