Tag: Food exchange

Developed in 1950 by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), the food exchange list is a system designed to help people, especially those with diabetes, create balanced meal plans. It provides a simple, structured way to manage carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake by grouping foods with similar nutritional content.

A 15-gram serving of carbohydrates is a common benchmark in nutrition, especially for managing blood sugar. However, the number of cups that equals 15 grams of carbs varies widely depending on the food's density, fiber, and water content. This guide provides a clear breakdown to help you understand common portion sizes for effective meal planning.

According to diabetes exchange lists, a standard one-ounce slice of bread is considered one starch or carbohydrate serving. However, the nutritional reality of what is one slice of bread equivalent to goes far deeper than a simple carbohydrate count. Different types of bread and various food items can be exchanged based on their macronutrient and calorie profiles.