Chapter 4 Nutrition Guidelines
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food exchange from this group has
15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams
of protein, 0 to 1 grams fat, and a
total of 80 calories.
• The fruits list includes fruits in all
forms, such as fresh, dried, canned,
frozen, and juice. One fruit exchange
has 15 grams of carbohydrates and
60 calories.
• The milk list includes milk and milk
products that are further divided
based on fat content—fat free,
reduced fat, or whole fat. One fat-
free milk exchange has 12 grams of
carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein,
0 to 3 grams fat, and 90 calories.
• The vegetable (nonstarchy) list includes
vegetables such as cooked green
beans, salad greens, and vegetable
juices. One vegetable exchange
contains 5 grams of carbohydrates,
2 grams of protein, and 25 calories.
• The meat and meat substitutes list
groups these exchanges based on fat
content—very lean, lean, medium-fat,
and high-fat. One very lean meat
exchange has 7 grams of protein,
0 to 1 grams fat, and 35 calories
per ounce. As the fat content of the
meat exchange increases, the caloric
content increases. Many of the meat
substitute exchanges also contain
carbohydrates.
• The fats list includes foods such
as oil, butter, salad dressing, and
mayonnaise. Most items in the fat
exchange list contain 5 grams of fat
and 45 calories.
Next, you must become familiar
with the common exchange sizes for
basic types of foods within each list.
For example, breads are found in the
starch list and their exchange size is
typically one slice. Starchy vegetables
such as corn and green peas are also
found in the starch list. One exchange
of starchy vegetables is usually one-half
cup. Foods within an exchange list can
be substituted for each other because
the nutrient and caloric content of the
foods on the list are about the same.
When planning a meal that includes
two starch exchanges, you could serve
two slices of bread, one slice of bread
and one-half cup of corn, or one cup of
corn. You may substitute a small apple
(one fruit exchange) for a small orange
(one fruit exchange) because they are
both about 60 calories with 15 grams
of carbohydrates. However, you could
not substitute a small banana (one fruit
exchange) for a half-cup of green beans
(one vegetable exchange) because these
foods are in different groups.
To successfully use the Exchange
Lists for Meal Planning, you must fi rst
know what your particular dietary
Dietetic Technician
Dietetic technicians assist dietitians in evaluating,
organizing, and conducting nutrition services and
programs for schools, hospitals, and industry. Under
the supervision of dietitians, they gather and evaluate
diet histories, assist in planning patient meals, conduct
foodservice operations, and maintain records.
Education: Students wanting to become dietetic
technicians should graduate from high school with a
well-rounded program. High school business courses
may prove helpful. Dietetic technicians must complete
a two-year associate’s degree program that is accepted
by the American Dietetic Association. They must then
meet other state requirements.
Job Outlook: Employment opportunities for
dietetic technicians are expected to grow about as
fast as the average. This is largely due to the emphasis
that the medical community is placing on disease
prevention through improved dietary habits. The
growing aging population will also increase demand
for dietetic technicians because they will need
balanced meals and nutritional counseling.