One of the main preconceptions about body type is that it’s just the way you look, whether you’re skinny or plump. However, your body type can also provide valuable information to your doctor or dietitian as to what food you should take or the characteristics of your hormones and sympathetic nervous system.
Also, the way you look can be the result of metabolism, and differences in that area are a key part of determining your body type. The three body types are ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. In this blogpost, we’re going to discuss what food to eat depending on your body type.
You’re Skinny – Ectomorph
If you’re an ectomorph, you have a smaller bone structure compared to the other two types and also thinner limbs. The high metabolic rate and the high carbohydrate tolerance of ectomorphs is due to the body’s higher sensitivity to catecholamines. These are the hormones dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. They are produced by your adrenal glands and are secreted into your blood when you’re physically and emotionally stressed.
In general, when it comes to food, ectomorphs need more carbohydrates and less fat. A rough formula for every meal could be this:
- 55% carbohydrates
- 25% protein
- 20% fat
The figures above pertain to the calories for each full meal. This can be simplified as more carbohydrates and less fat. Also, it is recommended that ectomorphs every two to four hours and if weight gain is the aim, an additional 500 calories should be added every meal.
Starchy carbohydrates for ectomorphs: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and potatoes
Fruits and vegetables for ectomorphs: Broccoli, cauliflower, mangoes, bananas, avocado, and peaches
You’re Athletic – Mesomorph
This is an athlete’s dream body type. With a medium-sized bone structure and a considerable amount of lean muscles, mesomorphs gain muscles and lose fat easily. The dominant hormones for mesomorphs are usually testosterone or other growth hormones. If you’re a mesomorph, you have a moderate frame and well-proportioned, and have a low body-fat level.
For mesomorphs, here’s a rough breakdown of the calorie percentages for each full meal:
- 40% carbohydrates
- 30% protein
- 30% fat
The diet for mesomorphs contains more protein and fat than carbohydrates. The figures above can be simplified with the one-third rule – one third of the plate for protein, another for vegetables or fruits, and the last third for whole grains or healthy fats. Even though mesomorph may have an initial advantage when it comes to fitness, it must be noted that they can also gain weight easily if their diet is neglected.
Protein sources for mesomorphs: Eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, and beans
Carbohydrates for mesomorphs: Quinoa, brown rice, and oats
You’re Plump – Endomorph
If you’re an endomorph, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re overweight or obese. It just means that you have a bigger bone structure, round body, and shorter limbs. To give you perspective, Jennifer Lopez and Marilyn Monroe belong to this body type. Their admittedly great figures come from a lot of work though. Endomorphs have a higher body-fat percentage and convert carbs into sugar faster than the other two types.
Here’s a rough breakdown for endomorph full meals:
- 30% carbohydrates
- 35% protein
- 35% fat
This is basically less carbs and more protein and fat. The fat in the meals should be the healthy kind, though. Since sugar is converted faster in endomorphs, they are also at a higher risk of having type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and a slew of other metabolic syndrome complications.
Healthy fats for endomorphs: Avocado, olive oil, cheese, dark chocolate, and chia seeds
High-fiber carbs for endomorphs: Quinoa, oats, sweet potatoes, and amaranth
Supplement your diet
Whatever your body type is, one thing is for sure, this is not set in stone. A balanced diet is still of paramount importance even if you’re an ectomorph or a mesomorph. You can easily be overweight or obese if you’ll overindulge.
The safest maintain or transition to a healthier self is of course a balanced diet and regular exercise. That can also be supplemented by taking herbal supplements that contain the nutrients of proven and tested superfoods.
