There is no shame in the shape of your body! Love it, because it’s the only body you’ve got. That said, not every body should eat the same foods in the same way. If shedding a little excess weight in your trouble spots is your goal, then start eating right…for your body type.
It’ been a while since I posted on body types, and thought I would hone in on lunch.
Athlete
When I was on TODAY, Kathy Lee referred to this type’s trouble spot as “bra-goo.” Now, since it’s really not a word, it could be better spelled “bra-gu” – the choice is yours. But the reference is to the extra area of flab in a woman just over the back of the bra line.
The athlete is usually triangular-shaped with broad shoulders and narrow hips. They’re called “the athlete” because they gain muscle easily, and in fact may be more athletic. Both men and women tend to be stockier on top.
For your meals, try to take a pass on salty foods and red meats. Opt instead for lean poultry and fresh water fish. Lunch itself should be smaller, but packed with nutrients. Here is a suggestion:
- Southwest Spinach Salad
A hearty spinach salad topped with ½ c. corn, ½ c. black beans, onion, salsa and ¼ of an avocado. Top with 1 tablespon of low fat sour cream. If salsa and sour cream don’t work for you, try substituting one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil instead.
Apple
If you’re perpetually thick through the middle – and nowhere else – you’re an apple. Of all types, you’re the one that I want to impress proper eating to most. Extra fat through the midsection (think vital organs) puts unneeded stress on your body. Apples are at a higher risk of developing diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, due to fat storage in this part of the body.
The key for you, Apple, is making sure you don’t feel hungry an hour or two after you eat. In other words, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is key. The size of your lunch should be equal to what you eat at breakfast and dinner. Here is a simple lunch that will keep you going through the afternoon.
- Super Simple Whole Grain Turkey Sandwich
Two slices of whole grain bread (shoot for at least 4 grams of fiber per slice), 1 slice of cheddar cheese, sliced tomato, lettuce, and of course, 4 ounces of sliced turkey. Turkey sandwiches are easy to pick up at delis and local restaurants. If you won’t be making your sandwich at home, make sure any sauces typically added are left off.
Babyface
A little bit of pudge finds its way to nearly all parts of your body – even ankles, hands and cheeks. If this is typical for you, welcome to Club Babyface. Sometimes this type looks like a thin person that put a little meat on their bones – all of them. Keep in mind, if you suddenly gain weight throughout your body for no attributable reason, see a doctor.
The size of your lunch meal should be proportionately larger than what you ate for breakfast, but smaller than what you’ll eat for dinner. Dairy in general (low fat or high fat) doesn’t work well with you. Aim for lean protein and whole grain, minus anything creamy. And if you’re the type of person who craves a post-lunch coffee, go for decaf!
- Mayo-Free Tuna Salad Sandwich
Simply mix one can of tuna with one tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well. Season with a little sea salt and red onion, then serve open face on one slice of whole grain bread. A side of fresh veggies, such as carrots and celery with hummus work well here.
Pear
The Pear is a girls-only category, with Eva Longoria, J-Lo and Shakira in this group.
If you want a quick general recap of how each body type should eat from breakfast through dinner, check out what I have to say here, or revisit me on The TODAY Show with Hoda & Kathy Lee back in June.
Lunch for your body type should be sized somewhere in the middle of breakfast and dinner (similar to Babyface). Dairy is ok for you, but keep it low fat. It’s also smart to avoid any spicy foods and red meat as they tend to promote weight gain for your body type.
- Mixed Green & Cottage Cheese
Top a plate of mixed greens or romaine lettuce with low fat cottage cheese, carrots, celery, onion, one teaspoon or ground flax seed and a little olive oil (or your favorite and healthy low fat dressing).
