How to Estimate the Carbohydrate Content of Foods

When it comes to carbohydrates, those rich in fiber (otherwise known as complex carbs) are first priority when it comes to our health. But should we worry about the amount of grams of carbohydrates we eat? The answer is: it depends. Focusing on the specific grams of carbs per serving of a food can be super tedious and certainly isn’t for everyone. But for some, factoring in managing carbohydrates into a plan works best for them. For those with a history of diabetes, focusing on carbs is likely already a part of your care plan. 

If focusing on carbohydrates is part of your care plan, learning the amounts of carbohydrates can help you understand what small changes to make in your diet. 

When it comes to understanding how much carbohydrate you eat in a day, the option is to examine total grams or tally up carb choices. But to do either, first it’s important to know: 

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1 serving of carbohydrates = 15 grams

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So, for example, 1 serving of oatmeal (½ cup cooked oatmeal) is equal to 15 grams of carbohydrate. 

But how much should we be eating at any one meal? In general, it’s recommended to have 3-4 servings of carbohydrates at meals, and if snacks are part of your plan, 1 serving of carbohydrates is recommended.

If your care plan includes a modest reduction in carbohydrates, the total servings of carbohydrate per meal might look a bit different than what’s generally recommended. Your Care Team is here to help you understand what your goal should look like!