We are back from a wonderful weekend at the wedding of our oldest nephew. DD drove in from her West Texas university. Our Strong Son was a groomsman, so he flew in from Kentucky. He brought his girlfriend to meet the extended family. It was wonderful to see our nephew so happy, and wonderful for our family to all be together.

The Rehearsal Dinner was served family style at Maggianos. Even though this is an Italian restaurant there was plenty for a Type O to eat. Two types of salad were served for appetizers. Salmon with spinach, and Chicken Parmesan were among the entrees. I did enjoy every bite of a small slice of lasagna – Maggianos makes the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted. One of the dessert choices was grilled bananas. They were really delicious.

We were all up early the day of the wedding. We had to be at the church for pictures at noon. The wedding was at 2:00 and the reception was at 4:00. There was no time for lunch, and I knew that my blood sugar would be low and I would be grouchy if I didn’t have anything to eat between breakfast and the reception. I packed a bag of fruit slices and nuts. DD drank one of her protein shakes and I ate my snack while we waited for pictures. The reception was a buffet, with a salad bar, a fruit bar, and delicious roast beef. I stayed away from the pasta bar, but I did indulge in a piece of wedding cake in honor of the day.

I want to encourage you that it is possible to enjoy a social event and stay true to the Blood Type Diet. It is also ok on a special occasion to select a few favorite avoids and enjoy them. I never waste the limited number of avoids I intend to eat on boring food. I passed the bread basket without feeling any temptation. The bowls of chips and candy didn't interest me at all. I chose a few special treats, enjoyed them, and quickly returned to my usual way of eating. I'm writing this because DD is still very tentative about getting out of her BTD routine in a public situation. If you are the same way, I encourage you (as I encouraged her) to relax. Stay 100% compliant if it makes you feel safer. But enjoying an avoid on a special occasion will not cause harm (unless you are allergic, celiac, or fighting a disease). The thing you do not want to do is binge, then feel guilt for your gluttony.

Until this weekend this part of the family has showed no interest in the Blood Type Diet. Occasionally DD and I will get a funny look or a raised eyebrow, but there has been no curiosity and no questions. This time was different. A couple of people engaged me in conversation about what I ate and why. I enjoyed telling them about how well the BTD has worked for me.

When we got home there was an envelope from our family doctor. The lab results were in from my husband’s annual physical. His blood sugar had been creeping up for several years, and last year it was 106 – over the line and into the pre-diabetic range. The doctor gave him a year to get it down. My husband began to follow the BTD Diabetes book. He had a few set backs and a number of days when he was discouraged, but it was worth it. His blood sugar was 88. “This diet works,” he said smiling.

I have not forgotten my promised blog about Vitamin E. I’ll do it this week.