Today's Popular High-Protein Diets Are Really
Variations On The O Blood Type Diet

Lately, many high-protein diets such as the Atkins diet, the South Beach Diet and the Zone diet have been very successful with the overall population. I believe one of the reasons for this is because the predominant blood type today is Type O. There are more people with Blood Type O on the planet than any other blood type.

This blood type thrives on a high animal protein diet with vegetables and fruits, and severely restricted carbohydrates. The Atkins diet, South Beach diet, and the Zone diet fit right in to those requirements.

So it's no wonder those diets are so popular today — they work for the majority of the population. However, these diets repulse Type A's, who do much better eating tofu and sprouts.

In his book, Dr. D'Adamo explains the Blood Type Diet in depth and lists the foods that are highly beneficial, neutral, or those that need to be avoided for each blood type. He includes diet plans and recipes. In addition, there are more inclusive food lists on his website.

Overall, I have found the Blood Type Diet to be a very well-researched, sensible and solid diet plan. I have first-hand experience of feeling better when I stick to it.

Before I knew my blood type, I was a vegetarian. Three different doctors from different disciplines told me that the vegetarian diet was causing health problems for me and that I was not getting enough protein.

At the time, I didn't want to believe them. But once I read Dr. D'Adamo's book and learned I was an O blood type, I understood. Now I realize I must get the proper protein for my blood type.

Yet my cousin, who's a Type A, only feels good when she sticks to her vegetarian diet. I've observed many other people who experience remarkable health improvements when on the diet for their blood type.

On the other hand, I also know people who feel best when they bend the rules of this diet slightly. One of my friends is a Type A, yet her doctor recommended that she eat 4 ounces of chicken breast or fish every day, but stick to the Type A diet in every other way. Since she has been doing that, she has noticed more energy and stamina.

The reason for this may be that if one of your parents was a Type O, you may need a little animal protein, even if you are a Type A. That brings us back to the beginning premise of the Blood Type Diet — no two people are exactly alike. Each person needs to make the adjustments necessary for their best health and weight.

Another great thing about the blood type diet is that "forbidden" foods can be eaten as often as once a week. That is one of the factors that make this diet workable. If you had to swear off your favorite foods forever to stay on this diet, it would be unrealistic. But you don't. You just eat them much less frequently.

How Do You Know What Blood Type You Are?

Doctors used to routinely test for blood type. But now they don't unless there's a good reason for it. So there's a good chance you don't know your blood type. You can save yourself a trip to the doctor (and the expense) by purchasing a home Blood Type Test Kit. They are available from several online sources for a nominal fee.

I was surprised how accurate the kit was. Having been a vegetarian for years, I was certain I was a Type A. I thought my steak-loving husband had to be a Type O. I was in disbelief when the test showed I was the Type O and HE was the Type A! I thought the home Blood Type Test Kit was in error.

So off to the doctor's I went and insisted he check my blood for type. I was stunned when the lab reported that my blood type was indeed Type O, just as the home test had indicated. Oh, well... I had to accept the facts.

Would I Recommend the Blood Type Diet?

I would whole-heartedly recommend this diet to anyone. It's the only major diet that addresses the different nutritional needs of the different blood types. It's flexible and is based on solid research. The foods for each diet are varied and provide ample nutrients of all kinds.

In addition, the diet includes exercise programs (something most diets ignore) for the different blood types and recommendations for a healthy life.

… And I would suggest that those people who bash it reserve their opinions until they actually read the "Eat Right For Your Type" book and try the Blood Type Diet first.