I've learned something about being a Type O. In order to share it with you, I have to make a confession. I broke my own rule about no avoids at home, and I've had a cup of eggnog two days in a row.

Nearly 4 years ago, I had indigestion that was getting progressively worse and was not responding to any of the usual GERD medications. My doctor did an upper GI scope to make sure something serious was not going on, but all she found was inflammation. In what I believe was a providential way, I found the Blood Type Diet. In a week I was off of all medication and I was free of pain. During that first year, I gradually lost a little more than 10 pounds.

I have noticed over the years that whenever I eat wheat, my weight goes up 2-3 pounds for 3-4 days. That is good motivation for staying away from wheat! I've also noticed that if I eat peanuts, I get really sleepy. I had never tried to analyze what was the main culprit for the GERD. It was enough for me that it was gone for good.

I love eggnog. Usually my Mom has eggnog for Christmas. I drink a little glass at her house, and that satisfies me. But this year with my Dad's injury, she didn't buy eggnog. I bought some for my family and myself. Yesterday I had a cup, and today I had another cup. It was delicious. But within an hour of drinking it yesterday my stomach was churning, and within a hour of drinking it today I had the first GERD symptoms I've had in years.

So it looks like dairy avoids are what cause my stomach problems. The funny thing is that I eat feta cheese and mozzarella cheese (both neutrals) fairly often and have never had any trouble with either of them. That gives me renewed confidence in the accuracy of the food lists.

Here is the rule I've followed for years. I don't eat avoids at home. In a restaurant, I don't order avoids, but if something comes with a sprinkle of cheese or a little wheat I don't worry about it. When I am a guest in someone's home, I turn down avoids as much as possible, but I'd rather eat an avoid than ruin a friendship. My eggnog fling is quickly over, and it's back to the lifestyle that makes me look and feel the best.