Making the Exchange

Another way to plan your child's meals is to use exchanges. This system divides types of foods into six exchange lists. The lists are very much like the groups used in the food pyramid: starch/bread, meat and meat substitutes, vegetables, fruit, milk, and fat. You can "exchange" any food on the list for any other food on the same list. You get started by talking to your child's dietitian, who will help you come up with a meal plan that works for your child. Then, say your child's meal plan allows her two bread choices at breakfast. Using the exchange lists, you can decide if your child will have a bowl of Cheerios, a bagel, or an English muffin.

To make exchanges work, pay attention to how much of a certain food equals one exchange. Look at our breakfast choices above. Two breads equal a cup and a half of Cheerios. What if your child would rather have oatmeal? Two breads equal one cup of oatmeal and she can eat two pieces of toast but only one whole bagel.

Like anything new, the exchange system takes some time to learn. However, it has helped many people with diabetes stick to their healthy eating plan. You and your child can learn exchanges and get exchange lists from your child's doctor or dietitian.

Eating by the Clock

For people with diabetes, eating on time is just as important to waking up on time. Why? Insulin. Insulin has peaks, times when it works the hardest. Your child's meals and snacks are planned around those peaks.Your child takes a shot of rapid-acting insulin, 15-30 minutes later, that insulin kicks in and works hard. She needs to have food in your body for the insulin to work on.