Blood Type A Diet: Food Lists and Meal Plans to Try

Customizing Your Diet Based on Blood Type

The blood type diet, pioneered by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, suggests that certain food groups may affect people differently based on their blood type. The theory is that your blood type indicates how your ancestors evolved to process certain foods. By eating right for your specific blood type, the diet claims you can lose weight, gain energy, and prevent chronic illness.

The Premise of the Blood Type Diet

According to DAdamo, those with blood type O thrive on high protein foods and struggle to process wheat and dairy. Blood type A does well on a vegetarian diet high in fruits and vegetables but tends to have low stomach acid. Blood type B benefits from dairy along with meat in moderation. Finally, blood type AB reflects aspects of both A and B types, doing well with a balanced mix of plant and animal products.

Preliminary Research Findings

A handful of small studies have associated certain blood types with higher or lower risks for cardiovascular conditions. However, most experts argue larger controlled trials are still needed to verify the diets validity. They caution relying too heavily on unproven science when making significant dietary changes.

Customizing Your Meals Based on Blood Type A

Those with blood type A make up around 40 percent of the population. If you fall into this group, proponents of the blood type diet recommend basing your meals mainly on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and soy while limiting red meat.

Primary Recommended Food Groups

As a blood type A individual, you will likely feel your best filling your diet with plenty of:

• Leafy greens like spinach, kale, lettuce, and broccoli
• Fresh fruits like berries, cherries, plums, and figs
• Legumes including lentils, peas, and various types of beans
• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseed
• Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, rye, and sprouted grain bread

These plant-based choices provide blood type As with antioxidant and fiber richness to support cardiovascular and digestive health.

Animal Proteins to Moderate

While plant-based eating is emphasized, incorporating some high quality animal proteins can also benefit type As, including:

• Fatty, coldwater fish like salmon and mackerel
• Turkey and other poultry
• Eggs and dairy like Greek yogurt and kefir

These provide beneficial nutrients without overly taxing digestion like red meat can.

Food Groups to Limit

On the blood type diet, those with type A blood should generally limit intake of:

• Gluten grains, particularly wheat
• Corn
• Kidney beans and certain other legumes
• Red meat such as beef, lamb and pork
• Caffeine and alcohol

These dense foods are said to be poorly digested and inflammatory for type As sensitive systems.

Incorporating Blood Type A Diet Principles

Transitioning your current diet to better align with blood type A recommendations may provide health perks but should be done thoughtfully over time.

Gradual Changes Are Best

Like any restrictive diet, abruptly eliminating major food groups can be taxing physically and mentally. Ease into adjustments gradually over weeks and months for a sustainable transition that sticks.

Listen to Your Bodys Signals

Customize changes based on how specific food groups make your own body feel such as sluggish, inflamed, light, or energized. Personal experiences trump generalized recommendations.

Supplement Short Term If Needed

Significantly upping produce while reducing meat may lead to vitamin, mineral, iron or protein deficiencies short term. Getting labwork done and temporarily supplementing can prevent this.

See an Expert If Unsure

Consulting a doctor, registered dietitian or functional medicine practitioner is wise to create a tailored nutrition plan for your health status and needs.

Sample Meal Plans for Blood Type A Diet

Ready to give the blood type A diet a try? Here are some delicious sample meals and snacks to inspire you.

Breakfast Ideas

• Gluten-free oatmeal with walnuts, berries and almond milk
• Scrambled eggs with sauted spinach and turkey bacon
• Smoked salmon and avocado toast on sprouted grain bread

Lunch and Dinner Recipes

• Quinoa tabbouleh salad stuffed in red

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.