WHAT IS CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING?
Carbohydrate counting is a way for you to keep track of the amount of sugar, known as carbohydrates, that you eat. Because you have diabetes, it is important to learn about carbohydrates found in food. Keeping track of your carbohydrate intake will help you control your blood sugar levels.
WHAT IS A CARBOHYDRATE?
A carbohydrate is a food that is turned into sugar (glucose) when you digest it. Any carbohydrate food will raise your blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates raise sugar more slowly (it takes your body longer to digest and absorb these) while simple carbohydrates or sugars can raise your sugar level more quickly.
WHERE ARE CARBOHYDRATES FOUND?
Carbohydrates are naturally found in many different foods.
CARBOHYDRATE | NOT A CARBOHYDRATE | ||||
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Some carbohydrate foods may be used less often in your diet due to high potassium, sodium, or phosphorus content. Your dietitian will help you know which foods are best for you.
WHAT IS A SERVING SIZE OF CARBOHYDRATE?
A serving size of carbohydrate is the amount of food that will give you about 15 grams, or one serving, of carbohydrate. Serving sizes to reach 15 grams of carbohydrate vary between foods.
The following foods are examples of one carbohydrate choice:
1 slice of bread | ½ cup of pasta |
1 Fruit = 1 Milk = 1 Starch = 1 Low Calorie Dessert
CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING AND MEAL PLANNING
Important things to remember when carbohydrate counting:
- Eat at about the same time every day to keep blood sugars even.
- Eat the same amounts of carbohydrate at each meal and snack.
- Eat a meal or snack every 3-4 hours to keep blood sugars even.
- Do not skip meals.
The amount of carbohydrate you need will depend on your weight and activity level. In general, 3 to 6 servings of carbohydrates are recommended at meals and 1 to 3 servings are recommended at each snack. Your dietitian will help you know how many servings are best for you.
You can check food labels for the grams of carbohydrates and convert the grams into servings. For example:
- 15 grams = 1 serving
- 30 grams = 2 servings
- 45 grams = 3 servings
ASK YOUR DIETITIAN TO HELP WITH YOUR CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING PLAN.
Breakfast:___________________# of Carbohydrate Servings
Morning Snack:__________________# of Carbohydrate Servings
Lunch:_________________# of Carbohydrate Servings
PM Snack:_________________# of Carbohydrate Servings
Dinner:__________________# of Carbohydrate Servings
Bedtime Snack:_________________# of Carbohydrate Servings
Sample Meal Plan
Meals = 5 Carbohydrates, Snacks = 2 Carbohydrates
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| Carbohydrate/Choices |
Breakfast | ½ grapefruit | 1 |
| 1 ½ cups cold cereal | 2 |
| 1 slice of toast | 1 |
| ½ cup nondairy creamer | 1 |
| 6 oz tea or coffee | 0 |
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Snack | 1 small bagel | 2 |
| 2 tablespoons of cream cheese | 0 |
| 4 oz water | 0 |
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Lunch | Sandwich with 2 slices bread, 2 oz meat, 2 tsp mayonnaise | 2 |
| 1 cup grapes | 1 |
| ½ cup macaroni salad | 1 |
| 1 medium sugar cookie | 1 |
| 8 oz water or diet non cola | 0 |
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Snack | 1 ½ cups pretzels | 2 |
| 4 oz water | 0 |
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Dinner | 4 oz steak | 0 |
| ½ cup mashed potatoes with margarine | 1 |
| ½ cup corn | 1 |
| 1 cup fresh fruit | 1 |
| salad(lettuce, carrot, red peppers) with dressing | 0 |
| 1 dinner roll | 1 |
| 1 medium cookie | 1 |
| 8 oz ice tea or diet soda | 0 |
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Snack | 6 low salt crackers | 1 |
| 2 oz tuna with 2 tsp. mayonnaise | 0 |
| 1 apple | 1 |
| 4 oz water | 0 |
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Total Carbohydrate Choices | 21 | |
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