What Should I Eat for My Body Type?

You’ve witnessed it with your own eyes for many years, but it’s only been in recent times that doctors have began to acknowledge that there are three very distinct body types out there in the world.

The three body types — ectomorphs, mesomorphs, and endomorphs — are determined based on how your body responds to exercise, and how it handles the food which you eat.

Let’s first quickly go over the three body types so you can determine which bests describes you…

WHICH BODY TYPE ARE YOU?

If you are an ectomorph, then you will generally be tall and thin. People with this body type will, for the most part, have an easier time keeping off weight than others. Think of those that do ballet, play basketball or volleyball, model, etc.

If you are a mesomorph, then you will typically have a build that has a bit more muscle, but likely will also be a bit shorter. You arms and legs will not be very long, and weight gain will come easily — especially around your belly. Mesomorphs tend to be great sprinters and soccer players.

If you are an endomorph, then you will tend to put on weight lower on your body than other people, especially around your hips and thighs. Those with this body type tend to have the hardest time with weight loss, though it can still be done with many having long-lasting success.

SO… WHAT SHOULD I EAT THEN??

Now that you should have a good idea of your body type, let’s go over what your diet should look like:

Ectomorphs: Count your blessings, weight does not go easily on your body! But there are still downsides. With how quickly your body processes food, you could be missing out on much-needed nutrients, particularly healthy fats.

By eating a diet that is rich in healthy fats, whole grains, and lean proteins like turkey, eggs, or chicken you should be getting more than enough of what your body needs to keep you healthy and energized.

Just a few examples of some tasty, common healthy fats (that you may already be enjoying) are avocados, walnuts, olives, olive oil, almonds, and salmon. Aim for a diet that is roughly 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fat (use a free tracker like My Fitness Pal).

Mesomorphs: You’ll need to be a bit more careful than others, since you put weight on fairly easily. Carbs, in particular, are something you should watch and keep relatively low, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.

A diet which consists of about 40% protein, 40% fat, and 20% carbs should work well for you. It may sound difficult, but with the popularity of low carb diets these days you shouldn’t have a problem finding plenty of delicious options that will fit your diet.

When eating out, most restaurants will have plenty of low carb choices. Even the majority of fast food chains should have a few things that will work, including “animal style” type selections where a bun or tortilla wrap is ditched completely.

Endomorphs: You’ve been dealt the toughest card, but don’t worry — with a nutritious, balanced diet which avoids unhealthy fats and focuses on foods that are low in carbohydrates you’ll be absolutely fine.

You should look to spread your meals out as much as possible, eating more frequently but with smaller amounts at each meal. This will keep your metabolism going at a high rate, which will force your body to burn more calories in a completely safe, natural way.

You’re going to want to steer clear of candy and other junk foods, especially those that are high in sugar or unhealthy fats. Your body loves to pack on the weight when you give it food from sources like these, so view them only as occasional treats.

To keep feeling satisfied and full throughout the day, make sure you are getting plenty of protein during your meals. Some great sources you should be making mainstays of your diet are turkey, chicken (not fried), or fish.

Anyways, I hope this will point you in the right direction with your food choices in the future. Be sure to pin this for future reference! 🙂