exchange list

ex·change list

(ĕks-chānj' list) A system in which commonly consumed foods are sorted into categories roughly according to their proportions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Originally developed for people with diabetes, it is now commonly used for general meal planning.

exchange list

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 (website: www.mypyramid.gov).