Can you use a substitute? Skim milk can be substituted for whole milk. Skim evaporated milk can take the place of cream. Yogurt or no-fat sour cream are substitutes for sour cream. Two egg whites can take the place of a whole egg. You eliminate 100 to 120 calories for each tablespoon of fat you remove from a recipe. If the recipe directions say saute, use a nonstick pan. Or use a nonstick spray or steam-cook vegetables in broth or in the microwave. The carbohydrate content of a food and how much of this food is eaten have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels. Only a small amount of protein turns into sugar in the body. Protein has little effect on blood sugars unless you eat very large amounts. Exercise most often lowers blood sugars. In fact, exercise really helps control blood sugars. However, sometimes, exercise may increase blood sugar levels. It helps to learn how exercise affects you. This way you can safely manage your blood sugars during and after exercise.