The diabetes exchange diet was developed by the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, in conjunction with the American Dietetic Association. The ADA exchange diet was designed to teach people with diabetes how to make healthy food choices, control portions and manage their blood sugars. The food exchange list divides foods into groups based on similarities in carbohydrate, protein and fat content.
Starches
Based on your calorie needs, you are allowed to eat a certain number of servings from each food group. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine your serving needs. Starch needs can range from five to 13 servings a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Each starch exchange provides 80 calories, 15g of carbohydrate and 3g of protein. Examples include one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of hot cooked cereal, 3/4 cup ready-to-eat cold cereal, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, 1/2 cup of corn or peas, 3 oz. potato, six crackers and two rice cakes. When meal planning, you can exchange items within each group. For example, one slice of bread can be exchanged for two rice cakes.
Fruit
On most exchange diets, fruits are limited to three servings a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, foods can be adjusted based on your preferences as long as your carbohydrate intake remains consistent, according to the American Diabetes Association. Each fruit exchange contains 60 calories and 15g of carbohydrate. Examples include one small apple or orange, 4 oz. banana, 17 grapes, 1 cup of diced melon, a medium peach or nectarine, two plums, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 2 tbsp. of raisins and 1/2 cup of apple or orange juice.
Milk
To limit your risk of heart disease, choose low-fat and nonfat milk products. High intakes of saturated fat can increase your blood cholesterol level. Milk intake is usually limited to two servings a day on the exchange diet. Each serving provides 100 to 150 calories, 12g of carbohydrate, 8g of protein and zero to 8g of fat. Milk serving size exchanges include 1 cup of milk, 6 oz. container of plain or sugar-free yogurt, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1 cup of soy milk and 1/2 cup of eggnog.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Some meat can also be a source of saturated fat. When following the ADA exchange diet, choose lean sources of meat more often, such as skinless poultry, fish and lean red meat. Each meat and meat substitute exchange contains 45 to 100 calories, 7g of protein and zero to 8g of fat. You can have four to eight servings from the meat and meat substitute a day on the ADA exchange diet. Exchange examples include 1 oz. of meat, poultry, fish or cheese, one egg, two egg whites, 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, six oysters, two sardines and 1/2 cup of tofu.
Non-starchy Vegetables
Each serving of non-starchy vegetable contains 25 calories, 5g of carbohydrate and 2g of protein. Non-starchy vegetable exchanges range from two to four servings a day, depending on your calorie needs. An exchange is equal to 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini and spinach.
Fats
Each fat exchange contains 45 calorie and 5g of fat. Fat intake is usually limited to three to five servings a day. Choose more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, vegetable oil and margarine. Exchange serving sizes equal 1 tsp. of margarine, oil, butter or mayonnaise, 1 tbsp. of salad dressing, one slice of bacon and 1-1/2 tsp. of peanut butter.
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