Why should I pay attention to serving sizes for carbohydrate foods?
The amount of carbohydrate you eat can make a big difference in your blood glucose. If you eat more carbohydrate than usual at a meal, your blood glucose level is likely to be higher than usual several hours afterward. The list below shows the size of one serving for each food. One carbohydrate serving equals 15 grams of carbohydrate. You can check serving sizes with measuring cups and spoons or a food scale, or by using the Nutrition Facts section on the package. Serving sizes for some carbohydrate foods (approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate) • Apple: 1 small (4 ounces) • Milk: 1 cup • Bagel: 1/4 large (1 ounce) • Orange juice: 1/2 cup • Banana: 1 small (4 ounces) • Pasta (cooked): 1/3 cup • Biscuit: 1 • Peach: 1 medium (4 ounces) • Bread: 1 slice • Peas: 1/2 cup • Cake (unfrosted): 2-inch square • Pinto beans or kidney beans: 1/2 cup • Cereal (ready-to-eat): 3/4 cup • Popcorn: 3 cups popped • Cereal (cooked): 1/2 cup • Potato, mashed: 1/2 cup • Cookies: 2 small (about 2/3 ounce) •
