Rules

D'Adamo also believes that because each blood type evolved at a different point in history, we should adopt similar diets to the ones our ancestors had when our blood group was first recognized and evolved.

Blood type - O

This is the most common blood group in the UK and is also the oldest, dating back to 50,000 BC. During this period the diet was high in red meat and low in cereals, wheat and dairy. He recommends that type Os should follow a high protein, low carb diet such as Atkins or GI and suggests fish as the best way to get a healthy dose of protein. Type Os are prone to digestive difficulties and weight gain if they eat too many carbs as it is difficult for them to metabolise starches properly.

Foods you can eat freely - meat, oil and fish.

Food to eat in moderation - eggs, fruit, vegetable, nuts and seeds.

Foods to avoid - dairy and all types of carbohydrate including bread, cereal, rice and pasta.

D'Adamo also recommends lots of cardiovascular exercise, to balance out the high meat intake!

Blood Type - A

This blood type was first recognised around 25,000-15,000 BC and is the second most common blood type in the UK. At this time Britain had an agricultural lifestyle so he believes a macrobiotic type diet suits you. Type As often find it difficult to digest red meat and dairy.

Foods you can eat freely - nuts, seeds, cereals, pasta, fruit and vegetables.

Foods to avoid - meat and dairy.

Calming exercises suit Type As, take up yoga, Pilates or even golf, just don't try anything too strenuous.

Blood Type - B

Type B was first discovered around 15,000 - 10,000 BC and only one in ten people have this blood type. It evolved when travelers inherited a combination of Type O and Type A, so people who are Type B benefit from a combination of diets from both blood types O and A. As they can eat a combination of most foods, Type Bs find it easier to lose weight.

Foods you can eat freely - meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables
Foods to avoid - processed foods, nuts, seeds and carb-rich foods

You are drawn to exercise which uses your brain as well as your body, team sports are perfect!

Blood Type - AB

This is the rarest and newest blood type, it was only discovered 1500 years ago, this means people with this blood type can eat a modern diet more easily. A combination of types A and B, you have dietary components of both. Types B can eat most foods, while Types A should eat a vegetarian diet which suggests you should adopt a mostly vegetarian/macrobiotic lifestyle and treat yourself with meat and dairy occasionally

Foods you can eat freely - seafood, grains, soya

Food to eat in moderation - dairy

Food to avoid - meat

When it comes to exercise, calming yoga or Pilates combined with something more intense like running will suit you perfectly

Pros

This diet has been criticised as the facts it is based on are questionable. However you are encouraged to exercise whatever your blood type and anything that gets you thinking about your eating habits is good.

Cons

If you don't know your blood type then a trip to the doctor will be needed and they are often wary of giving out blood tests at the patient’s request. (It is reported that Daisy Lowe discovered the identity of her real father when her mother Pearl embarked on this diet and Daisy worked out their blood groups were different and began to investigate!) The Type O diet is the unhealthiest and should only be followed for a couple of weeks, while the others suggest more positive lifestyle changes.

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