Have you ever felt frustrated by your body’s resistance to losing weight?
If you’re among the millions of people who feel that they cannot lose weight no matter how hard they try, then, the GenoType Diet could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Dr. Peter D’Adamo has expanded on the concept of the Blood Type Diet and developed the theory of eating according to your genetic disposition in order to achieve easy weight loss.
According to Dr D’Adamo, people can be classified into six distinct genotypes based on their genetic and physical characteristics. The six types include:
- Hunter
- Gatherer
- Teacher
- Explorer
- Warrior
- Nomad
Each of these genotypes has certain distinct characteristics. Characteristics that indicate your genetic code include thumbprints, length of the torso versus length of the leg, blood type, family history etc. All these provide valuable information about the manner in which your body reacts to dieting.
The book contains details of how you can measure these characteristics accurately in order to learn how your body reacts to dieting. Once this is done, it is possible to alter the way the body reacts.
Although the inherent gene make-up of a person cannot be changed, we can alter certain environmental aspects like exercise and nutrition, which in turn alters the way in which genes are expressed.
The underlying principle of the book is to match food intake to the genotype. A comprehensive list of foods for each genotype is provided. The percentage and composition of nutrients vary according to the genotype. For instance, the hunter can follow a diet rich in meat, while the gatherer should take a vegetarian diet. In this way, food intake and the type of food is tailored for each individual. By doing so, metabolism is optimized.
The author also makes exercise recommendations for each genotype. For example, ‘Nomads’ can make do with gentle exercises while ‘Explorers’ need more strenuous exercise. Once again, there is a lot of customization to individual needs.
The Genotype diet Review
The idea of creating a customized diet based on each person’s genes is very attractive. For most people, such a diet might seem like the answer they have been looking for. In general, the food recommendations are sound because the author recommends non-fat, natural foods. It is also to the book’s advantage that it recommends exercises for general health, metabolism and weight loss.
But, the diet plan has a gaping hole in the middle. The idea that the length of your toe influences the way your body reacts to food is somewhat hard to believe, no matter how hard we try. Dr D’Adamo does not make it easy for us either because even though the book cites scientific studies, the specifics are not explained in detail.
Pros:
- Customized program
- Detailed recipes
- Detailed list of recommended foods
- Exercise recommendations are valuable
- Advocates change in lifestyle
- Supported by scientific studies
Cons:
- Many health professionals disagree with the research and the basis of the book
- Meal preparation takes time
- If members of the family follow this diet, each will require different meal types
In conclusion
Although the GenoType diet mentions scientific data, the benefits that you might experience after following the diet are more a result of changes in lifestyle than the diet itself.
But, the book is very useful for people who feel that they can gain from this kind of diet. For such people, the book explains everything in detail and gives specific information that can be put into action easily.
