In an exchange diet, foods that are similar are grouped together.
Serving sizes are well defined so that each will have the same
amount of carbohydrate, fat, and protein as any other. Foods can
be "exchanged" or traded with others in a category while
still meeting the desired overall goals. Exchanges can be applied
to most any eating situation and may make it easier to follow
a prescribed diet. For example, if a nutrition plan calls for
one starch exchange, a person could choose a half-cup of cooked
pasta, or one slice of bread, or a small (3 oz) baked potato.
Originally developed to help people with diabetes and other chronic
illnesses, the diabetic exchange diet system used in the Personal
Diet Plan has been modified to be used for weight loss/management
and our healthy diet system. This system is based on a completely
balanced diet. It is both sensible and designed to fit your lifestyle
and eating preferences so it many find it quite easy to follow
for long periods of time because it is so flexible.
The exchange system allows you to easily monitor what and how
much you eat so that you get the right balance of foods whether
you want to lose weight or simply eat well to optimize your health.
Rather than counting calories, portion sizes and the types of
foods to choose are planned so that protein, fat, and carbohydrate
calories stay in proper balance. This is a flexible system that
anyone can use whether they have diabetes or not, making it much
easier to plan and prepare meals for other household members.
Your healthy diet plan doesn't require special foods or supplements
- eat like anyone else who wants to eat well!
