1800 Calorie Diabetic Exchange Diet

The 1,800-calorie diabetic exchange diet is one of the healthiest and most nutritious choices. It affords the means to control blood sugar and prevent diabetic complications. The calorie breakdown represents about 30 percent fat, 50 percent carbohydrate and 20 percent protein. The flexibility of this diet helps satisfy hunger.

Goals and Outcomes

Glycemic (blood sugar) control is best achieved by limiting the carbohydrate intake and eating smaller, more frequent meals. The American Diabetes Association also recommends eating a larger lunch and smaller breakfast and dinner.

By satisfying hunger and controlling the glycemic levels, weight control is also achieved. Some may need to lower their intake to 1,500 calories to achieve weight loss, but most endocrinologists and nutritionists recommend the 1,800-calorie diabetic exchange diet to achieve and maintain optimum weight control in diabetics.

The Basics

Carbohydrates break down into sugar. To maintain glycemic control, the diabetic must count carbohydrates and spread them out over the entire day. Proteins and fats also affect the blood sugar, but not as readily. Carbs are counted in grams or exchanges. One exchange equals 15 g of carbohydrate.

In the 1,800-calorie diabetic exchange diet, about 50 percent of the calories come from carbs or about 900 calories. Each gram of carbs equals 4 calories, so one exchange (15 g) equals 60 calories.

High-fiber complex carbohydrates are the best choices. Choose whole-grain bread over white bread. Brown rice is preferred over white rice.

Carbohydrates come from three major food groups: starches, milk/dairy, and fruits. Vegetables contain some carbs, but fats and meat contain very little carbs. It is not necessary to count the carbs in vegetables unless you are eating two or more servings at a meal.

Exchanges

The healthiest choices for this diet include five breads/starches, four vegetables, two fruits, six fats, four milk/dairy, eight servings of meat and three free items per day.

One bread/starch exchange equals 1/2 cup plain oatmeal, 1 1/4 cups rolled oat cereal, 3/4 cup flake cereal, 1/3 cup pasta, 1/2 English muffin, one slice whole wheat bread, 1/2 cup rice, grits, or corn, or one 6-inch tortilla.

One vegetable exchange equals 1/2 cup of string beans, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, spinach or cabbage or one cup of lettuce or cucumber.

A fruit exchange equals 10 grapes, 1/2 cup orange or apple juice, 1/3 cup grape, grapefruit or cranberry juice, or a choice of one apple, orange, banana or pear.

One fat exchange equals 1 oz. butter, or 1 tbsp. olive oil, corn oil, mayonnaise, or French, ranch, thousand island or Italian salad dressings.

Meat exchanges equal one egg, or 1 oz. lean baked chicken, fish, ham, turkey, tuna, ground beef, spare ribs, bologna, ground turkey or pork.

Milk/dairy exchanges equal 8 oz. milk, or 1/2 cup sherbet, low-fat ice cream, cottage cheese or sugar-free pudding. One oz. American, feta, brie, ricotta, or Swiss cheese makes up a milk/dairy exchange.

Free foods include: diet soda, broth or bullion, sugar-free Jello, 2 tsp. sugar-free syrup, coffee or tea, sugar-free candy or gum.