We get it, there are thousands of diets out there. Some have come and gone, some are dangerous, and some are seriously laughable. (The strictly-bananas-and-milk diet? We’re afraid to ask.) One thing is for certain: there is not one single diet that works for every body out there. We are all so different, genetically, chemically, and physically.
That’s why we’re revisiting the notion of naturopathic physician Peter D’Adamo, who published a book about eating for your blood type back in 1996. It’s not quite a rigid diet, per se, but rather, nutrient suggestions tailored to your specific blood type. If you’ve tried many diets to no avail, including just general healthy eating, you may want to consider exploring a few tweaks based on this concept. Here’s the basis:
D’Adamo suggests that limiting grains, wheat, corn, dairy, and legumes like lentils and beans is a good start for O blood types, while sticking to veggies and higher-protein foods like meat and fish. Of course, this may not be ideal for vegans and vegetarians, so take this suggestion with a grain of salt if that creates a conflict. However, a few things that can easily be implemented no matter our restrictions are to eat more kelp, broccoli, spinach, and olive oil to help maintain an ideal weight. These suggestions resemble the modern-day paleo diet.
Adding extra fresh fruits and veggies to any diet gets our vote, but especially those with Type A blood. Seafood, tofu, whole grains, and lean meats like turkey are ideal, but not red meat or pork. This diet is best for vegetarians—skip the turkey and lean on grains and eggs. Pineapple is great for weight maintenance, as well as olive oil. Skip wheat and corn here, too, and while this next food item isn’t typically a large part of most people’s diet, say no to kidney beans.
Blood Type B folks do well with a diet high in variety. Meat, seafood, dairy, and grains are all welcome, especially fresh fruit. If weight loss is a goal, up the intake of green veggies, eggs, and organ meats like liver, and sip on licorice tea. Avoid chicken, corn, peanuts, lentils, and wheat or gluten. Even tomatoes get a bad rap with Type B; nightshades and lectins aren’t the best for this blood type.
Dairy is A-OK for AB blood types, as well as tofu, lamb, fish, grains, and of course, fruits and veggies. Soy is OK as well, but make sure it’s high-quality tofu. Seafood, lots of greens, and sea vegetables are recommended, but chicken, GMO corn, buckwheat, and kidney beans are a no-go if you’re looking to lose weight.
For most people, any of these guidelines would equate to better health, because they are made up of whole, natural foods. While eating for your blood type has not been substantiated by rigorous scientific trials, it’s a safe and easy way to explore customizing dietary selections when we’re unsure of weight-loss solutions. What else have we got to lose?
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