Researchers call it a potential "game-changer"
Everyone has different body types, but acknowledging this fact isn’t just important when it comes to aesthetics. The way bodies are shaped also determines how and what to eat.
Browse the gallery and find out what you should be eating based on your body type, according to Precision Nutrition.
Few people fall squarely into one category, but we all tend to have a dominant type. You can take the test to find out what your type is here. But you can also tell by your general characteristics.
There are three general body types or somatotypes: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.
Studies suggest that a person’s body type may be related to a person’s metabolism, which plays a significant role in how we process food.
Understanding the characteristics of your physique matters because they provide clues about how you respond to food intake and helps understand your hormonal and sympathetic nervous system characteristics.
People who fall under this category tend to be good at endurance and cardio exercises like running.
These are naturally thin individuals who have smaller bone structures and thinner limbs.
Once you understand your body type, you can better adjust your nutrient intake and lifestyle.
Ectomorphs should have a diet based on higher carbohydrates (55% of the diet), moderate protein (25%), and lower fat intake (20%).
People who fall under this umbrella tend to have a considerable amount of lean mass if they’re active. Explosive athletes, like wrestlers and gymnasts, are mesomorphs.
This body type tends to have predisposition for muscle gain and the maintenance of a lower body fat.
These individuals have larger bone structures and have higher amounts of total body mass and fat mass.
These are medium-sized individuals who tend to have a more athletic body.
Mesomorphs should prioritize a mixed diet of about 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.
People who fit this profile are often less active. Powerlifters and American football linemen tend to be endomorphs.
This body type tends to store energy as both lean mass and fat mass.
Endomorphs should have a diet based on higher fat (40% of diet) and protein (35%), with a controlled and timed intake of carbohydrates (25%). Consuming carbs after exercising is ideal.
Men should eat two palms of protein dense foods at each meal; two fists of vegetables at each meal; three cupped handfuls of carb-dense foods at each meal; and one thumb of fat dense foods at each meal.
Men should eat two palms of protein dense foods at each meal; two fists of vegetables at each meal; one cupped handful of carb-dense foods at each meal; and three thumbs of fat dense foods at each meal.
Women should eat one palm of protein dense foods at each meal; one fist of vegetables at each meal; two cupped handfuls of carb-dense foods at each meal; and half a thumb of fat dense foods at each meal.
Women should eat one palm of protein dense foods at each meal; one fist of vegetables at each meal; one cupped handfuls of carb-dense foods at each meal; and one thumb of fat dense foods at each meal.
Men should eat two palms of protein dense foods at each meal; two fists of vegetables at each meal; two cupped handfuls of carb-dense foods at each meal; and two thumbs of fat dense foods at each meal.
Best vegetable choices include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beets, and carrots.
Best starchy carbohydrates include oats, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.
Best protein include eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, beans, lentils, and Greek yogurt.
Best carbohydrates include quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal.
Best fruits include apples, citrus fruit, stone fruits, and berries.
Best fats include nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Best carbs include quinoa, amaranth, barley, oats, and brown rice.
Best vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, bell peppers, and green beans.
Best fruit choices include bananas, mangoes, pineapple, papaya, avocado, and peaches.
Are you following the best diet for your body type?
Your body type reflects your metabolism
HEALTH Diet
Everyone has different body types, but acknowledging this fact isn’t just important when it comes to aesthetics. The way bodies are shaped also determines how and what to eat.
Browse the gallery and find out what you should be eating based on your body type, according to Precision Nutrition.