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Dear Betsy, I need help with choosing foods that will make me healthier.

I am a Filipina lady, 38, married with one baby and I have put on weight. I want to know if my blood is type O Positive then what are the foods to help me be slim and healthy?

I like sandwiches with cheese as well as burgers, fries and chocolate milkshakes. Can I still eat these and be slim?

Maria.

Dear Maria,

It is always best to check with your doctor before you begin any drastic changes in your diet.

Even if you feel healthy, you could have a medical condition, such as diabetes, that you are not aware of and that could be exacerbated by such changes.

Many people have good results by following the theory that certain foods are either, good, neutral or bad, depending on your blood type.

If your blood type is O then I am afraid that according to this diet theory, most of the foods you mention above are considered taboo.

The main foods that type O is recommended to avoid are wheat, dairy products and corn. Bread, cheese, and milkshakes are not good, but there are substitutes you can try.

Wheat free bread can be found in many supermarkets now, soy cheese or feta cheese, which is allowed can be used in a sandwich and as for milk, you can try soy milk, or oat milk.

Potatoes are another food that type O blood is asked to avoid and I cannot really think of any great substitute for fries! Try having them only once or twice a month and in small quantities.

You could use mashed sweet potato in place of mashed potato and so I guess you could try roasting or frying some sweet potatoes but use either safflower or olive oil as sunflower and corn oil are not good for your blood type.

There are certain foods that can help boost your metabolism and, therefore, make your body less efficient at storing fat and more efficient at burning it.

These include seaweed, broccoli and red meat, so the burger part of your favourite foods is fine, but either without the bun or with a wheat-free bun.

You will find lots of useful information on the internet, including recipes that incorporate your recommended foods and if you visit your local bookshop you will also find several books that advocate this type of nutritional programme.

Whatever nutritional programme you follow, I cannot stress enough how important it is to drink at least one and a half to two litres of mineral water a day and add regular exercise and plenty of quality sleep to the recipe.

A good balance of fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins is what you should aim for in your daily menus.

It is also important to vary the foods you eat and in my opinion, taking a daily multivitamin is also good.

BETSY SAYS RELAX

The weather is so perfect right now, it would be a crime not to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Getting your fix of ' nature' is important to your wellbeing . We all need a dose of vitamin D to stay healthy and spending time in the sun is one way to reap those benefits.

A brisk walk before sunset, a bike ride in the afternoon or a morning jog if you are so inclined. Do it now before the heat and humidity are upon us.

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS WEEK

The beginning of the year is a good time to do a 'stuff audit' and get rid of those things you never use. Scour cupboards, drawers and the deepest recesses of your closet and if you have not used it or worn it for the last six months, then donate it to charity.

The BSPCA, Cat Society, Migrant Workers and other associations always welcome donations.