The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association developed the diabetic exchange diet to help manage weight and blood sugar for the diabetic. The diet divides foods into groups based on similarities in calorie and carbohydrate contents. Food items within each group can be exchanged for one another. The 1,800-calorie diabetic diet is appropriate for active women and men with diabetes. Consult with a physician before starting a diet plan.
Starches
Starches are a major source of carbohydrate in the diet. People with diabetes need to control the amount of starch in their diets to help control blood sugar. People following the 1,800-calorie diabetic exchange diet are allowed 10 starch exchanges a day. A starch exchange is equal to 1 oz. bagel; half an English muffin; one slice of bread; 3/4 cup of cold cereal; half a cup of peas or corn; half a cup of sweet or white potato; five crackers; and 1/3 cup of rice or pasta.
Fruits
Fruits are also a source of carbohydrates in the diet. Diabetics following the 1,800-calorie diabetic exchange diet can have three fruit exchanges a day. A fruit exchange is equal to 1 small apple or orange; 4 oz. banana; 12 cherries; 17 grapes; half a cup of unsweetened canned fruit; 2 tbsp. of dried fruit; 1 cup of melon; or 1/2 cup of orange juice. The Mayo Clinic website recommends people with diabetes choose the whole fruit over the juice because the added fiber in the fruit helps to control hunger and prevents blood sugar spikes.
Milk and Yogurt
Low-fat and fat-free milk and yogurts are recommended for the diabetic to limit their intake of saturated fat, and the risk of heart disease. Two milk and yogurt exchanges are recommended a day on the 1,800-calorie diabetic exchange diet. An exchange is equal to one cup of milk and 6 oz. of plain or diet yogurt.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meats are also a source of saturated fat in the diet. Lean meat choices are recommended to limit both fat and calorie intake. Seven meat exchanges are allowed on the 1,800-calorie diabetic diet. A meat exchange is equal to 1 oz. of beef, pork, poultry or fish; 1/4 cup of cottage cheese or egg substitute; and two egg whites.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables are low in calorie and high in nutrition and are an important part of the diet for diabetes, says Mayo Clinic. People following the 1,800-calorie diabetic diet can have three vegetable exchanges a day. An exchange is equal to 1 cup of raw or a half cup of cooked vegetable. Non-starchy vegetables include artichokes, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, green beans, eggplant and spinach.
Fats
People following the 1,800-calorie diabetic diet can have three fat exchanges a day. Unsaturated fats, such as those found in oils and nuts, are better choices for heart health, according to Mayo Clinic. A fat exchange is equal to 1 tsp. of margarine, butter, oil or mayonnaise; 10 peanuts; 6 cashews; 1 tbsp. of low-fat mayonnaise; 2 tbsp. of low-fat salad dressing; or one bacon strip.
