Weight Loss Diet Reviews
Blood Type Diet

Blood Type Diet Review

Review In a Nutshell

The Blood Type Diet is supported by an interesting evolutionary theory, and there is some good anecdotal evidence for its efficacy. Overall health rather than weight management forms the main focus of this program. This diet also eliminates some nutritious foods without clear reasons.

How Does It Work?

The Blood Type Diet, popularized by the best-selling book Eat Right For Your Type by Peter D’Adamo, is based on the theory that people with different blood types respond differently to specific foods.

In the Blood Type Diet, foods are divided into 16 categories (listed below). Foods in these categories are then labeled as "highly beneficial," "neutral" or "avoid" according to each of the four blood types.

Who Is It Good For?

People who are solidly convinced that blood type is the primary consideration for their diet program. People whose primary aim is to better their health in general, not necessarily to drop a significant number of pounds rapidly. People who enjoy cooking meals from scratch.

Keys: Four Blood Types

1. Type O - diet rich in protein, eliminate grains, perform aerobic exercise
2. Type A - grain-based, low-fat, vegetarian diet; mild exercise and meditation
3. Type B - vary diet with diversity of food groups (inc. dairy); exercise moderately (swimming or walking)
4. Type AB - combines A and B in both benefits and patterns of intolerance; relaxation exercises recommended

Keys: Sixteen Food Types

1. Meats & poultry
2. Seafood
3. Dairy & eggs
4. Oils & fats
5. Nuts & seeds
6. Beans & legumes
7. Cereals
8. Breads & muffins
9. Grains & pasta
10. Vegetables
11. Fruit
12. Juices & fluids
13. Spices
14. Condiments
15. Herbal teas
16. Miscellaneous beverages

Pros

• Hypothesis grounded in evolutionary theory.
• Encouraging for vegetarians, if they have the appropriate blood type.
• No unhealthy abstention from eating required.
• Importance of role of lectins in diet may have merits.
• Acknowledges that different diets work for different people – a big plus.
• Affordable due to the focus on natural, fresh foods.

Cons

• There's no concrete meal plan here to evaluate, although the eDiets offering of this plan does provide such plans.
• Some evidence suggests the theory of lectin absorption needs further refinement.
• Participants must be willing to cook from scratch.
• Difficult to follow when eating in restaurants.

Further Thoughts

Many dieters have had good results with the Blood Type approach to weight loss. It is recommended to peruse d'Adamo's books for more details on his theories of evolution, eating and weight loss. Start with Eat Right For Your Type.