I've been on Blood Type Diet (BTD) since February 2009, switched to SWAMI in January 2010, and found out that I'm a non-secretor in August 2011. I found out my children’s blood types in spring 2010, and my oldest daughter got a SWAMI in October of 2011. My daughters are both O’s and my son is a B. I'm a single mom on a tight budget, but I'm still doing my best to feed my 3 kids BTD appropriate foods. We're Orthodox Jews, so we keep kosher, an added culinary and shopping challenge, and the Jewish calendar is a big part of our lives. I'm always thinking ahead to what I'll cook for Shabbos (the Jewish Sabbath, from Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday) or any upcoming Jewish holiday. We often have guests for Shabbos or holiday meals, and I like showing people that BTD isn't about deprivation.

I came to BTD because I have fibromyalgia, and while I've improved greatly on this diet plan, I still have a lot of healing to do. I've always had "good days" and "bad days" and that hasn't changed. But now I'm off all pain medication, I have more "good days" than ever before, and even my "bad days" aren't nearly as bad as they used to be. They might even be about the same as the "good days" I used to have. But I'm still hoping for the time when I never wake up in pain.

I'm on SSI (disability payments) due to the fibromyalgia, so I'm able to be home with my kids. Most of my time and mental energy is devoted to taking care of others as well as trying to nourish and heal myself. I'm still trying to find that balance.

My kids are overall healthy, and I mainly have them on BTD to prevent future problems. However, I've noticed that eating right for their types does have some short-term benefits, particularly in terms of their moods and general resistance to infections.

I enjoy being a blogger because I think I can offer a unique perspective on BTD living. I'm successfully preparing foods for 4 different food lists. We're doing all this on a very tight food budget, in spite of the misconception that "BTD is expensive and only the rich can afford to eat this way." As an Orthodox Jew, I'm combining kosher with BTD compliance, as well as preparing traditional holiday meals in a compliant way.