TYPE O: Simple twists slim fast
Type O traces back 60,000 years to the very first humans. “They were formidable hunters who ate meat as their main fuel,” says Dr. D’adamo. Fossils suggest their keto-like eating habits “made them quite tall and healthy for their time,” he adds. Today, about 45% of us carry their hardy blood type. Studies show O’s are resistant to many diseases and have the lowest heart-disease risk of the four types.
Type O keto basics
Modern O’s have inherited abundant stomach acid and digestive enzymes needed to thrive on a traditional keto diet. O’s can round out highfat, meat-heavy meals with keto staples like fish, eggs, greens, berries and nuts. For best results, go for high-quality protein (like grass-fed meat) and keep carbs to 40 grams a day.
Your top success secrets
✓ Hold the cheese! There were no milk cows when type O evolved, and O’s are often short on enzymes that digest dairy. Dr. D’adamo says cheese typically blocks weight loss for O’s on a standard keto plan. Other keto foods O’s don’t digest well: pork, cauliflower, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, avocado and coconut.
✓ Watch out for gluten. The wheat protein, often used to improve taste in packaged foods, slows metabolic rate in type O’s, warns Dr. D’adamo. So check labels on things like broth and roasted nuts.
✓ Shake on iodized salt. Dr. D’adamo explains that daily doses of iodine are crucial to keep the thyroid and metabolism of O’s humming.
Feel- great bonus
Natural hunters, type O’s tend to produce excess adrenaline that can cause anxiety in ordinary modern life. Fun and games that get the blood pumping are one recommended way to offset the effect. A high-potency B vitamin also helps balance O body chemistry in a way that prevents anxiety and boosts energy, adds Dr. D’adamo.