| Time | Exchange pattern | Sample menu | Carbohydrate count (g) |
| 8 AM | 3 carbohydrate group | ||
| 2 starch | 1 English muffin | 30 | |
| 1 fruit | 1 1/4 c strawberries | 15 | |
| 1 protein group | 1/4 c cottage cheese | – | |
| 1 fat group | 1 tsp margarine | – | |
| Total: 45 | |||
| 12 PM | 4 carbohydrate group | ||
| 2 starch | 2 slices of bread | 30 | |
| 1 fruit | 1 orange | 15 | |
| 1 vegetable | 1 c salad | – | |
| 1 milk | 8 oz skim milk | 12 | |
| 3 protein group | 3 oz chicken | – | |
| 1 fat group | 1 tbsp low fat mayo | – | |
| Total: 57 | |||
| 3 PM | 1 carbohydrate group | ||
| 1 fruit or 1 starch | 1 apple or 6 crackers | 15 | |
| Total: 15 | |||
| 6 PM | 4 carbohydrate group | ||
| 2 starch | 1 c potato | 30 | |
| 1 fruit | 1/2 c fruit salad | 15 | |
| 1 vegetable | 1 c salad | – | |
| 1 milk | 8 oz skim milk | 12 | |
| 6 protein group | 6 oz fish | – | |
| 1 fat group | 2 tbsp low fat salad dressing | – | |
| Total: 57 | |||
| 9 PM | 1 carbohydrate group | ||
| 1 starch | 6 crackers | 15 | |
| 1 protein | 2 tbsp peanut butter | – | |
| Total: 15 | |||
