Asthma/COPDExchanges
An exchange is similar to a serving size. However, exchanges have approximately equal amounts of carbohydrate, calories, protein or fat when compared. Eating plans that use this method are designed to recommend a number of exchanges from each category (carbohydrate, protein, fat) at each meal or snack, based on an individual's specific needs. An example meal plan may be 3 exchanges of carbohydrates, 2 exchanges of protein and 1 exchange of fat for breakfast. In this example, you can choose any 3 carbohydrates you like. Here is an example of a fruit exchange list:
1 fruit exhange = 15 grams of carbohydrate = 60 calories
| Fruits | 1 Exchange |
|---|---|
| Apple | 1 small |
| Banana | 3 inches |
| Blueberries | 3/4 cup |
| Melon, cubed | 1 cup |
| Peaches | 1/2 cup |
| Raisins | 2 tablespoons |
The fruits in these amounts are all equal and can be exchanged to meet a meal plan recommendation.
1 apple = 3 inches of banana
Meal Planning using Exchanges
When using exchanges to manage your blood sugar, choose 3-4 carbohydrate exchanges per meal or 1-2 carbohydrate exchanges per snack. Use exchanges to help you eat a variety of carbohydrates throughout the day!
Below is an example of an exchange list, followed by examples of 3 meals that use carbohydrate exchanges.
Carbohydrates |
Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Bread, standard slice | 1 slice |
| Rice or Pasta | 1/3 cup |
| Pinto Beans | 1/2 cup |
| Corn or Peas | 1/2 cup |
| Potato | 1/2 cup |
| Peaches | 1/2 cup |
| Cantalope, cubed | 1 cup |
| Milk, lowfat | 1 cup |
| Jelly | 1 tablespoon |
Breakfast: 3 carbohydrate exchanges
2 slices toast: 2 carbohydrate exchanges
1 tablespoon jelly: 1 carbohydrate exchange
1 egg: 1 meat exchange
Water
Lunch: 3 carbohydrate exchanges
1 cup pasta: 3 carbohydrate exchanges
2 tablespoons Alfredo sauce: 2 fat exchanges
2 ounces boiled chicken: 2 meat exchanges
1 tossed salad + light ranch dressing: 1 non-starchy vegetable exchange
Water
Dinner: 3 carbohydrate exchanges
1 cup green peas: 2 carbohydrate exchanges
½ cup peaches : 1 carbohydrate exchange
3 ounces pork loin: 3 meat exchanges
½ cup broccoli: 1 non-starchy vegetable exchange
Water 
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