What is a list of food exchange?
Food Exchange list is a system of determining the daily food plan based on units or exchanges of different types of food. The nutrient content in each item on the food exchange list is calculated according to the size of the portion, so the items in the same category have approximately the same nutritional value. One size portion of food in the category can be replaced for one size of a portion of any other food in the same category, and therefore the portion is called exchange. The Guide to the Food Guide of the United States Agriculture (now mypyramide) is an exchange system. Many countries in the European Union also recommend food -based food pyramids. Replaceable systems can be modified for different calorie levels, usually between 1200 and 2000 calories, so they can easily adapt to different diet.
In the typical list of diabetic exchange, the categories of substitutes of meat and meat, starches, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and fat. Another diet may have different category names and may include different items such ascategory for foods that should be eaten sparingly or rarely. Some meals could fall into more than one category or be in a different category in one list of food exchange than in another. For example, beans are in some programs replacement of proteins or meat, but are in a separate category for beans and legumes in other programs. The cheese is classified as a meat replacement in the Diabetic Food Exchange list, but as an exchange of milk in other plans.
meat exchanges can be meat, poultry or fish, usually in the size of the portion of one ounce. They could also include protein sources such as beans or peanut butter. In the diabetic replacement system, the meat is further broken by the amount of fat it has, with higher fat sources consumed less frequently.
carbohydrate or starch changes usually include grains, bread, cereals and starch vegetables like potatoes. On some exchange lists, carbohydrates can be divided into more than one category. Grains, cereals and pasta areu often combined in one category of exchange that may or may not include bread.
The size of a portion for changing vegetables is usually about 0.5 cup (125 ml) for cooked or 1 cup (250 ml) for raw vegetables. Fruit exchange is often less than what most people in the United States consider to be the size of a portion: for example, half of the middle banana is acting. Most plans require a generous number of fruits and vegetables because they tend to have a low calorie content.
Exchange Systems are flexible and easy to watch for most people. The key to monitoring the exchange system is to observe portions and not exceed the recommended number of stock exchanges. Anyone can monitor the exchange system, but diabetics should consult with a dietitian, preferably with who specializes in diabetes to find the best list of food exchange for their needs.