List of portions of foods in which energy, fat, carbohydrate, and/or protein content are equivalent, so simplifying meal and diet planning for people with special needs.
A grouping of foods to assist people on special diets. In each group, foods are listed in serving sizes that are interchangeable with respect to carbohydrates, fats, protein, and calories. The groups are starches and bread; meat; vegetables and fruit; milk; and fats. This approach is esp. useful in managing diets for diabetics. The exchange list concept has also been adapted for use in the My Pyramid eating plan.