Should you eat according to your body type?
Well, let me ask you this. Have you ever eaten a meal and felt sluggish and/or foggy afterwards?
If the answer is yes, then you know it’s a dippy downer when what you really wanted was more energy and fewer cravings!
When I eat according to my body type, I feel so much better. I have amazing focus, lasting energy and incredible enthusiasm! Best of all, it gives me the fuel I need for at least four to five hours, with no cravings.
The lesson I learned from my own experience and with my clients is that one-plan-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to eating healthily and feeling good.
In truth, every person’s metabolism, cravings, and eating requirements are unique, there’s no standard approach that works for everyone.
The aim of this article is to get you crystal clear on what eating approach works best for your body type.
Body Types Explained
Your basic body type indicates which way of eating is probably best for you. This is a good starting point for finding your best eating plan, and to help you have realistic expectations about what you can achieve with your body.
Benefits of eating right for your body type
By eating right for your body type, you nourish your body with the right kind of food that will give you…
- Increased & lasting energy
- Laser focus
- No cravings
- Better-regulated hunger hormones
- A more balanced hormone system
The three body types and their traits
There are three main body types (note: you can be a blend of body types). These body types differ according to which muscle fibre type is dominant, the size/weight of the skeleton and the natural amount of body fat.
Which body type are you?
Endomorph
- This type is ‘thick-set’ and likes a slower pace, and comfort.
- They tend to like socialising & food.
- Their challenge is keeping their blood sugar low to avoid excess weight gain.
Mesomorph
- This type has an ‘in proportion’ build with a narrow waist.
- They tend to be highly active and can’t sit still.
- Their challenge can be a big belly from over-indulging and overworking.
Ectomorph
- This type is ‘long and lean.’
- They are prone to anxiety and digestive issues.
- Their challenge is managing stress and related issues like cravings for starch, sugar and caffeine.
Best eating plan for each of the three body types
Endomorph body types – your eating plan contains:
- lower carbohydrate
- higher fibre
- higher protein
- higher fat.
Check out this sample Endomorph breakfast plate, which contains:
- greens, green beans and sweet potato (carbs)
- eggs (protein and fat)
- smoked salmon (protein and fat)
- 1/2 an avocado (fat)
Mesomorph body types – your eating plan contains:
- moderate levels of carbohydrate
- moderate amounts of protein
- moderate amounts of fat.
Check out this sample Mesomorph dinner plate, which contains:
- broccoli, zucchini and sweet potato (carbs/starch)
- 2 x pure beef cevapi i.e. 100 g beef (protein and fat)
- 1/4 avocado, shaved (fat)
Ectomorph body types – your eating plan contains:
- higher in carbohydrates
- low to moderate in protein (spread regularly through the day)
- lower in fat.
Check out this sample Ectomorph dinner plate, which contains:
- leafy green salad and Turkish sourdough (carbs/starch)
- cooked chicken i.e. 100 g chicken (protein and fat)
- 1 tbsp pesto (fat)
Your body type is a starting point, not a rulebook. For advice tailored to you, talk to an Accredited Practising Dietitian, and read Dr Joanna McMillan’s eight habits for eating well.
