The blood group diet is another diet which has grabbed media attention in recent years.  This diet bases the person’s diet on the type of blood group they have.  There are four types of blood which include type O, A, B and AB.  This diet is based on the theories that as we evolved over time different blood groups have developed to adapt to the new environments.  The important thing with this diet is to identify which blood group you are through a blood test.

The O Blood Group

This blood group is thought to be the oldest of the blood groups and almost 40% of the population have this type of blood.  This group is supposed to focus on a diet which is high in meat and low in cereal products.  This is based on the thought that this blood group has evolved when we were hunter and gatherers and meat played an important part of the diet as agricultural practices had not been developed by this stage.

The A Blood Group

The people in this group also make up 40% of the population blood types and are thought to have evolved when agricultural practices were developed close to 10,000 years ago.  The people who have this blood type are recommended to stay on a vegetarian diet with no meat and very few types of dairy products.

The B Blood Group

This blood group makes up 15% of the population and was thought to have evolved from dietary changes which occurred though the migration and interchanging of different cultures which have altered diets.  This blood group are advised to avoid poultry, pork, tomatoes and to focus on eating red meats, fish and dairy products.

The AB Blood Group

This is thought to be the youngest blood group to have developed and only 5% of the population have this blood type.  This blood group can eat almost anything however they need to be careful to not to over indulge on poultry and dairy products.

This diet has its advantages and disadvantages however many of the nutritional bodies are still unsure on how beneficial and suitable this diet is for people.  It can be very restrictive in foods for some of the blood types which could lead to deficiency in particular vitamins and minerals for some of the groups.  On the other hand many people have tried the diet and had great results not only on their weight but their overall health.  Diets are a personal thing and this is why there are so many diets being popularised to cater for everyone.

Occupation:  CEO Porsche Carrera Cup Australia

Achievement:  Losing 24kg in thirteen weeks.  Jamey has dropped his weight from 106kg to 82kg which was his goal weight.  This weight loss has not only improved his cholesterol levels but increased his energy, self esteem and over all well being.

Diet:  His diet is based on the basic principles of lowering the amount of calories in his diet without compromising the nutritional intakes which he needs.  An example of his diet is outlined below.

Breakfast:       Low fat yogurt

Seeds (1 tablespoon of sesame and papaya and 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds and sunflower seeds)

Apple

Lunch:            Salmon and vegetables and small amount of cheese

                        Three Arnott Crackers

                        Orange

Dinner:           One tablespoon Oil

                        Red meat or chicken with vegetables

                        Apple

One major rule for this diet is that you have to wait for five hours between meals and that dinner must be finished two hours before going to bed.

The diet which Jamey follows is similar to a low GI diet where he has reduced the amounts of carbohydrates in his diet which would greatly decrease the amount of calories he is consuming.  He also decreased the amount of fats in his diet slowing down the storage of fat.  You will find that most of the foods have a low glycemic index, which is a scale that shows how rapidly glucose in the foods are absorbed and utilised by the body.  Foods which have a low glycemic index are absorbed slowly which give the person the feeling that they are full unlike foods which are high in sugar which enter and exit the blood steam quickly, leaving you hungry shortly after.

This type of diet is balanced and healthy ensuring adequate amounts of meat, vegetables and fruit, whilst limiting carbohydrates.  This ensures that a variety of essential minerals and vitamins can be obtained from the diet, which is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Exercise:  The more weight he has lost the more energy and motivation he has and he now  walks between 3 to 5km a day.  At the start of the diet he did very little exercise, and the exercise was not a major factor in his weight loss regime.

What do you think is the key to personal success?

Preparation is one of the key’s which allowed Jamie to succeed on his weight loss programme.  Every week he has a meal plan which he shops and prepares every meal the week in advance so he knows what he is eating and it is ready so he does not have to take any short cuts.

Ingredients:

2 Cups organic spelt flour 2/3 cup carob powder 2/3 cup honey 2/3 cup unsweetened apple puree 1 large ripe banana 6 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped

Method:

1. Combine flour, carob and hazelnuts and stir until mixed well.

2. Blend together honey, apple puree, banana, vanilla and egg whites until well combined.

3. Carefully fold wet ingredients into dry, being careful not to over mix.

4. Line an eight inch square pan with greaseproof paper.

5. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake at 140oC for 20-25 minutes. 6. Cut into 12 slices.