Husband of Type O
I appended the following to the A list to get feedback from A’s. My
wife is O+. I have attached my note, so that you can see the diet we
have been following and the positive impact for my wife. I am
interested in specific experiences that people might share which
pertain to how to accomodate her needs as well as mine. I know where
to find the lists but we need to know what is important and what is
not. If we compromise, what is likely to have a big impact… By
the way, my wife does have elevated blood pressure a hyperthyroid
problem.
Ray
***** Note to ER4YT-A List ************************
I am new the list. As a background, let me say that I am A- and made
a radical change to my diet about 3 years ago to switch to primarily
vegetarian. The diet had a large component of raw vegetables, not
much fat and a heavy emphasis on whole foods. The result was a
dramatic reduction in cholesterol (from 230/70 to eventually 180/75)
and weight. I did vary the diet to add fish. I became a bit
careless with fat, meat and wine at dinner, and found my weight
increase, so I returned back to more a Dean Ornish model (very low
fat, whole food vegetarian with grilled fish once a week). My
breakfasts have been 100% fruit smoothies, 1 cup of coffee, and whole
grain bread. I take a good multivitamin for vegetarian and fish
oil. My weight dropped by down 15 pounds, and I feel great.
I began recently looking at the ER4YT primarily for my wife, who is
O+. She benefited greatly from the diet but does do as well as I
do. Her cholesterol also dropped dramatically but she has more
trouble with beans, craves more fat and has to watch B deficiency
more than me. She also loses weight but not as dramatically as I
do. I should add that I have had to struggle, albeit successfully,
with my weight since I was 12, and the above diet is like a magic
bullet for weight management as well as cholesterol.
Having said all that I have some questions.
- What do people find to be significant in a ER4YT-A that I should
consider?… I appear to have made the most important changes in my
diet, though he does hit on some food that I tend to use in my dishes
(e.g., eggplant, corn).
- What is this obsession with carbohydrates as a problem, unless you
are talking about processed grains, white potatoes, and sugar which
have a high glycemic index. I have the first book but did not see
any emphasis carbo problems and frankly don’t perceive any problem so
long as I avoid processed sugars and grains.
- Who cares about the secretor status? I saw no info in the first
book or any indication on D’Adamo’s website that secretor status was
important in dietary selection.
- Probably a question for the other list for type O but would be
interested in modifications that are important for my wife, keeping
in mind that we have already seen real benefit on a diet out of
character with her blood type.
I am definitely interested in incorporating insights. I will admit
that I am a little put off with the apparent obsession with
supplements and the difficulty of determining where the clear wins
are. It looks like too much a commercial opportunity to
sell “compliant” food items and supplements, though it does seem
to have some truth and insights. From my perspective the research
has shown us a number of consistent pieces of information:
- Low fat itself is harmful if the glycemic index is high, but
Ornish’s research results categorically/ scientifically prove that a
very low fat, whole food, vegetarian diet can reverse heart disease.
Would be interesting to see how the results correlated with blood
types? Were the greatest benefits experienced by blood type A’s.
- The type of fat is VERY important with the worst being the
processed foods and oils, especially olive oil and canola, being
better than any solid fat source. Butter may be an exception and
perhaps the blood type would indicate who should have a little bit of
butter.
- Whole foods are preferred. I still think fiber is important but
it seems that artificial and supplemental sources don’t seem to do
much…so much for the profit opportunity for food processors.
- I would say the jury is out on the high protein diets per se.
Perhaps the recent studies being conducted at Duke will show
benefit. I would certainly be willing to believe that certain blood
types such as O do need more protein. Perhaps this is my type A
prejudice.
I certainly this note is considered appropriate. I certainly am
looking for feedback and personal experiences.
Thanks in advance,
Ray Hooker