While it is true we all differ from each other in shapes and sizes, this difference should only be taken with a grain of salt (and a very small one at that) when you consider an eating plan. A very popular diet was introduced a few years back, claiming weight loss can occur by targeting a person’s body type. This claim focuses on building a diet around what a specific body type needs. Scientific studies have proven that there is no evidence to support this diet and a person’s body type should not dictate what they eat if they are looking to loose weight. In fact, these bogus claims are about as scientific as sticking to a certain diet because of the color of your hair!
Scientists generally agree that there are three body types: the mesomorph, an individual with broad shoulders, narrow waist and naturally lean muscle; the ectomorph, a person with a thin, linear appearance and the endomorph, the naturally large person, sporting a rounder face, wider hips and overall larger bones. While no one disputes these descriptions, many people come to realize from what we see around society is that these categories are broad at best. Structurally, we cannot dispute a certain person’s height or another person’s broad shoulders and long arms; but eating a certain way because of these attributes will not bring anyone a desired weight loss goal.
As we all know, but are so quick to conveniently forget when faced with a possible new and faster solution, true weight loss comes from a good diet and consistent exercise. The body type diet, as well as many others, eases responsibility from us, as if to say: “Well, this is your body type and these are the foods that work against you. It is not your fault pizza makes you gain weight and soda bloats you, look at your body type, you are prone to such things!” In reality, we all know we feel better and look healthier, and are healthier, when we eat a well-balanced diet and engage in a regular exercise program. And though we all have our particular sensitivities and food allergies, these have nothing to do with body type but our internal chemistry.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of books devoted to diet and exercise. Each month it seems a new author, supposedly a doctor, claims to have found the key to weight loss unlike any person before. Their promise of a near miracle to all those weight gain woes is seemingly at your fingertips, you come to realize that this new diet is simply like all the others. After purchasing the book, buying the food the author recommends, and hoping ever so desperately that this is indeed the time when you will finally get your weight under control. The truth we all know, but very often ignore, is that the only way to maintain our ultimate goal weight is to incorporate exercise into our daily routine of our everyday life. This fact alone regulates healthy weight control and helps us focus on feeling better which many times can lead to eating foods free from processing and extra chemicals and hormones.
Stopping the diet book buying is the first step to taking control of your life to losing weight and sticking to a fitness routine. There are no easy cures and time is all you need.