A Better Body Builder Therapy #2 Let Food Be Your Medicine and Medicine be Your Food - Hippocrates
Healthy eating needs to be simplified. Think of this as a beginners practical guideline rather than lots of rules. For starters, be intentional about eating a well balanced, low-glycemic diet. Those food items with a glycemic index of 55 or less are considered low. Foods with a low GI don't break down as fast in the intestines, therefore resulting in more stable blood sugar levels. This may then result in sustained, stabilized energy, fewer mood swings, and fewer cravings. Don't think of eating nutritionally as consuming a certain amount of protein, carbs and fats. Think of eating real, whole foods including meat, chicken, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains. Increase the amount of unprocessed, raw foods and consume a variety of them. Start somewhere, anywhere, and go from there.
Please click here for an example of a GI Food list.
Another component to food therapy for building your health is to incorporate more foods that are beneficial for your blood type. A general listing is below, but realize that there are 6 subtypes in each blood type group. Your local library will most likely have books on this topic by Dr. Peter D'Adamo. There is no need to obsess over this and hold yourself hostage to it; use it as a tool.
I'm a Type A blood type and I feel great eating lots of salads, topped with boiled eggs, nuts and seeds. My husband is a Type O blood type. If he doesn't get his red meat, he is lethargic, grouchy and depressed. As a Type A, I do well to exercise with lots of stretching, walking and singing. My husband and his Type O blood, requires a sweat drenching, aerobic work out. It's true, opposites attract and one size, does not fit all. Generally speaking:
Blood Type A Food List
Recommended: vegetables, seafood, tofu, beans, grains, legumes and fruits
Not Recommended: meat, dairy products, kidney beans, lima beans and wheat
Recommended for weight loss: vegetables, pineapples, vegetable oil and soy foods
Blood Type B Food List
Recommended: meat, dairy products, beans, grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables
Not Recommended: peanuts, corn, sesame seeds, lentil and wheat
Recommended for weight loss: eggs, greens, liver and tea
Blood Type AB Food List
Recommended: meat, seafood, dairy products, beans, legumes, grains, tofu, fruits and vegetables
Not Recommended: red meat, kidney beans, lima beans and corn
Recommended for weight loss: seafood, dairy, greens, tofu and pineapple
Blood Type O Food List
Recommended: meat, fish, vegetables and fruits
Not Recommended: wheat, beans, corns, cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower
Recommended for weight loss: seafood, red meat, liver, spinach and broccoli
A few thoughts to consider:
Keep a positive attitude. No matter what you're eating, enjoy it.
Light the way for others by making the changes in your own eating habits first. No need to criticize the eating habits of others.
Pay attention to your own body and how it feels. Some do best with egg on toast, first thing in the morning. Others do best with fresh fruit. Listen to your body.
Think of this as an exciting adventure.
Bon Voyage!