Hi all!

So....I've been on the GTD for 5 1/2 months. I have many questions, not because I doubt Dr D, but just that unlike the BTD forum which is built on years of information gathered from participating members and further research work..the GTD doesnt have that support system yet. I have hope that the good Dr will give us backup as and when he accumulates enough info. I'm also acutely aware of the restrictions Dr D works under as far as sharing/clarifying info regarding the GTD here on the BTD forum. It still doesnt stop the curious mind from wondering why the non secretor status doesnt play any part in the GTD diet system. Yes, individuality and 30,000 genes instead of one gene-but still, it is a niggling thing at the back of the mind. And the all time favourite-an absolute avoid changing status on the GTD. Yes again, I have hope that we will, at some point in time get explanations to that.

Many of you who vaguely know my background know that I come from a vegetarian background. Not the flag bearing, *humanitarian* vegetarian, but just generations of people who have never eaten any animal protein. When I went on the BTD 3 years ago, it was a tough decision. But how does one test the system without even trying it? And I plunged into it 100%, and resolved my health issues within 3 months. And..I went back to being an ovo-vegetarian till the introduction of GTD. My ovo vegetarian days didnt stop me from running a 10km race, I didnt suffer fatigue or muscle wastage and continued with pretty decent health.

With GTD, I plunged into it once again. Listed out all diamonds and their frequencies and ate the Hunter Diamonds Mon-Fri, these past 5 1/2 months, giving myself a break over weekends with superfoods and neutrals and black dots like carrots and spinach. I had one occassion of eating wheat during a birthday function despite my protestations, and paid very, very dearly for it by coming down with bronchial attack and massive breakouts along my jawline.

Now, as much as I'm pleased that old BTD evils like rice & lentils are now black dots, it still stumps me. Same with corn & coconut products. I had converted entire O-households into the BTD system, and I still can remember how the older generation lovingly chided me about how such ancient grains and legumes could turn into out right health evils! I spoke spiritedly about metabolic inhibition, and they chose to smile and leave things be. I had   responses when I suggested the Os have protein & veg bfasts, again, spiritedly talking about stomach acid, about balancing of blood sugar, about revving up an Os metabolism etc etc...whereas now the GTD has a whole new system! Grains are OK to be consumed first thing in the morning. We never ate wheat till after the 1980's coz of migration and opening up of the import market for foreign pre packaged goods. Until then we were eating rice based dishes, and that too first thing in the morning!

Am I complaining? No, definitely not. I'm just   over the fact that for 3 years it was drummed into my head and in turn I had drummed into others that it was not advisable to have grain based carbs and starch based carbs for one's morning meals. It was a challenge for me and a chore for the others to eat animal protein & veg for bfast and lunch. Now I see that with GTD, our age old customs and eating habits werent off base at all! This is just my personal Asian perspective.

What did GTD do for me? I see more definition in my physique. I dont fit the general description of tall, skinny and intense. I'm 5'1", stocky and intense. The stockiness came about with 10 years of misled eating. It doesnt help being short torsoed coz if you have the wrong outfit you end up looking like a block of wood . Anyway, GTD is bringing out the muscle definition which was my trade mark long, long ago.

I have lost weight, which is the birthday present to myself. GTD took care of the stubborn 4.5-5kg (~10 pounds). I was not only eating GTD right but also exercised right. Which was the same formula I followed under BTD. Time for a new wardrobe, really, coz clothes have become so very baggy.

Although I didnt suffer constipation under BTD, the very feeling of wanting to move bowels (peristalsis) was almost absent under BTD. I was limiting grains to the weekends then. Then came the miraculous Magnesium oil, but there was still no bulk. With GTD and with eating 1/2C rice twice a day I now have the bulk. But still dependant on the Mg oil. I dont like dependancy.

Whenever I eat meat, peeing becomes a problem. To me that's a sign that the kidneys were not functioning properly. And my meat intake was very, very little. At the most 15-20gms + 3 C veggies each for bfast and lunch. Weekends when I dont eat meat my issues would ease up. So that has got me thinking...and worried a well.

BTD smoothened my temperment, GTD has given me tranquility (except in the loo of course ).

So having come one full circle, I'll use the tools provided by Dr D and from all the members here on the forum and formulate what I'm comfortable with. Just like BTD, I will go back to being an ovo vegetarian. I will always remember that wheat is my Number 1 enemy. Next is dairy, but I feel that buffalo milk will be OK with me. It is tested as a black dot for Teachers, but not mentioned for other geno types...so I'm assuming it's at its best a neutral. Soy before BTD gave me indigestion. BTD Cardio Vascular protocol encourages soy, and it sat like concrete in my stomach. GTD explains why.

I invested quite a huge sum of money these past 5 1/2 months buying GTD diamonds and superfoods which are not Asian in origin and expensive to buy here. I saw the results, but I must stop now. As I said, I will use the tools and make my own way thro what is available in my region and suitable to my system.

I'm very much at peace now. All the guidelines are there. Both systems have trained me to listen to my body. I must now resolve my kidney issues, that's my priority. I'll not shut the door completely on meat and fish. Perhaps reserve it when I travel or when I eat out and if I really want it.

I will also never forget the definition of compliancy. Life and food are meant to be enjoyed.

Many salutations to Dr D and to the members on this forum. You have all been incredibly supportive and inspiring!

AC

I didn't know rice was an avoid for hunters?


It is really inspiring to read your story, thanks

Thank you AC for your very inspiring story

Quoted from angelighte

I didn't know rice was an avoid for hunters?

It's not unless you have blood sugar issues.

Rice is a super food for Hunters.

non secretor status is taken into account...
there are certain Gts for which secretor status is a factor, to be able to type right.

AC, I understand. You have cultural things going on also which can be difficult. My ex is a B vegetarian..He has trouble with high cholesterol..He won't even eat eggs. Funny, he knows of the BTD, and he agrees with it..for me, not for him. ..I'm like...HUH?  

I just happened to luck out and be on a diet I love...(ok, except tomatoes..difficult for an Italian to go without tomatoes   )

Good luck with your decision, and hey, pay attention to how you feel and keep a journal so you'll see the difference if any on the BTD or GTD or vegetarian versus eating meat..seriously...If you don't write it down, you'll never remember. That's how I realized that the BTD was the only diet working for me..I kept a journal of how I felt, what plan I was on, foods, and weight.

Quoted from italybound

It's not unless you have blood sugar issues.

It is a strange thing about brown rice and the way it affects me. Hypoglycemia is a plague in my family. I have less issues with it than many others, but brown rice is truly a super food for me. It is a wonderful stabilizer. I think it may be the only carb that I don't have to worry about a blood sugar wipeout if I eat all I want.

I am so thankful for Lola and Mayflowers' help in getting me started back to eating it. I used to love it dearly but suddenly it had no taste at all no matter what I did. I combined their methods of stir frying it first in ghee with tumeric, fresh garlic and rosemary then simmering as usual. Delicious! And I love the texture of it!

You're welcome Spring..I had no idea..    
I do love basmati rice..I can just stand there and smell it..
I like it with fresh cilantro..I love Indian food, but I don't like it hot.  I like it mild. Hot gives me agida.

Thanks for your story Accidental Chef. You've written a lot of what I've felt. Just trying to combine information to suit myself and grateful to Dr.D for supplying it.

I mean...I get to drink beer as a superfood...that's just cool.

But the chocolate for other GTs. darn just like...so not fair  

Quoted from Mayflowers

My ex is a B vegetarian..He has trouble with high cholesterol..He won't even eat eggs. Funny, he knows of the BTD, and he agrees with it..for me, not for him. ..I'm like...HUH?  

Interesting when I was vegan/ vegetarian years ago  I had borderline high cholesterol - ( and I was young- did not smokes etc.... now when I eat full fat dairy and eggs and meats my cholesterol is fine... my md is like
However most high numbers of cholesterol is really not made from diet but stress on the body = the body produces too much cholesterol...
I must admit that I don´t believe that cholesterol necessary is bad

Italybound your doggies so cute. I want to put a pic of my dog up now too.

Hey I have heard of a few people talking about Grape Juice. Are hunters allowed Grape Juice?

Yes, grape juice is a superfood for Hunters!

Quoted from angelighte

Italybound your doggies so cute.

Quoted from Henriette Bsec

Interesting when I was vegan/ vegetarian years ago  

Thanks, I get her in 3 days.   The gal I'm getting her from is a vegetarian and I immediately knew she was an O when she said that. Does not look healthy. She asked what b/t I am, I told her O and that we need meat. We talked about BTD a bit. She was on her cell phone and I think she might have been limited in minutes. If I can find an extra book, I'm going to take it to her to read when I pick Minka up on Wednesday.   I'll find out then for sure if she's interested. If not, I'll just bring it back home w/ me and Minka.    I hope she will at least read it. When we were talking about not vaccinating Minka, she also told me she doesn't vaccinate her kids, so it'd be really great if they were eating for their b/t's.

Quoted from Henriette Bsec

I must admit that I don´t believe that cholesterol necessary is bad

You're right HB.............we all need some cholesterol  
http://www.virtualsciencefair.org/2004/thog4n0/public_html/chol.html

Thanks for your responses!

I'm still losing weight. There's something within that feels good. May be it's all the good genes having a party!

I still have to resolve some issues which I think will take sometime. I believe my qi is trapped in my upper body ...

I'm taking Polyflora O and Nitricyle which seem to help the kidneys & liver.

Thanks, AC for that great testimonial!!  You inspire me, always!

I really didn't know we were close to the same height ( you would tower over me, though.. lol).... I sometimes question whether or not I am a hunter or gatherer, but I think it's pretty clear in the finger measurements...  Don helped me with that....

I have been   awol on the GTD,  and truthfully my knees are so awful right now ....I left my book at our  beach house, so I'm very anxious  to get it back and get more serious...

Anyway, thanks for that WONDERFUL story.... I still struggle with breakfast, as well.....
on the G2 I can  have puffed millet... but there is no compliant "milk"  type food to put on it!

So wonder why almonds are a super food but almond milk wouldn't be?  If I  make my own almond milk ( which I do) from raw almonds, why couldn't I have that???

Quoted from Henriette Bsec

Interesting when I was vegan/ vegetarian years ago  I had borderline high cholesterol - ( and I was young- did not smokes etc.... now when I eat full fat dairy and eggs and meats my cholesterol is fine

Henriette you are another success story for the BTD!  
I wonder how my ex's cholesterol is now..I'll be seeing him next week, so I'm going to ask. Dr. "B" Vegetarian..lol..

yes, make the almond milk....Rex has an easy recipe...pm her for tips.

A.C. ...definitely an inspiration! Luckily your culture didn't have wheat for the most part! We American vegetarian O's have been the sickest cuz we eat no meat then fill in with wheat! Yes, bread, pasta, crackers, everyday! Whatta trade off!

Quoted from SheriBerry

Thanks, AC for that great testimonial!!  You inspire me, always!

I really didn't know we were close to the same height ( you would tower over me, though.. lol).... I sometimes question whether or not I am a hunter or gatherer, but I think it's pretty clear in the finger measurements...  Don helped me with that....

I have been   awol on the GTD,  and truthfully my knees are so awful right now ....I left my book at our  beach house, so I'm very anxious  to get it back and get more serious...

Anyway, thanks for that WONDERFUL story.... I still struggle with breakfast, as well.....
on the G2 I can  have puffed millet... but there is no compliant "milk"  type food to put on it!

So wonder why almonds are a super food but almond milk wouldn't be?  If I  make my own almond milk ( which I do) from raw almonds, why couldn't I have that???

Thanks Sheri. I really hope you can type yourself correctly. I mean, there we are doing pretty well on the BTD but when it comes to GTD some of us aren't reaping the benefits, and if it's b'coz of wrong typing, sheez, that's really sad.

This is how we make almond milk. We dont make huge quantities coz of freshness, so this is for 1- 1 1/2cups max.

Soak a handful of almonds either overnight in plain water, or for about an hour in hot water. They will swell up.

Rinse and chop them into small bits (so that you dont damage the blades of your blender). We dont remove the skin.

Add 1C water gradually and grind well into a paste. Add more water gradually and blend well.

Strain the liquid to get clear milk.

If you add water too quickly, your milk will have a top layer of weak milk and a thick botton layer. That is considered   in our kitchen  and you get banished to do menial tasks!

The strained bits can be added to desserts and such.

I normally dont use a blander. We have grinding stones. But if I'm cooking for like 50 people then the blender comes in handy. And there's defnitely a difference in the taste!

Quoted from jayneeo

A.C. ...definitely an inspiration! Luckily your culture didn't have wheat for the most part! We American vegetarian O's have been the sickest cuz we eat no meat then fill in with wheat! Yes, bread, pasta, crackers, everyday! Whatta trade off!

Thanks dear. BTD and now GTD stirs my memory and gets me into thinking about my ancestors diet. Immediate ancestors, I hasten to add  . And when I ask around, all I hear is rice, millet, arrow root and other types of grains for which I dont know the English names...but never wheat! You should see some of the old biddies in my extended family-mostly in their 90's and still drawing water from wells and milking water buffalos! All O's, and vegetarians. It's just so fascinating, really.

Hey you, so you are abandoning us?    Just kidding, as long as you are at peace with yourself and you are listening to your body it is all well. Before BTD/GTD, I know when I eat dairy stuff, I get breakouts along my chin and jaw area, so I avoided it. Pork made me get acid reflux, so basically listening to your body is key. So we won't be going to the BTD restaurant anytime soon, huh?  

Quoted from 2854

Hey you, so you are abandoning us?    Just kidding, as long as you are at peace with yourself and you are listening to your body it is all well. Before BTD/GTD, I know when I eat dairy stuff, I get breakouts along my chin and jaw area, so I avoided it. Pork made me get acid reflux, so basically listening to your body is key. So we won't be going to the BTD restaurant anytime soon, huh?  

I'm here, not going anywhere! And following the GTD!!!

Quoted from accidental_chef

I'm here, not going anywhere! And following the GTD!!!

ok goody. I thought you quitting GTD .. ok, it's just quitting meat

Just repeating what I wrote on the Fresh Start Week thread:

My issues with bronchitis, peeing and breakout are due to too much Yin (cold/dampness) in my upper body. And this is because the body isnt producing enough blood, which then has a direct effect on the kidneys, bladder and liver. The TCM (tradional chinese medicine)practitioner I consulted advised me to postpone my decision to go back to being ovo vegetarian...coz plant proteins arent Yang (warm)enough for me and doesnt help the body with producing blood. The TCM is very BT savvy.

I've weighed the pros and cons and together with Hubby we decided that yes, I should stick with the Hunter diet. My illnesses are too serious to be ignored.

I stopped all Hunter supplements as they were actually working against me with so much imbalance going on. I'm on Polyflora, Nitricycle and Hydrangea. It's working like magic, and I'm getting better slowly, but surely.

I would like to request members to actually examine underlying issues of their body before popping any supplements. The supplements may be good...but in a body totally out of whack, it might not. Hair analysis, TCM, Vegatesting-these are good methods which looks at the human body as a whole unit instead of focussing on individual bits. As I mentioned to Italybound ont he Polyflora thread, most of us are quick to treat our manifestations instead of the underlying causes.

So, it's back to the Hunter Diet. Wish me luck for lots of haemoglobin rush  !

AC...thank you for your testimony...as for your questions as to why foods on the BTD beneficial list are avoids on the GTD food list & vice-versa...I don't spend my time questioning it, I feel that Dr. D has already figured that out so I just follow his recommendations & so far it has worked out very well for me.

Me too.  Love it.  I'm healing.  I just spent a week at a camp in MS that I haven't been to in two years but attended nearly every year before since I was about 8.  Everybody (especially my aunt) said over and over how good I looked.  Nobody ever told me that before.  Well, a few noticed when I first went wheat- and dairy-free, but it was subtle.  A few more noticed when I started a thyroid supplement because it gave my white cheeks a little pinkness.  Some people noticed when I went on the BTD.  But everybody noticed when I went on the GTD.  My aunt was just like, "Wow, you look great.  You look fantastic.  You look younger than you used to.  You're glowing."  I just smiled and said, "I'm on the Genotype Diet."  She was already familiar with the BTD because it was her daughter, my cousin, who convinced me to go on it.  I don't know if it'll encourage my aunt to start it or not, but ya never know.

Quoted from accidental_chef

I would like to request members to actually examine underlying issues of their body before popping any supplements. The supplements may be good...but in a body totally out of whack, it might not. Hair analysis, TCM, Vegatesting-these are good methods which looks at the human body as a whole unit instead of focussing on individual bits.

I also think it is very important to deal with the whole you.  When many body systems are sick, the body chooses which need to heal first and focusses on that subset of the body.  While you may see some minor problem that needs to be fixed, the body may be healing a major problem with an internal system that you aren't aware of.

Testing with the body's energy system provides the priority answers and a good practitioner can measure progress all provided from internal.

Ribbit,
Great news...  There is no better testimony than other people telling you that you're looking better.  

Thanks for the detailed report, AC, I appreciated it!  

Thanks for the appreciation everyone!

Great news Ribbit!