With so many fitness experts and trendy new diets on the internet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find the perfect diet for you.
In this article, we explain the things you should consider before you commit to any dietary regimen.
With all the marketing gimmicks and false claims around new trendy diets, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement. And you may end up committing yourself to one that’s not only wrong for your body type but also dangerous and harmful to your long-term health.
How do you know exactly which diet is right for you?
With so many fitness experts and trendy new diets on the internet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find the perfect diet for you.
In this article, we explain the things you should consider before you commit to any dietary regimen.
With all the marketing gimmicks and false claims around new trendy diets, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement. And you may end up committing yourself to one that’s not only wrong for your body type but also dangerous and harmful to your long-term health.
How do you know exactly which diet is right for you?
The human body is so complex that what works for one person may not work for the other. That’s why you should first know your body type.
For example, we all have that one annoying friend who could eat multiple slices of pizza over several days without necessarily gaining any noticeable weight. (Or maybe you’re that friend).
But it’s usually not like this for everyone. Most people would pack on some extra weight if they tried that.
That’s why you should know your exact body type before starting any diet.
To do this, first identify your somatotype.
The somatotype is a concept first developed in the 1940s by William H. Sheldon, PhD, MD. And since then, many doctors, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and healthcare providers have used it to create customized fitness plans for their patients.
There are three categories of body types according to William H. Sheldon’s Somatotype concept. And we all fall into one or more of these categories.
It’s worth noting though, that it’s not abnormal for someone to have characteristics of two or even all three somatotypes.
The Three Somatotypes:
People are born with an inherited body type based on skeletal frame and body composition. Most people are unique combinations of the three body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Ectomorphs are tall and lean.
They usually have a hard time gaining weight and they have little body fat and little muscle. This fits the example of your friend who could eat many extra slices of pizza over several days without gaining weight.
And while most people envy them, many male ectomorphs are not happy with their skinny chest and slim frames. And many female ectomorphs want more ladylike curves.
On the flip side, endomorphs gain weight easily.
They have lots of body fat and muscle.
As the noted dietician Annette Colby, Ph.D., RD, LD. puts it, “football lineman tend to be endomorphs — they’re heavier and rounder individuals… but they don’t have to necessarily be overweight. Both Oprah Winfrey and Marilyn Monroe are classic examples of endomorphs.”
In between these two body types are mesomorphs.
They’re neither overweight nor underweight.
They’re usually more athletic and strong. And they can gain weight and lose weight easily – which means they can eat anything they want without worrying about their weight.
Those are the three major somatotypes. But it’s not uncommon for someone to have characteristics of more than one of them.
A common combination is the pear-shaped ecto-endomorphs. They have slim upper bodies but they also have higher fat storage in the thighs and hips.
Another common combination is the apple-shaped endo-ectomorphs. These people have slim lower bodies, but they have a higher fat storage in the mid-section.
How to use this to figure out your perfect diet
To achieve your health and body goals faster, and make it more sustainable, first, figure out your somatotype. (If you want to be absolutely certain, talk to your doctor about it).
This makes it easier because now you know how much effort it’s gonna take you. You’ll also know for sure which foods your ideal diet should contain. This gives you a lot of flexibility – which could help you stick to it for the long term.
Another thing you should consider if you want to stick to your diet long enough to achieve your goals, is how sustainable it is.
Is it something your family would also enjoy?
To avoid getting bored, you may also have a cheat day when you’re allowed to satisfy your cravings, but not beyond that day.
You should also start observing how you feel. It’s always smart to listen to your body before things get bad. Observe the difference in your energy and how you feel generally. And for extra caution, you should also track your blood glucose levels to make sure you’re not slipping into dangerous territory. Check out this guide for how to do that.
Conclusion:
Talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your diet — especially if you have some underlying health conditions.
Identify your body type (i.e., somatotype) to make sure you’re employing the most efficient diet for your goals and your body. This will ensure you’re not setting yourself up for frustration.
Additionally, listening to your body and tracking your blood glucose levels could also make a ton of difference.
If you notice any strange reaction, talk to your doctor immediately.
