Low-carb diets, low-calorie diets, plant-based diets... Chances are, if you're trying to lose weight, or you've found a food plan that feels right for you, you've tried all of the above and more. Losing weight and keeping it off can be difficult, and discovering what foods work best for your body takes time. Different diets work for different people, but if you haven't found one that works for you yet, this one might just be it.
Your habits, gestures, movements, and facial expressions can reveal a lot about your personality, and so can your blood type. Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo created the Blood Type Diet guide based on personality, and whether you have Type A, Type B, Type O, or Type AB blood running through your veins. "When we discuss diet, we are not talking necessarily about a weight loss plan; that's a side benefit to following this plan," Dr. D'Adamo explains. "We are actually discussing diet in the more traditional sense, meaning a way to eat."
At the very least, it sounds pretty interesting, right? Figure out what your blood type is and keep reading for your diet suggestion!
Type A
According to Dr. D'Adamo's guide, those with Blood Type A "favor a structured, rhythmic, harmonious life surrounded by a positive, supportive community." He believes that Type A's flourish on a vegetarian diet. For current meat-eaters, switching to a plant-based diet can aid in weight loss. Dr. D'Adamo suggests that Type A's eat their foods in as natural a state as possible — foods that are pure, fresh and organic. "I can't emphasize enough how critical this dietary adjustment can be to the sensitive immune system of Type A," he urges. "With this diet you can supercharge your immune system and potentially short circuit the development of life-threatening diseases."
As a corollary to Dr. D'Adamo's book, you can find research on Blood Type and lifestyle choices in the earlier book, The Answer is in Your Blood Type by Steven M. Weissberg and Joseph Christiano (October 1999). These authors stipulated that Blood Type A's who follow the Standard American Diet with an emphasis on meats instead of vegetarian fare may reduce their lifespans by as much as 24 years! This is a crucial discovery about Blood Type: Type A's need to be vegetarian or close to it for for a longer, healthier life.
Type B
Type B blood types "carry the genetic potential for great malleability and the ability to thrive in changeable conditions." Type B's tend to be highly sensitive to slipping out of balance, and they can produce higher levels of cortisol in stressful situations. For Type B's, the guide suggests that the biggest factors in weight gain are corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts, sesame seeds, and chicken, as these foods can affect the metabolic process in Type B's. Dr. D'Adamo believes that those with this blood type should avoid chicken. If you eat meat, consider less conventional options, like lamb, goat, or venison. He also encourages adding green vegetables and low fat dairy.
Type AB
According to Dr. D'Adamo, Type AB's have low stomach acid but an adaptation to meats, so they lack enough stomach acid to metabolize meat efficiently, and it ends up being stored as fat. Those with Type AB blood type should avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially when in a stressful situation. Dr. D'Adamo recommends foods such as tofu, dairy, and green vegetables for weight loss. "Avoid all smoked or cured meats," he adds. "These foods can cause stomach cancer in people with low levels of stomach acid." Smaller, more frequent meals can counteract digestive problems in Type ABs.
Type O
Dr. D'Adamo explains that Type O's tend to have a higher level of stomach acid, and they have a well-developed ability to digest meals that contain both protein and fat, which allows them to digest animal products more efficiently. It is suggested that Type O's stay away from simple carbohydrates, especially from grains, as they are more easily converted into fats and triglycerides. Instead, Dr. D'Adamo suggests that those with a Type O blood type focus on vegetables and fruits, while avoiding wheat, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. Any meats consumed should be lean, organic, and humanely raised.
Check out the video below for more information on how your blood type can determine the best diet for you!
