Blood Type Diet
Our Reviewer Says ...
“While some of the food lists in the diet give healthy options, the fact that so many nutritious foods are restricted is troubling.”
At a Glance
By Karen Asp
The concept behind the blood-type diet is simple: Determine your blood type, follow the diet and exercise plan for that type, and voila, you'll lose weight, reduce your risk of chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, avoid common viruses and infections and slow the aging process -- or so the diet claims. The Blood Type Diet contends that chemical reactions occur between your blood and the foods you eat -- eat the wrong food for your blood type and suffer adverse health consequences. So how do you know what foods to eat or avoid? To answer that question, the diet's author considers when your blood type first appeared in history. Type O, for instance, which is apparently the oldest blood type, emerged at a time when people had to hunt for their food to survive, thus the emphasis on meat in this diet. Type A's, on the other hand, were cultivators and ate more vegetarian foods. Type B's were nomads, eating the widest range of foods, while type AB's are called enigmas, for they combine types A and B, requiring meat but in smaller portions.
Checklist
- Cost: Expensive. You may require a test to determine your blood type and will then need to follow specific recommendations for your blood type, some of which may include expensive food items like veal and mutton. Supplements are also advised for all blood types.
- Meals Provided: No.
- Diet Duration: It's suggested that you stick with this diet for a minimum of two weeks, but there's no maximum length.
- Fitness Requirements: Yes. The activity is determined by your blood type. Type O's are required to do high-intensity aerobic exercise while yoga, tai chi and moderate-intensity aerobic activities are recommended for type A's. The type B exercise plan combines moderate-intensity activities like hiking with relaxation exercises while Type AB's are encouraged to do more calming activities.
- Time Commitment: Depends on your blood type, as each of the four diets has different requirements for eating and exercising.
- Eating Out: Yes, as long as you stick with the food for your blood type.
- Alcohol: Possibly, depending on your blood type.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Only if you also happen to have type A blood.
- Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict.
