Food Exchange????

[williamridgeway]

Can anyone help me understand food exchanges? They are listed on the sides of cereal boxes and most foods. Some look like this "food exchange:1 1/2 starch."I have tried checking the web but cant find a thing. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks

[foxl]

Personally I feel like exchanges are just one MORE layer of complexity. I do not use them.

ADA pretty much switched to "carb counts" a while back, anyhow -- 15g per count. I just count grams instead. ADA thought they were helping by setting up their systems ... but.

[kmac]

I don't use this system myself but have used something similar (many years ago weght watchers type plans) as a weight loss diet. Here is a good explanation of how the system works and what the exchanges consist of. It helps with meal planning by giving a certain quantity of food as equal to an "exchange" and then allowing a set number of exchanges in each food group at each meal. Some people probably find it very helpful--I know I used it for years in the 1070's. Now I just count carbs--this simpler the better for me now.

http://www.dietsite.com/dt/diets/diabetes/exchange_system.asp

I think posting this link is ok with the rules of the forum as I understand but if the link is remeoved just google diabetic exchange system and you will find many websites featuring this.

[mho357]

I agree - the counting carbs is easier and makes more sense to me.

Mark

[Subby]

Yes, it's just added complexity in my opinion - and, if you are on insulin and wanting to dose to your carbs, will add to innacuracy. It's not like I:C ratios for doasaging always work to the gram, but if you are adding up an exchange here with an exchange there - something rounded off with another thing rounded off - the discrepancy with actual carb content, can get pretty big.