What Does Your Body Type Mean?
Article posted in: Diet & NutritionHave you ever tried a diet that worked wonders for a friend or co-worker but did nothing for you? You might be tempted to think that the other person was more disciplined than you or that you simply can’t lose extra weight. Before you blame yourself or give up, you need to know that people with different body types—your natural shape and tendencies—hold onto and shed excess pounds differently. That’s why a healthy eating plan designed for your body type is the most surefire way to get to your ideal weight.
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Check out this handy infographic for a quick overview of each body type:
Now keep reading for more details about eating for your specific body type:
1. Apple
Body type: Your body typically stores fat around your midsection.
Remember this: Protein is the foundation of your diet. Be smart about the types of carbohydrates you choose, focusing on vegetables and good-quality, complex carbs that are high in fiber. Limit added sugars and simple carbs.
Smart choices for women:
- Lean proteins, such as chicken breast, turkey breast and tuna should be the cornerstone of your meal plan.
- Get your carbohydrates from legumes, such as lentils or chickpeas and whole grains like quinoa.
- If you’d like to indulge in fruit, choose lower sugar options like raspberries.
- Fulfill your veggie servings with spinach, zucchini, cauliflower and artichokes.
Smart choices for men:
- Choose salmon, crab and lean beef as the protein portion of your meals. When you want to go meatless, edamame is another great protein choice for you.
- White beans and quinoa are high in fiber, making them perfect carbs for your plan.
- When you want to enjoy fruit, blueberries and apples (with the skin on) are the way to go.
- Load up on fiber with vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and spinach.
2. Pear
Body type: Extra pounds mostly show up on and around your hips.
Remember this: You can enjoy a diet slightly higher in carbohydrates than other body types. However, be sure to focus on those that are rich in dietary fiber. Protein will help you to feel full and satisfied but be mindful of the amount of dietary fat you consume.
Smart choices for women:
- Low fat, high-quality proteins, such as salmon, egg whites, chicken breast and cottage cheese will keep you feeling full and satisfied long after you finish a meal.
- Choose high fiber carbohydrates like quinoa, barley and hummus.
- Blueberries are an ideal fruit choice for your body type.
- Eat vegetables such as cauliflower, kale and spinach for loads of nutrients and few calories.
Smart choices for men:
- Salmon, chicken breast, eggs and cottage cheese will provide you with high-quality protein to fuel your day.
- Fill your plate with high fiber carbs like brown rice and corn.
- Fruit like blackberries and apples (with the skin on) fit well into your meal plan.
- Make your salads and sides with broccoli, spinach, asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
3. Rectangle
Body type: Unwanted pounds accumulate from your shoulders to your knees.
Remember this: High quality protein is the foundation of your diet and will help you preserve lean muscle mass while you drop the extra pounds. Be mindful of the amount of fat you consume and be sure that you get adequate fiber.
Smart choices for women:
- Lean cuts of beef, chicken breast and peanut butter are healthy protein options for you.
- Include high fiber, complex carbohydrates in your day, such as black beans, butternut squash and couscous.
- Add banana to your smoothies if you’d like some fresh fruit.
- Enjoy delicious produce like beets, kale, mushrooms and spinach for your veggie servings.
Smart choices for men:
- Be sure to include high-quality proteins like chicken breast, eggs, cheddar cheese and pork tenderloin in your meals.
- Get your fiber fix from whole grain pasta and sweet potato.
- Strawberries and bananas would make a delicious smoothie that fits into your meal plan.
- Fill your salads with spinach, celery, tomatoes and carrots.
4. Hourglass
Body type: When you gain weight, you see it around your chest and hips.
Remember this: Aim to get about 25 percent of your daily calories from high-quality protein. Stick to high fiber carbohydrates and limit added sugar and fats.
Smart choices for women:
- Salmon, eggs and low fat dairy products can help you fill up and keep you feeling satisfied all day.
- Make a sandwich with sourdough bread.
- Fresh fruits like blueberries, pomegranate seeds and prunes fit well into your meal plan.
- Make an arugula salad filled with chopped bell peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.
Smart choices for men:
- Enjoy a wide range of lean proteins, such as eggs, milk, chicken breast and salmon.
- Focus on fiber-rich carbs like brown rice and pinto beans.
- High fiber fruits like prunes are your best bet.
- Your top veggie picks include broccoli, spinach, bell peppers and cucumbers.