Exercise & Nutrition For Your Body Type

The most recognizable names we have for body types are Endomorph, Mesomorph and Ectomorph. Bodies that tend to have more of a pear shape and carry a little extra fat are considered Endomorph. Mesomorphs tend to have a naturally fit body and/ or their body tends to lean more toward an hour glass shape and it is fairly easy to gain and/or lose weight. Ectomorphs have a naturally thin body type and may find it extremely difficult to gain weight and/or tone.
All of this information is correct but did you know that hormones also affect your body type and ultimately your health?  Hormones and organ function play a major role in how we gain and/or lose weight.  
There are four body shapes that are determined by the activity and functionality of our hormones and organs:  Adrenal, Ovary, Liver and Thyroid.
 
ADRENAL
The Adrenal body type has wide shoulders and strong limbs. The trunk is straight up and down with little waist. This body type tends to gain weight near and/or around the mid-section.  Adrenal types tend to crave foods that are high in cholesterol and salt. According to Dr. Berg, “When too much stress builds up, our fight-or-flight response kicks in, it triggers the hormone cortisol to protect our bodies unfortunately it also aids in fat storage as well. Due to a majority of weight loss programs entails cutting a significant amount of calories this may cause further stress on the body which may result in weight gain.”
Nutrition and Exercise
Lower your calorie intake by eating frequent but small meals that packs nutrition density. These small meals should consist of foods that are low in salt and fat, fresh fruit and whole grain carbs.
High intensity cardio and/or using moderate weights at a fast training pace, allowing for little rest between sets and exercises.
 
OVARY
The Ovary body type have small to medium narrow shoulders and wide hips, (hour glass)  and tend to be heavier in the lower part of the body. Like the thyroid shape, too much estrogen triggers the ovary shape, which can cause certain people to be both shapes in their lifetime.   Sugar has a very toxic effect on this body type.  This body type struggles with the conventional low fat meal plan because weight typically comes off easily from areas where there is not a problem; Ovary body types crave spicy, creamy foods, fats and sugar. The largest protein meal should be consumed for dinner when this gland is more active.
Nutrition and Exercise
Try to avoid spices, heavy creams, butter, desserts, caffeine, fats, oils, sugar, ice cream and all fried foods.  Consume raw fruit, soy milk rather than regular milk, lean protein. Your largest high protein meal should be consumed at night when this gland is more active.
Body weight circuits, brisk walking and/or jogging bring balance to the upper and lower body. Strength training can also be done with light weights at a fast training pace allowing for very little rest between sets and exercises.
LIVER
The liver body type tends to have a protruding belly “pot belly” due to fluid retention from the liver. This type may also experience right shoulder pain, skin and digestive issues. A liver type will often crave fatty/fried foods, chocolate or alcohol.
Nutrition and Exercise
Eliminate junk foods, alcohol, fried foods and soft drinks. Consume fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Detoxing your liver may be helpful as well.
Cardio is your best friend. Cycling, jogging, power walking and interval training i.e. Tabata get your heart pumping!!  Incorporating core exercises in your routine is a great idea as well.
 
THYROID
Thyroid body typically has fine narrow bone structure and tends to gain weight all over, not in just one place. Thyroid types tend to crave more carbs like bread for quick energy. They often have problems with unstable blood sugar levels, which can cause fatigue and cravings for sugar and stimulants such as caffeine.
Nutrition and Exercise
Eliminate simple carbs such as white flour, white bread, pasta and white rice from your meal plan. Replace with whole grains, vegetables, chicken and fish.
Strength training along with aerobic exercise should be done to get a better muscle-to-fat ratio, which will help to boost your metabolism and assist with weight loss. When you’re training with weights keep a moderate pace, making sure not to rest too long between sets.