Meso-endomorph: People have thick arms and legs and a boxy chest and midsection in this body type. They tend to retain water and a layer of fat on the top of their muscles.
Ecto-endomorph: People with this body type have a soft midsection, flabby upper arms and legs, and droopy chests.
While these are the two endomorph body types, how do you identify yours? Knowing if you have an endomorph body type is the first step to treating it. Read the next section.
How To Know If You Are An Endomorph
You may be an endomorph if you gain weight fast and face difficulty losing weight even with calorie restriction. An apple-shaped body is also a significant characteristic of the endomorph body type. Those with an endomorph body type also tend to have short arms and legs, wide waist and hips, fall asleep quickly, and put on weight easily after a high-carbohydrate diet. In addition, studies show that the endomorph body has a layer of fat deposited in the abdomen and chest, making the person’s appearance bulky and apple-shaped (1). Endomorph diet is believed to have a beneficial effect on people with this body type. In the next section, know what the endomorph diet is and how it works.
What Is An Endomorph Diet And How Does It Work?
People with an endomorph body type have a slower metabolism. As a result, their body tends to convert excess calories into fat easily. Therefore, a proper diet plan is necessary to shed the excess pounds. Endomorphs should prefer foods rich in protein and healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Foods containing refined carbohydrates must be avoided. Calorie-laden foods are forbidden for endomorphs. A high-protein diet with moderate fat and carbs is ideal for this specific body type. But what kind of foods can one include in the diet? Learn more in the next section.
Foods List For Endomorphs
A diet for the endomorph body type has to be chosen carefully with the proper distribution of macros – as they play a significant role in body metabolism (3). Fruits and vegetables must be a part of the diet as they have an anti-obesity effect (4). The diet should also include complex carbohydrates like whole grains and lentils. Foods rich in fiber must also be included for their anti-obesity effects (5). Low fiber intake may also lead to fat accumulation in the body (6).
A 7-Day Sample Diet Menu For The Endomorph Body Type
Popular Diets That May Work For Endomorphs
Fast Metabolism Diet
This diet is followed to rev up one’s metabolism. The primary rule is to eat certain foods but only in a particular order. It is said that you can alter your metabolism by eating foods in a specified order. In addition, eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can improve metabolism. However, this diet is not backed by research. But consumption of fruits and vegetables has many health benefits nonetheless.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, beans, and a limited amount of dairy and fish. People with the endomorph body type may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. A Mediterranean diet helps minimize this risk (7). However, more quality research is warranted in this regard.
Vegan Diet
A vegan diet may be a perfect fit for endomorphs as it contains fewer carbohydrates and helps enhance metabolism (8). However, the vegan diet may lack as much protein as other diets. Nevertheless, you may overcome this challenge by including soy, almonds, quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas in a vegan diet. A healthy diet is always effective when coupled with exercise. Read on to know the exercises suitable for the endomorph body type.
Endomorph Workout: Which Exercises Are Ideal For This Body Type?
1. Running
2. Brisk Walking
3. Burpees
Although diet and exercise play a significant role in boosting metabolism, they must be backed by proper lifestyle changes. Know what they are in the next section.
Other Lifestyle Changes You Can Make
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep deprivation may lead to obesity and slow down metabolism (9). As Sound sleep is necessary for proper body functioning, aim to get quality sleep every night.
Eat Enough
Anecdotal evidence suggests that restricting your calorie intake may slow down your metabolism. Balance your calorie intake and exercise regularly to see visible results.
Hydrate Adequately
There is a direct link between dehydration and metabolism. Dehydration alters metabolism and may lead to metabolic dysfunction (10). Have water or fruit juices or vegetable/fruit-infused waters to ensure adequate hydration. Healthy weight loss and improved metabolism are the primary outcomes of an endomorph diet. However, the diet has other health benefits too.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is of immense importance to burn out the stored fat and increase metabolism. You can exercise six days a week for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance your mood and provide mental relaxation, which will improve metabolism.
Benefits Of The Endomorph Diet
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the overall calorie intake does not exceed the intake needed to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, healthy dietary patterns support healthy weight and help in the prevention of chronic diseases (11).
1. May Reduce The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
An endomorph diet majorly focuses on low carbohydrate intake. Low-carb diets were found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (12).
2. May Reduce Blood Pressure
People with the endomorph body type are more likely to be at risk of high blood pressure (13).
3. May Promote Skin Health
Anecdotal evidence suggests that a diet high in refined carbohydrates may cause acne. An endomorph diet, being low on carbs, promotes skin health and helps manage the risk of acne. The diet is also rich in fruits and vegetables that help promote skin health. Despite the many beneficial effects it offers, the endomorph diet may exhibit a few undesirable effects as well. Know more in the next section.
Disadvantages Of The Endomorph Diet
There are no potential disadvantages of the endomorph diet. But some people may find it difficult to limit the intake of carbohydrates. They may also experience digestive alterations and mood changes in the initial days. However, you can overcome these by trying out different food combinations.
Conclusion
Does keto work for Endomorphs? Yes, the low-carb, fat-burning keto diet can help endomorphs lose excess fat and shed some weight effectively. Can endomorphs eat oatmeal? Yes, oatmeal, consisting of complex carbohydrates, does not elevate blood sugar levels immediately. It can be a good meal option for endomorphs. How do endomorphs lose weight fast? Endomorphs have a slow metabolism and don’t tend to lose weight fast. Does fasting work for endomorphs? Yes, with their slow metabolism, intermittent fasting can be beneficial for endomorph body types.
