4 Ways to Use a Diabetic Exchange Chart

1. Read Before You Exchange

The Diabetic Food Exchange Chart is a list of foods that can be exchanged within a food group to create meals that are helpful and safe for a diabetic diet. For example, the American Dietetic Association/American Diabetes Association exchange list consists of three different criteria for which foods should be equal: carbohydrate, protein and fat. Within each category is a listing of sample foods that can be exchanged for the equivalent caloric, protein and fat contents. These foods are broken up into six major categories: Starch, Meat, Vegetables, Fruit, Milk and Fat. For each food, the list notes the recommended serving size for equal exchange of foods, such as a serving of bread (1 slice) or dry cereal (3/4 cup). Typically, Diabetic Food Exchange Charts also provide serving sizes in US units and metric systems, as well as the caloric content for exchanged foods.

2. Create Your Meals

The first step in understanding the Diabetic Food Exchange Chart is to study the food groups and exchanges as a whole. An ideal diabetic meal or snack would consist of the categories carbohydrate, protein (meat) and fat. For example, any carbohydrate source can be chosen for a diabetic meal, but another option can be chosen for equal value at your next meal. By using the Diabetic Food Exchange Chart, beginner diabetic eaters are able to divide their meals between healthful food groups, without extreme amounts of weighing, measuring, or counting. In the beginning, however, it is important to measure portion sizes according to those suggested on the chart, such as a cup of squash or 1/4 cup of canned fruit.

3. Be Wary of Choices

It is important to make the best choices possible within each category on the Diabetic Food Exchange Chart. Diabetic patients have to keep their weight at a healthy moderate level and eat a well-rounded diet at all times. In this sense, choose richly colored fruits and vegetables first and foremost from the carbohydrates exchange list. Patients should also try to choose lean, light meats from the protein list (versus dark, fatty varieties) and low-fat or skim dairy products (instead of whole milk). As with any diabetic diet, sweets and sugary foods are to be used sparingly, in diligent moderation.

Another aspect of the Diabetic Exchange Chart are "free foods," which are any foods below 20 calories, like sugar-free gelatin, low-calorie sauces and diet sodas. Enjoy up to three servings of free foods per day, without having to add them into the total tally of daily dietary exchanges.

4. Exchange Means Variety

The variety of foods that can be exchanged within each food group in a Diabetic Exchange Chart is a huge benefit. If choosing from the list of fruits you could chose 4 dried apricot rings, 1 small apple or 3 medium dates for equal value in your meal. Introducing variety into your diet prevents boredom or weight gain. Diabetics can exchange and change foods while maintaining a flexible lifestyle and overall desired calorie and nutrient intake for the day.