The premise to eat for your blood type is two-fold. By eating for your type, one will boost the immune system avoiding virus, infection and disease and secondly, the body rids itself of toxins and fats creating permanent weight loss. There are four different blood types---the “O” blood, the “A” blood, the “B” blood and the “AB” blood type. The “O” blood type is the oldest and most common. The evolution of each is simple. The “O” blood type retains the memory of ancient times when there was the hunter and gatherer thus having a meat eater diet. The “A” blood type, the first vegetarian and the second type to evolve, responds best to soy (vegetable) proteins. The “B” blood type joins together divergent people and cultures and is similar to the “O” blood type. The “AB” blood type is the modern merging between the “A” and the “B” blood types. When looking at each blood type, there are many defining characteristics to describe each. The “O” blood type thrives on intense physical activity and animal protein. Type “O” metabolizes more efficiently with animal protein and fat to keep a leaner and healthier look. Type “O” does not metabolize well with starchy carbohydrates. Choose fruits and vegetables as well as lean meats to create balance and great health. Choose exercises that will burn calories at a higher intensity to include the Stairmaster, martial arts, in-line skating, cycling and weight training. Unlike Type “O”, the “A” blood type has a sensitive digestive tract. Type “A” requires agrarian diet to stay lean and productive and responds best to stress with bouts of calming action with physical activity. Type “A” metabolizes more efficiently with vegetable protein and carbohydrates. Choose foods low in fat and eliminate all processed foods to stay lean and energetic. Choose exercises that do not require high energy consumption to include Tai Chi, yoga, golf, swimming and brisk walking. The “B” blood type has the most flexible dietary choices. Unlike the “O” and “A” blood types, the “B” blood type diet allows more dairy in the diet allowing greater diversity with food choices. Type “B” is more sensitive to a drop in blood sugar and needs to pay attention to the foods consumed. The gluten in wheat is the cause for weight gain because wheat is not efficiently digested and burned as fuel creating a slower metabolism and stored fat. This is true for all blood types. Type “B” requires a balance between physical and mental activity to stay lean and sharp. An individual may alternate between more intense physical activity and relaxation exercises such as weight training, yoga, cycling, tennis, golf and calisthenics. The last blood type being an evolutionary mystery combines the characteristics of both the “A” and “B” blood types. The “AB” blood has a sensitive digestive tract, but an overly tolerant immune system. Red meat promotes weight gain whereas seafood, soy protein and dairy encourages weight loss. The “AB” blood type is often stronger and more active and responds best to stress spiritually and creatively. Choose exercise such as Tai Chi, Aikido, dance, aerobics, stretching and swimming. Eating and exercising for your blood type is the key to optimal health. I recommend Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s book, EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR TYPE. I wish all of you the very best in your journey to achieving perfect health! Good Luck! Kelly Calabrese MS, CCN is a Biochemical Nutritionist working with individuals on getting to the root cause of health disorders. If you have any questions, contact her at 719-590-9879 or fitfocus@qwestoffice.net. Her website is www.optimalwellnessLLC.com .

It is very important for anyone at any age to be the best that they can be. Having good nutrition, staying active and keeping a sharp mental attitude are all essential elements for feeling our best. It is important for all of us to prioritize and put our self first. As we get older, the onset of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and cancer may inflict us. The sooner we start taking steps to prevent disease; the sooner we will live a long and healthy life. The first step is a good diet . Eating well is the foundation to all positive goals. Drink plenty of water, eat low calorie snacks, choose restaurants that offer low calorie options and drink in moderation because alcohol and wine slow down the metabolism. The next consideration is exercise . There are various activities that are perfect for the 50+ population. Walking, hiking, and swimming are wonderful for all of us. These aerobic activities are great to strengthen the heart muscle and to help expend extra calories that are consumed. These activities do not change our body composition or strengthen our bones and connective tissues. Anaerobic activity which includes weight training speeds up the metabolism to burn fat more efficiently. Weight training will also alleviate pain in the joints including knee and back pain and reduce the onset of osteoporosis. It is recommended that if you are interested in starting a weight training program to seek out professional guidance through a one- to-one personal fitness trainer. A good trainer will be degreed as well as certified by a reputable national association and always ask for referrals. By working with a trainer, you will get the best return for your money and through the supervised program you will not get injured. Most trainers operate out of commercial fitness clubs and some work privately. Lastly, mental attitude is everything . The body will do what the mind tells it to do. If you are not committed emotionally, the program will not work. Exercise alleviates mental and physical stress and gives strength to those challenges that you face each day. REMEMBER: A HEALTHY BODY YEILDS A HEALTHY MIND! Prevention is the key to success . As we get older, we need to pay attention to ourselves and how we are living our life. The human body is a living machine. If we take care of it, it will be less likely to break down. Whatever your fitness decisions and goals, I hope this article motivates you to work toward a new and improved you! If you have any questions, call me at 719-590-9879. Kelly J. Calabrese MS, CCN Integrative Biochemical Nutritionist https;//optimalwellnessLLC.com