Diet Plans And Menus - The Genotype Diet

by: Levi Reiss

The Genotype Diet was created by Peter J. d'Adamo. It centers on the interaction between genes and the environment. According to d'Adamo food may be used to change your genes' behavior. He classifies people into six genotypes: hunters, gatherers, teachers, explorers, warriors, and nomads. The hunter's diet is carnivorous and low in lectins and glutens. The gatherer's diet is low in glucides. It is protein-rich. The teacher's diet is rich in phytonutrients. The explorer's diet is quite varied. The warrior's diet is rich in glucides and phytonutrients, and the nomad's diet is omnivorous but low in lectins and glutens. Here are some of the principles.

The first thing to do is determine your genotype. Doing so requires two fairly easy calculations that depend on the relative size of your bust and your legs, as well as that of your index finger and your ring finger. The rules are too complicated and too long to restate here. After you have determined your genotype access the appropriate lists of recommended foods, foods to avoid, and portion size. As previously, these lists are long. Under the advice of your doctor take supplements. Practice sports, the most appropriate sports depend on your genotype.

An advantage of the Genotype Diet is that it allows all food groups. It relies on good dietary habits over the long run rather than presenting short-term restrictions. One disadvantage is the total lack of scientific evidence to support it. This disadvantage is definitely not unique to the Genotype Diet.

Here are two sample menus:

Menu 1 (Hunter)

Breakfast: Two slices of whole grain bread. Pineapple jam. Pear and mango salad.

Lunch: Endive salad. 150 grams (about 5 ounces) of sardines. Green beans. Pineapple slices.

Supper: 150 grams of sauteed beef and peppers. Sweet potatoes. Cranberries.

Menu 2 (Teacher)

Breakfast: Mushroom omelet. A slice of linseed bread. Pineapple slices.

Lunch: Broccoli soup. An avocado. Pinto beans. Curried quinoa. A nectarine.

Supper: Pumpkin soup. 170 grams of cod. Leek fondue. A slice of linseed bread. 100 grams of muenster cheese.

Some information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes over 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available in French only.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches various computer classes in an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.