Help & Instructions
Welcome! This calculator is designed to make counting carbohydrates and other nutrients easy for everyone, especially people living with diabetes. Here you will find simple instructions and tips to help you use the app.
How to Use the Calculator
- Choose your language: Use the buttons at the top to switch between English and French.
- Pick your theme: Click the sun or moon icon to change between light and dark mode for easier viewing.
- Add foods: Click the "+" button and search for foods by name. Select the food you want from the list.
- Choose your portion: Select a portion size or enter your own amount. The calculator will automatically adjust all the nutrition values for you.
- See your results: Click "Calculate" to see the total carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, and calories for all the foods you added.
- Remove items: Click the "-" button next to any food to take it off your list.
- Start over: Use the "Reset All" button to clear everything and begin again.
Why Use This Calculator?
- Helps you keep track of carbs and other nutrients in your meals and snacks.
- Makes it easier to plan healthy, balanced meals.
- Assists with diabetes management by providing accurate carbohydrate counts.
- Shows nutrition information for thousands of Canadian foods from Health Canada.
- Works on your computer, tablet, or phone.
- Lets you choose your language and theme for comfort and accessibility.
Tips for Best Results
- Be accurate: Double-check your food choices and portion sizes to get the most accurate nutrition information.
- Ask your healthcare team: Always consult your doctor, dietitian, or diabetes educator for advice about insulin doses or diabetes management.
- Use as a guide: This calculator is a helpful tool, but it should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.
- Check portions carefully: A "medium apple" or "1 cup of rice" can vary - weigh or measure when possible for accuracy.
Understanding Your Results
When you click "Calculate", you'll see a summary showing:
- Total Carbohydrates: The main number people with diabetes need for insulin dosing
- Protein: Important for muscle health and blood sugar stability
- Fat: Affects how quickly carbs are absorbed
- Fiber: The "good" carbs that help with digestion and blood sugar control
- Calories: Useful for weight management
Where Does the Data Come From?
All nutrition information comes from the official Canadian Nutrient File by Health Canada. This is the same trusted database used by dietitians and healthcare professionals across Canada. For more details, visit Canadian Nutrient File.
Need More Help?
If you have questions about using this calculator or managing diabetes:
- Contact your healthcare provider, diabetes educator, or dietitian
- Visit Diabetes Canada for reliable diabetes information and resources
- Check out CDC Diabetes for additional educational materials
Important: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for diabetes management and insulin dosing.
Data Accuracy
All nutritional data comes from Health Canada's official Canadian Nutrient File, ensuring high-quality data sources. However, programming errors may occur during calculations or display. Always verify your results and consult a healthcare professional for any important medical decisions.
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