Mesomorphs diet plan. Mesomorph Diet Plan: Optimizing Nutrition for Athletic Body Types
What is a mesomorph body type. How does the mesomorph diet work. Which foods are recommended for mesomorphs. What are the potential benefits of following a mesomorph diet plan. How to create a balanced meal plan for mesomorphs.
Understanding the Mesomorph Body Type
The mesomorph body type is characterized by an athletic build with a tendency to gain muscle easily. Mesomorphs typically have a rectangular or boxy body structure, with their waist and hips being of similar width. These individuals often resemble professional athletes or have body compositions similar to those of Serena Williams or football players.
Mesomorphs are one of the three main body types or somatotypes, alongside ectomorphs (lean and lanky) and endomorphs (larger-boned and curvier). Understanding one’s body type can potentially help in tailoring diet and exercise plans to achieve specific health and physique goals more effectively.
Identifying Mesomorph Characteristics
- Athletic build
- Ease of muscle gain
- Rectangular or boxy body structure
- Waist and hips of similar width
- Good insulin sensitivity
The Mesomorph Diet: Balancing Macronutrients for Optimal Performance
The mesomorph diet is based on the principle that individuals with this body type benefit from a balanced intake of macronutrients. While there is limited rigorous research specifically on macronutrient recommendations for mesomorphs, some experts suggest a distribution of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat from total daily calories.
This macronutrient balance is thought to support muscle growth, provide energy for workouts, and maintain overall health. It’s important to note that these recommendations may differ from the general dietary guidelines provided by health authorities such as the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA).
Recommended Macronutrient Distribution for Mesomorphs
- Carbohydrates: 40% of total calories
- Protein: 30% of total calories
- Fat: 30% of total calories
Do mesomorphs require a specific calorie intake? While individual needs vary, some experts suggest a minimum of 1,500 calories daily for mesomorphs. However, due to their higher muscle mass and faster metabolism, mesomorphs may be able to consume more calories compared to other body types without gaining excess weight.
Food List for the Mesomorph Diet Plan
A well-rounded mesomorph diet focuses on whole foods that provide a balance of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Here’s a comprehensive list of foods recommended for mesomorphs:
Protein Sources
- Fish (salmon, tuna)
- Chicken
- Lean steak
- Turkey
- Eggs
- Protein shakes
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Carbohydrate Sources
- Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
- Sweet potatoes
- Fruits (berries, apples, bananas)
- Vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, carrots)
- Legumes (beans, lentils)
Healthy Fat Sources
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Fatty fish
- Nut butters
Sample Meal Plan for Mesomorphs
Creating a balanced meal plan that adheres to the recommended macronutrient distribution can help mesomorphs optimize their nutrition. Here’s a sample day of eating for a mesomorph:
Breakfast
Greek yogurt parfait with berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey
Mid-Morning Snack
Apple slices with almond butter
Lunch
Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted vegetables
Afternoon Snack
Protein smoothie with banana, spinach, and protein powder
Dinner
Baked salmon with sweet potato and steamed broccoli
Evening Snack (if needed)
Cottage cheese with sliced peaches
Is meal timing important for mesomorphs? Some experts suggest that mesomorphs may benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This approach can help maintain steady energy levels and support the body’s higher metabolic rate.
Mesomorph Hybrid Types: Tailoring the Diet
Not everyone fits perfectly into one body type category. Many individuals may have characteristics of multiple somatotypes, leading to hybrid body types. Two common mesomorph hybrids are:
Meso-Endomorph
This hybrid type combines mesomorph and endomorph characteristics. Meso-endomorphs typically have a thicker build with a boxy midsection. They are strong but may not have visible muscle definition. For this hybrid type, experts recommend focusing on strength and cardio workouts while adjusting the diet to promote fat loss.
Ecto-Mesomorph
Ecto-mesomorphs are naturally skinny individuals who have developed visible musculature through strength training. For this hybrid type, reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein consumption may help support muscle growth and definition.
How should mesomorphs who carry extra weight adjust their diet? For mesomorphs looking to lose weight, some experts suggest reducing carbohydrate intake to 30% of total calories and increasing both protein and fat to 35% each.
Potential Benefits of the Mesomorph Diet
While research specifically on the mesomorph diet is limited, following a balanced eating plan tailored to one’s body type may offer several potential benefits:
- Improved muscle growth and definition
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Better energy levels throughout the day
- Improved body composition
- Potential for easier weight management
Can the mesomorph diet improve insulin sensitivity? Mesomorphs are thought to have naturally good insulin sensitivity. A balanced diet with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats may help maintain this sensitivity and support overall metabolic health.
Considerations and Limitations of the Body Type Diet
While the concept of body type diets can be intriguing, it’s important to consider some limitations and potential drawbacks:
- Limited scientific evidence: There is a lack of rigorous research specifically supporting body type-based diets.
- Individual variations: Not everyone fits neatly into one body type category, and individual responses to diets can vary greatly.
- Oversimplification: Focusing solely on body type may overlook other important factors that influence health and fitness, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health status.
- Potential for restrictive eating: Adhering strictly to a body type diet may lead to unnecessary food restrictions or obsessive eating behaviors.
Is the mesomorph diet suitable for everyone? While the principles of balanced nutrition in the mesomorph diet can be beneficial for many, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.
Incorporating Exercise into the Mesomorph Lifestyle
Exercise plays a crucial role in optimizing health and physique for mesomorphs. Due to their natural predisposition for building muscle, mesomorphs often benefit from a balanced approach to fitness that includes both strength training and cardiovascular exercise.
Recommended Exercise Types for Mesomorphs
- Strength training: To build and maintain muscle mass
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): For cardiovascular health and fat burning
- Moderate-intensity cardio: To support overall fitness and endurance
- Flexibility exercises: To maintain mobility and prevent injury
How often should mesomorphs exercise? A typical exercise routine for mesomorphs might include 3-4 strength training sessions per week, combined with 2-3 cardio or HIIT sessions. However, individual needs and preferences should always be considered when designing an exercise program.
Customizing the Mesomorph Diet for Individual Goals
While the basic principles of the mesomorph diet provide a foundation, it’s important to customize the approach based on individual goals, preferences, and lifestyle factors. Here are some ways to tailor the mesomorph diet:
For Muscle Gain
Increase overall calorie intake while maintaining the recommended macronutrient balance. Focus on consuming adequate protein and complex carbohydrates to support muscle growth and recovery.
For Fat Loss
Create a modest calorie deficit while prioritizing protein intake to preserve muscle mass. Consider slightly reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and fat percentages.
For Maintenance
Stick to the recommended macronutrient balance and adjust total calorie intake to maintain current weight and body composition.
For Athletic Performance
Tailor carbohydrate intake based on training intensity and duration. Consider increasing carbohydrate consumption on high-intensity training days to support performance and recovery.
How can mesomorphs track their progress? Regular body composition assessments, strength measurements, and progress photos can be helpful tools for mesomorphs to monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments to their diet and exercise plans.
The Role of Supplements in the Mesomorph Diet
While a well-balanced diet should provide most necessary nutrients, some mesomorphs may consider incorporating supplements to support their fitness goals. Common supplements that may be beneficial include:
- Protein powder: To support muscle growth and recovery
- Creatine: For improved strength and muscle mass
- Omega-3 fatty acids: To support overall health and reduce inflammation
- Multivitamins: To fill potential nutrient gaps
- Pre-workout supplements: For enhanced energy and focus during workouts
Are supplements necessary for mesomorphs? While supplements can be helpful, they are not essential. A balanced diet should be the primary focus, with supplements used to complement, not replace, whole food nutrition.
Addressing Common Challenges for Mesomorphs
Despite their genetic advantages, mesomorphs may face certain challenges in their fitness journey. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:
Plateaus in Muscle Growth
Solution: Vary training routines, increase training volume or intensity, and ensure adequate nutrition and recovery.
Difficulty Losing Fat in Certain Areas
Solution: Focus on overall body fat reduction through a combination of diet and exercise, as spot reduction is not possible.
Overtraining
Solution: Implement proper rest and recovery periods, and listen to your body’s signals to avoid burnout.
Balancing Aesthetics and Performance
Solution: Set clear goals and prioritize either aesthetic or performance objectives, understanding that some trade-offs may be necessary.
How can mesomorphs maintain long-term success? Consistency in both diet and exercise, regular self-assessment, and a willingness to adjust strategies as needed are key factors in achieving and maintaining long-term success for mesomorphs.
In conclusion, the mesomorph diet plan offers a balanced approach to nutrition that may be beneficial for individuals with an athletic body type. By focusing on a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats, mesomorphs can potentially optimize their body composition and athletic performance. However, it’s crucial to remember that individual needs vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is advisable before making significant changes to one’s diet or exercise routine. The mesomorph diet should be viewed as a flexible framework that can be customized to meet individual goals and preferences, rather than a rigid set of rules.
What Is the Mesomorph Diet? Food List, Sample Menu, Benefits, More
By Jessica MigalaMedically Reviewed by Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed
Mesomorphs tend to do best on a well-balanced diet of 40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat from calories.iStock (2)
If you could pass for Serena Williams or a professional football player, you may be a mesomorph. A mesomorph is one of the three main body types, according to proponents of the body type diet. (Ectomorph and endomorph are the other two.) Some experts say that by pinpointing your body type and understanding its unique strengths and challenges, you can design a diet and exercise plan that gets you faster to your goals for your health and physique.
What Is a Mesomorph?
A person who is a mesomorph is said to have more of an athletic body. “Their body structure is more rectangular or boxy.
They’re also thin, but not wiry, and if they work out, they find they build muscle easily,” says Phil Catudal, a personal trainer in Atlanta. You know you might be a mesomorph, he says, if your waist and hips are the same width.
The Other Body Types
Along with a mesomorph, the other two body types (also referred to as somatotypes) include ectomorph (someone who typically is long, lean, and lanky) and endomorph (a larger-boned person who is curvier or has more fat on their body). (1)
How the Body Type Diet Works, and How to Know if You’re a Mesomorph
According to the tenets of the body type diet, people with mesomorph bodies may find that they build muscle relatively easily, and they should follow a diet divided fairly evenly between the macronutrients (carbs, protein, and fat). Mesomorphs also tend to have good insulin sensitivity, says Catudal, so, as the body-type thinking goes, they can eat a moderate amount of carbohydrates without wreaking havoc on their blood sugar levels.
There’s no rigorous research on the macronutrient recommendations or their effectiveness for mesomorphs or any of the other body types. But if you’re interested in this eating approach, Catudal recommends getting 40 percent of your calories from carbs, 30 percent from protein, and 30 percent from fat, and to eat at least 1,500 calories daily overall. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA), meanwhile, jointly recommend between 1,800 and 3,200 calories per day (based on age, gender, and activity level), with protein making up 10 to 35 percent, carbohydrates 45 to 65 percent, and fat 20 to 35 percent of those daily calories. Catudal argues the mesomorph will fuel your performance in the gym, and that you will have ample carbs to fill up your body’s glycogen stores for energy and protein for muscle repair postworkout.
Mesomorph Hybrid Types
Of course, many people’s bodies do not land in these confines. People can also have a hybrid body type because of their daily habits, diet, and exercise.
One common hybrid type for a mesomorph is a meso-endomorph, says Catudal, which is a thicker person with a boxy midsection. They’re strong but you can’t see a lot of visible muscle. Catudal recommends that meso-endomorphs focus on strength and cardio workouts and cinch in their diet to promote fat loss.
There is also an ecto-mesomorph, and that’s someone who is naturally skinny but through an emphasis on strength training has become visibly muscular. (They also build muscle by adjusting their macros to eat fewer carbs and more protein.) For mesomorphs who may carry extra weight (a possibility for all body types), Catudal recommends reducing carbohydrate intake to 30 percent of your calories and then eating 35 percent each of protein and fat.
Which Popular Diets May Work Best for Mesomorphs
You’re going to want a diet that’s balanced, well-rounded, and doesn’t cut out food groups unnecessarily. Rather than a fad diet approach, you might want to adopt the popular eating pattern of smaller, more frequent meals.
With larger muscle mass, your body burns through calories quickly, and you can stoke that fire — and keep your energy up — with balanced meals every few hours, recommends Catudal.
Food List for a Mesomorph
The body type diet states that a mesomorph will do best with a well-balanced meal plan (40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat), focusing on whole grains and starchy carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein-rich foods. Catudal says this will provide the needed energy for workouts as well as nutrients for muscle repair. They can also usually eat more calories compared with the other body types, as their higher percentage of muscle means a speedier metabolism. Here are the recommended foods on a mesomorph diet:
Meat and Fish
- Fish (salmon, tuna)
- Chicken
- Lean steak
- Turkey
- Eggs
- Protein shake
Dairy
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Fruits and Vegetables
- Berries
- Apples
- Pears
- Oranges
- Avocado
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
Nuts and Seeds
- Nut or seed butter
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
Grains and Starchy Vegetables
- Sweet potato
- Lentils
- Beans
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
A 7-Day Sample Menu for the Mesomorph Body Type
Day 1
Breakfast Greek yogurt parfait made with pumpkin, cinnamon, pecans, and raisins
Snack Two hard-boiled eggs and strawberries
Lunch Large salad with chopped veggies, sweet potato chunks, avocado, and vinaigrette.
Snack Hummus and bell pepper sticks
Dinner Chicken and vegetable stir-fry over brown rice with crushed peanuts
Day 2
Breakfast Smoothie made with soy milk, peanut butter, banana, and spinach
Snack Cheese stick with an orange
Lunch Three-bean chili, side salad drizzled with vinaigrette, and a small whole-grain roll
Snack Veggies with a yogurt-based dip
Dinner Spaghetti squash noodles with tomato and ground turkey sauce
Day 3
Breakfast Whole-grain toast with almond butter, hard-boiled egg
Snack Trail mix
Lunch Pizza made on a whole-grain tortilla, topped with veggies and chicken sausage
Snack Protein bar
Dinner Baked salmon, roasted broccoli, sweet potato with a tab of butter
Day 4
Breakfast Cottage cheese with pineapple and crushed macadamia nuts
Snack Roasted chickpeas and an orange
Lunch Turkey chili spooned into a sweet potato
Snack Packet of flavored tuna and celery sticks
Dinner Fajita lettuce wraps made with sliced steak, bell peppers, and onions, topped with avocado slices
More on Healthy Eating
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Day 5
Breakfast Greek yogurt with blueberries, toasted quinoa, and sunflower seeds
Snack Veggies and hummus
Lunch Whole grain wrap with chicken, sliced veggies (bell peppers, carrots) on the side
Snack Turkey rolled around sliced bell peppers and mustard
Dinner Tuna niçoise salad
Day 6
Breakfast Avocado toast with peaches and a hard-boiled egg
Snack Chocolate protein shake
Lunch Chicken salad (made with a base of Greek yogurt) over greens
Snack Roasted lentils and an orange
Dinner Roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and sautéed kale
Day 7
Breakfast Slice of veggie frittata and a banana
Snack Celery with peanut butter
Lunch Grilled salmon salad
Snack Protein bar
Dinner Quinoa bowl with chopped chicken, veggies, and a dollop of guacamole
Advantages of the Mesomorph Diet
Lucky for mesomorphs, “this body type is the most malleable through diet and exercise,” says Catudal.
Meaning: While you can’t change your bone structure or frame, it may be easier for you to lose fat and build muscle. Another benefit is that someone who is more muscular and athletic may be able to generally tolerate more carbs, says Melina Jampolis, MD, an internist and board-certified physician nutrition specialist in Valley Village, California. And you will probably enjoy the satisfaction of being able to split your calories pretty evenly between carbohydrates, fat, and protein, rather than putting limitations on your diet and feeling deprived.
Again, though, understand there’s no scientific proof that one body type tolerates carbs better than another; this is simply what Dr. Jampolis has seen in her practice.
Disadvantages of the Mesomorph Diet
There are few disadvantages to eating a balanced diet that includes a pretty even split between carbohydrates, fat, and protein, especially when you’re physically active and have sport-related goals. That said, experts aren’t all onboard with this idea.
Jampolis generally doesn’t support eating for your somatotype and instead focuses on where patients are storing body fat. Storing fat around your middle is a risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that makes it more likely you’ll develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease. (2) Getting your waist circumference to where it needs to be (under 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men, notes the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) should be your primary goal, and you can achieve that with other more studied diets, like the Mediterranean diet. (3,4)
Mesomorph Workout: Which Exercises Are Best for This Body Type?
Your ideal workout will depend most on your goals. “Weights will help you build muscle quicker, but cardio will help you drop weight quicker. Athletically, mesomorphs have it the best because they’re more responsive to exercise,” says Catudal. The one catch is that you’re at risk of hitting a plateau. “Mesomorphs maintain their bodies fairly easily, so there can be a tendency to not push yourself as hard,” he says.
Switching up your workouts and giving your body something new can help prevent that stall.
A study from 2018 rated somatotypes of 36 active men and had them do weight-bearing exercises. (6) The authors concluded that about one-third of strength performance was driven by somatotypes. That means you don’t have to be limited by your body type. What’s more, not all experts agree about the merits of training for your body type. Nanci Guest, PhD, RD, a nutritional scientist and personal trainer in Toronto, points out there isn’t research that supports this idea of training for your genetics.
Resources for Following a Mesomorph Diet
- Just Your Type: The Ultimate Guide to Eating and Training Right for Your Body Type, by Phil Catudal with Stacey Colino.
- The Truth About ‘Body Type Dieting’ for Ectomorphs, Endomorphs, and Mesomorphs, by Helen Kollias, PhD, and Ryan Andrews, RD, Precision Nutrition.
- “How to Eat for Your Body Type,” Open Sky Fitness podcast.
- “How to Lose Weight Based on Your Body Type,” Jacked on the Beanstalk podcast.
A Final Word on Following a Mesomorph Diet
With greater muscle mass, mesomorphs enjoy a speedy metabolism and ability to process carbohydrates well, especially if they’re also performing cardio or doing weights in the gym. For that reason, experts say mesomorphs thrive on a balanced diet.
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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Somatotypes. Harvard Catalyst.
- Mentoor I, Kruger M, Nell T. Metabolic Syndrome and Body Shape Predict Differences in Health Parameters in Farm Working Women. BMC Public Health. April 4, 2018.
- Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
- Agnoli C, Sieri S, Ricceri F, et al. Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and Long-Term Changes in Weight and Waist Circumference in the EPIC-Italy Cohort. Nutrition & Diabetes. April 25, 2018.
- Fast-Twitch vs. Slow-Twitch Muscle Fiber Types and Training Tips. National Academy of Sports Medicine. July 2018.
- Ryan-Stewart H, Faulkner J, Jobson S. The Influence of Somatotype on Anaerobic Performance. PLoS One. May 22, 2018.
Nutrition & Diabetes. April 25, 2018.Additional Sources
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 [PDF]. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. December 2020.
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Endomorph Diet 101: Food List, Sample Menu, Benefits, More
Mesomorph Body Type: What it is and the diet you should follow to reach your fitness goals
November 5, 2021 in Build Muscle, Fat Loss, Get Toned, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition
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Take our FREE 1 Minute Quiz to find out EXACTLY what Diet & Training is Best for You.
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Take our FREE 1 Minute Quiz to find out EXACTLY what Diet & Training is Best for You.
The scoop on this body type, how you should exercise, and the mesomorph diet you should follow to reach your fitness goals faster and easier.
Most people who want to achieve a fitness goal, such as weight loss, know that they will have to exercise regularly and modify the way they eat if they want to change the way their body looks.
What you may not know is your body type may affect your ability to achieve your goals.
We are all born with an inherited body type. Back in the 1940s, a scientist named William Sheldon determined there are three categories someone falls into based on bone structure and body composition.
- Endomorphs
- Mesomorphs
- Ectomorphs
Of course, genetics isn’t the only thing that contributes to the shape of your body. Your lifestyle, gender, age, and even hormones are also factors. But Sheldon determined in his research that body types are mainly inherited.
This means there are some things you can’t change, such as your skeletal structure and how your body distributes fat.
That said, you do have some control of how much fat and muscle your frame carries, which means that once you have determined which category your body best fits into, it is possible to change the shape of your body.
It just takes strategy.
We discussed the ENDOMORPH body type last week. You can check that out HERE. We will dive into the ECTOMORPH body type next week.
Today we are focusing on all things MESOMORPH — how to know if this is your body type, how you should exercise, and the best mesomorph diet plan that will work best for your genetics instead of against them!
WHAT IS A MESOMORPH BODY TYPE?
The mesomorph body type is often seen as the “ideal” body type because they have a more ideal muscle-to-fat ratio, can develop muscles easily, are typically not overweight or underweight, and have a natural tendency to stay fit.
Here are few other known characteristics of the mesomorph body type:
- Wide shoulders & narrow waist
- Naturally athletic looking
- Symmetrical
- Responds well to weight training
- Naturally stronger
- Stores fat evenly across the body
- Lose weight easily, but also can gain weight quickly
- Medium frame
- Smaller joints
- Round muscle bellies
While this body type may be ideal on paper, mesomorphs can gain excess body fat quickly if sedentary and stay in a caloric surplus.
This means that most mesomorphs still need to watch their calorie intake and/or stay active to avoid gaining excess fat.
You can see the best calorie range and macro breakdown for the mesomorph body type by using the macro calculator in the V Shred app for iOS or Android.
WHAT TYPE OF DIET IS BEST FOR A MESOMORPH BODY TYPE
As with any body type, the best diet for a mesomorph will depend on their specific health or fitness goals. That said, the calorie needs of people with a mesomorph body type tend to be slightly higher than those with other body types.
Congrats, this means you can typically get away with eating more calories to be used as fuel instead of being stored as fat.
But don’t get too excited. This does not mean that mesomorphs can eat whatever they want in excess and get away with it forever.
START HERE!
Take our FREE 1 Minute Quiz to find out EXACTLY what Diet & Training is Best for You.
START HERE!
Take our FREE 1 Minute Quiz to find out EXACTLY what Diet & Training is Best for You.
Even though mesomorphs tend to develop muscle easily and have lower body fat levels, they are prone to gain weight quickly. If weight loss is your goal, keeping your calories in check is still essential even as a mesomorph.
Mesomorphs tend to respond best to a well-balanced diet with relatively equal parts protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Some mesomorphs also react well to a higher protein diet.
The good news for mesomorphs is that your body will respond well to fueling it with whatever healthy foods you prefer and may be able to bounce back from being overweight more quickly than other body types.
What supplements a mesomorph chooses to take boils down to their goals. Here are some supplement suggestions any mesomorphs could benefit from no matter if their goal is to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain.
- BCAAS to help aid in post workout recovery
- A pre-workout to help make the most out of every rep
- Digestive enzymes to help process food more efficiently
- Protein to help hit a higher protein intake
THE BEST TYPE OF EXERCISE FOR AN MESOMORPH BODY TYPE
A combination of weight training and cardio usually works best for mesomorphs.
But if you are a mesomorph and your goal is fat loss, you might want to consider prioritizing cardio. Our preferred method of cardio for most body types, including mesomorphs, is HIIT (high intensity interval training) due to its ability to help boost your metabolism and get better results in less time. However, a few 30-minute moderate-intensity steady-state cardio sessions per week is also a good option for mesomorphs.
Things such as …
- Going on a jog
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Hiking
As a mesomorph, the weight training style you choose to do isn’t as important since this body type typically builds muscles easier than other body types.
Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, a mesomorph can train one muscle group per day, do full-body circuits, or even split your routine into upper– and lower-body days.
Another good option for mesomorphs is to pair weight-lifting with plyometrics (jump training.
) This will give you both muscle-building and fat-burning benefits in one session!
We utilize this style of jump training in our 30-day MOVE at-home workout program! If you have issues jumping, there are always modifications like the ones in this no jumping plyometric workout.
ARE YOU AN MESOMORPH?
Mesomorphs are generally pretty easy to spot. Even if they carry some excess body fat, they typically naturally have a muscular/athletic structure.
If you tend to gain weight equally across your body, put on muscle with little effort, and respond well to a diet as long as your calories are in check — you are most likely a mesomorph!
Even if you have some of the more obvious characteristics of a mesomorph, it can still be hard to determine if this is your body type, especially since mesomorphs can gain weight rapidly if calories aren’t in check.
If you are questioning if you are a mesomorph, you can try taking our FREE BODY TYPE QUIZ.
It’s only a few questions; you get your results instantly and will even be given free tips for the ideal workout style and diet for your lifestyle and goals!
You can take it HERE!
WHAT IF YOU AREN’T AN MESOMORPH?!
After you take our body type quiz, if you discover you are an ENDOMORPH (the most common body type) – you should check out the article we wrote about this body type! It will tell you everything you need to know! You can read it HERE!
If the quiz tells you that you are an ECTOMORPH, come back next week, we will dive into all the traits of this third body type and how you can eat and train to see the best results!
Tags: body type, MESOMORPH, v shred, vshred
Mesomorph nutrition for weight gain and weight loss: diet and program
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A mesomorph is a person genetically gifted with an almost ideal physique for strength sports. His constitution is designed so that he has broad shoulders and chest, a narrow waist, a low percentage of subcutaneous fat and a predisposition to gain muscle mass.
However, without careful work on oneself, all these prerequisites mean absolutely nothing. Training and nutrition for the mesomorph is the basis of the entire process of gaining muscle mass. This will be discussed in our article.
Nutrition
Mesomorph is an athlete with “strong” genetics. And, in most cases, genetics (especially when multiplied by regular workouts in the gym, adherence to the general principles of a healthy diet and a fast metabolism) covers minor nutritional errors. We are talking about 10-20% of the total calories consumed per day. If the rest of your diet is occupied by healthy foods, you will not have problems with excess weight, cardiovascular system, skin condition and performance in training and in everyday life.
Choosing a Diet
Having a small amount of harmful but very tasty food in your diet makes it psychologically easier for you to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition. You will not have breakdowns and constant irritability, you will steadily gain lean muscle mass.
This approach to nutrition during mass gain is becoming very popular across the ocean. It is based on the popular IIFYM (“if it fits your macros”) diet. It will be better if you do not go to extremes and eat fast food every day as part of this diet. It is best to get your 10-20% of “bad” calories from fresh fruit or homemade desserts. However, if this approach to nutrition does not appeal to you, you can make your diet entirely from healthy foods.
IIFYM (“if it fits your macros”) is the key difference between mesomorph and endomorph nutrition. Endomorphs have a too slow metabolism to afford such a luxury.
Carbohydrate intake
The amount of carbohydrates consumed per day also differs. A mesomorph can eat about 6 grams of carbohydrates per 1 kg of body weight without fear of gaining excess fat, for endomorphs this figure will be lower.
However, mesomorphs eat fewer carbohydrates than ectomorphs. The faster the metabolism, the more carbohydrates (including simple ones) you need to gain muscle mass.
For an ectomorph weighing 60 kg, 600 grams of carbohydrates per day is the norm.
There is also a difference in the amount of protein. Mesomorphs are recommended to consume about 3 grams of protein per 1 kg of body weight for faster recovery. Then the mesomorph will be able to train more often and more productively, and the muscles will always be full and hard.
We keep the standard amount of fat – 1 gram per 1 kg of body weight. This is enough for the normal functioning of all vital systems of the body, but will not create an energy surplus.
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The optimal diet for mesomorphs
The most important macronutrient for mesomorphs is protein. Your recovery and the density of your muscles depend on it. The more sources of protein in your diet, the better, as you will be getting enough of all the essential amino acids.
- Protein sources: chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork tenderloin, egg whites, dairy products, white and red fish, seafood, sports nutrition.
Carbohydrates are equally important. Their well-being and performance depend on them. The main part of the diet should be carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, which will saturate you with energy for a long time. let’s accept the intake of simple carbohydrates, but they need to know the measure. It is most optimal to use them during periods when the body needs a little “fuel” to stop catabolic processes – immediately after waking up or after strength training.
- Sources of carbohydrates: buckwheat, brown rice, basmati rice, oatmeal, pearl barley, durum wheat pasta, potatoes, bread, vegetables, fruits.
Fats are also necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Emphasis should be placed on the so-called unsaturated fatty acids or healthy fats. Their intake will help lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent the development of atherosclerosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Also, fats are of great importance for the entire endocrine system, as they are the “building material” for the production of sex hormones.
- Fat sources: nuts, natural peanut butter, avocado, fish oil, vegetable oils, egg yolks, seeds.
Mesomorph Sports Nutrition
Sports nutrition is an excellent source of high quality micro and macro nutrients. It is designed to speed up your recovery and growth by increasing protein synthesis in the body. However, remember that these are only supplements and not a replacement for part of your diet. No supplement can replace quality natural food.
Let’s see what sports nutrition products mesomorphs should consume and why they need it.
Protein
Protein is protein.
Without protein, restoration and growth of muscle tissue is impossible. Mesomorphs need a fairly large amount of protein daily, it is extremely difficult to get so much from natural food alone. 2-3 protein shakes per day will solve this problem. While gaining muscle mass, it is best for mesomorphs to opt for whey protein. It has a good amino acid composition and is more or less affordable. It is also a good idea to buy a multicomponent protein (a mixture of proteins with different absorption rates) and take it between meals. Casein is best for taking before bedtime, it will provide the body with amino acids slowly entering the bloodstream for 6-8 hours.
Creatine
Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of creatine. This confirmed its effectiveness in gaining muscle mass and strength. Its mechanism of action is as follows: it stores energy in the form of ATP molecules, which allows you to work with more weight and perform more repetitions. Its other useful property is that it accumulates water in the muscles, due to which you look more massive and fuller.
You can choose any form of creatine: monohydrate, nitrate, krealkalin, phosphate, etc. Pick the one that won’t hit your budget too hard, the effect of all of them is about the same.
BCAA
Three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) are the basis of muscle tissue repair and growth. They are also found in natural foods, but if you really want to progress in the gym, it is wise to take them as a supplement. The working dosage, which you can really feel on yourself, starts at 30 grams. Best Time to Take: Right after waking up and after a workout. At this time, catabolic processes predominate in the body. By taking BCAA, you will stop them. This will increase protein synthesis and growth hormone secretion, since BCAAs do not trigger insulin release.
Vitamin-mineral complex
This is an indispensable product for any athlete. It is important to buy such a complex, the percentage of these micronutrients in which would not be too high. The body does not need vitamin C at a dosage of 2500% of the norm, such a huge amount simply cannot be absorbed.
Of course, athletes require an increased intake of vitamins and minerals, but not that much. Of particular importance for athletes are vitamins B and D, they are responsible for the restoration of damaged muscle tissue and the normalization of the hormonal system.
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Pre Workout
This product contains all the ingredients you need to get the most out of your workout. Conventionally, all the active substances in them can be divided into two active groups: stimulants and components for performance and pumping. The group of stimulants includes caffeine, green tea extract, taurine, geranium extract and substances similar to it and other substances that affect the central nervous system. the second group includes: creatine, beta-alanine, agmatine, arginine, yohimbine, L-carnitine and much more. Together, all this will give you a boost of energy for a long intense workout.
Chondoprotectors
Any chondoprotector (prevention and treatment of joints and ligaments) is based on two components: glucosamine and chondroitin.
Given the intensity of training and working weight in basic exercises for mesomorphs, taking this supplement on an ongoing basis is almost an urgent need, so you will save yourself from unwanted injuries.
Diet Recommendations
- Never skip breakfast. Breakfast should be dense and high-calorie, its task is to energize you for the next 4-5 hours. If you have no appetite in the morning to eat a large amount of food, drink half a liter of water early in the morning on an empty stomach about half an hour before breakfast.
- Drink more water. Nutritionists advise drinking one liter of water for every 30 kg of body weight. But for people who are actively involved in sports, this may not be enough. So feel free to multiply the received amount of water by 1.5, or even by 2.
- The more varied your diet, the better. There are many advantages: a different amino acid composition (muscles receive more nutrients needed for recovery and growth), psychological relief (it is much easier to go on a diet when each meal is different), no problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Eat more fibre. Now, in the season of fresh fruits and vegetables, it is a sin not to take advantage of this. In addition, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, and vitamins from natural sources are much better absorbed by the body.
- Plan your menu in advance. In the evening, prepare food and pack it in containers so that you can take it to work or school tomorrow. There is nothing better than homemade food. When eating in a restaurant, you can never be sure of the quality and freshness of the food.
- The bulk of complex carbohydrates should come from cereals. Don’t skimp on them. It is best to choose risk, buckwheat or oatmeal that has undergone minimal processing. Polished cereals and “quick breakfast” options are not suitable for athletes, there is practically no benefit in them, and the glycemic index is several times higher than that of unprocessed cereals.
- Don’t be afraid to have cheat-miles. This will spin up the metabolism even more, you will not gain excess fat from this, but the glycogen necessary for productive training is easy. The best time for a cheat meal (or several cheat meals) is after a leg workout. So you will more than cover all energy costs, get rid of the feeling of weakness and recover faster.
The best time for a cheat meal (or several cheat meals) is after a leg workout. So you will more than cover all energy costs, get rid of the feeling of weakness and recover faster.
Nutrition program for mass gain
We have roughly figured out how a mesomorph should be fed for mass gain. To make it clearer, let’s take a look at an approximate diet:
| Food intake | Food | Nutritional value |
| Right after waking up |
|
|
| Breakfast dry) |
9012 5 | |
| Lunch |
9004 4 |
|
| Snack |
| |
| 2 hours before training |
|
|
| Pre-workout |
|
|
| Post workout |
|
|
| Dinner |
|
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| Before bed |
|
|
If we take such a mesomorph diet as a basis, then in total we get about 270 grams of protein, 90 grams of fat and 450 grams of carbohydrates.
Approximately the same proportion of macronutrients should be observed for a mesomorph weighing 90 kg for a set of muscle mass.
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Weight loss nutrition program
| Meals | Food | |
| Right after waking up |
|
|
| Breakfast |
9004 0 portion fish oil and vitamin-mineral complex |
|
| Lunch |
|
| Snack |
|
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| 2 hours before training |
|
| Pre-workout |
|
|
| Post workout |
|
|
| Dinner durum wheat ron (dry) |
| |
| Before bed casein or 200 grams of fat-free cottage cheese |
|
This is about 270 grams of protein, 60 grams of fat and 300 grams of carbohydrates.
By reducing the amount of fats and carbohydrates in the diet, we have significantly reduced the caloric content of the diet. Eating in this way, you will gradually get rid of excess weight, while maintaining energy and good performance.
Features of the nutrition of a mesomorph woman
Nutrition for a mesomorph woman for weight loss should be built around the following simple principles:
- Don’t completely eliminate fat from your diet. Red meat and vegetable oils must be present on your menu, otherwise you risk undermining women’s health.
- Don’t be afraid to take sports nutrition. There is nothing harmful in it, and you will not look like a man. Protein, amino acids, a fat burner and a pre-workout complex will be indispensable helpers in losing weight.
- Do not fast. Long-term catabolic processes will burn your muscle tissue, leaving fat in place. Nutrition should be balanced and regular.
- Don’t forget vitamins and minerals. They are important for immunity and health in general.
- The more often you eat, the better. If your daily routine allows you to eat 6-8 times a day, do so. This will spin up the metabolism much more than three meals a day. Of course, portions should be small.
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Project expert. Training experience – 12 years. A good theoretical base on the process of training and proper nutrition, which I use with pleasure in practice. Need a recommendation? This is for me 🙂
Revision cross.expert
Nutrition plan for a mesomorph male to gain muscle mass
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you can change it for yourself.
“Pure” mesomorphs are quite rare. As a rule, they gain muscle mass quite easily, and without a lot of additional fat, and, if necessary, easily lose weight.
Nutrition rules for mass gain
- The ideal number of meals is 5-6 per day. You can eat 3-4 times, but it will be more difficult to consume the right amount of calories.
- If you don’t have the opportunity to snack on whole foods, replace these techniques with sports nutrition – protein (protein) and gainer (carbohydrates and proteins).
- Do not be afraid to eat after 18:00 and an hour or two before bedtime, this is normal and absolutely safe from a health point of view. What matters is how comfortable you feel if you eat too late.
- Remember to drink plenty of pure water – at least 35 ml per kg of your body weight.
- The main sources of carbohydrates are cereals (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl barley), durum wheat pasta, potatoes, whole grain bread.
- Mesomorphs easily gain muscle mass, but at the same time they can put on excess fat. That is why it is necessary to approach nutrition more responsibly (than ectomorphs). Try to completely eliminate fatty foods with a lot of sugar and trans fats from your diet. The proportion of simple carbohydrates should be no more than 15-20% of the total daily amount of carbohydrates.
- The main sources of protein are chicken, turkey, lean meat, fish (white and red), eggs, cottage cheese and other dairy products. Protein from cereals and legumes is incomplete in amino acid composition.
- Sources of fats – vegetable oils, nuts, oily fish (red).
- If you are not gaining weight, add 100 kcal per week to your norm (about its calculation below) until you notice a change on the scale. The ideal growth rate is about 0.5 kg per week. If you see that a lot of excess fat is gaining, reduce the amount of carbohydrates (primarily simple ones). You can add 2-3 cardio workouts per week for 20-30 minutes after strength training.
Ready-made menu for the week
We selected the diet below for a mesomorph male 180 cm tall, weighing 75 kg and aged 20. Using a special formula, we get his basic calorie intake necessary to maintain his current weight – 2750 kcal. To gain mass, you need a surplus of calories, that is, they must be more than normal.
We add 15% from above and we get the number we need – 3150 (rounded). That’s how many calories you need to eat every day.
An approximate BJU percentage looks like this: 20-25-55, that is, 25% of all calories should be proteins, 25% fats and 50% carbohydrates. In numbers, in this case it looks like this: about 155 grams of protein, 89grams of fat, 430 grams of carbohydrates.
In the table, we used only common and easy-to-cook dishes. You can replace them with any other if you know their composition and calorie content. As a result, the following diet is obtained:
| Monday | ||||||||
| Meals | Proteins, g | Fats, g | Carbohydrates, g 901 25 | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast | Steamed buckwheat 150 g*, scrambled eggs from 2 eggs, 100 ml milk and greens | 41 | 16.8 | 108.7 | 750 | |||
| First snack | Kefir 250 g, mixed nuts and dried fruits 100 g | 13. 8 | 32.7 | 63.1 | 601.9 | |||
| Lunch | Baked chicken (fillet) 150 g, boiled rice 120 g, fresh cucumber | 42.6 | 11.2 | 666.4 | ||||
| Second snack | 2 bananas and an orange | 3.9 | 1.2 | 50.1 | 226.8 | |||
| Dinner | Grilled beef 150 g, boiled 150 g pasta, 100 g cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil | 54.3 | 26.9 | 110.2 | 900.1 | |||
| Total: | 155.6 | 88.8 | 430.9 | 3145.2 | ||||
| Tuesday | ||||||||
| Meals | Protein, g | Fat, g | Carbohydrates, g | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast | Boiled barley 100 g, whole grain bread 10 0 g cheese 150 g | 36.9 | 37.3 | 119. 9 | 962.9 | |||
| First snack | Kefir 250 g, whole grain bread 150 g | 25.2 | 11.3 901 25 | 102 | 610.5 | |||
| Lunch | Stew turkey fillet 150 g, boiled pasta 150 g, fresh tomato | 43.8 | 12.6 | 118.1 | 761 | |||
| Second snack | 2.2 | 15.8 | 37.2 | 299.8 | ||||
| Dinner | Beef tenderloin steak 150 g, boiled potatoes 300 g, pickles | 47.8 | 11.9 9 0125 | 52.9 | 509.9 | |||
| Total: | 155.9 | 88.9 | 430.1 | 3144.1 | ||||
| Wednesday | ||||||||
| Meals | Proteins, g | Fats, g | Carbohydrates, g | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast | Boiled buckwheat 150 g, 2 whole eggs | 26.6 | 15. 5 | 107.7 | 676.7 | |||
| First snack | 36.5 | 10 | 42.2 | 404.8 | ||||
| Lunch | Grilled Beef 200g, Baked Potato 600g, Canned Peas 100g | 43.5 | 32.8 | 108.5 | 903.2 | |||
| Second snack | 2 bananas and an orange | 3.9 | 1.2 | 50.1 | 226 ,8 | |||
| Dinner | Stewed chicken fillet with vegetables 200 g , boiled rice 150 g | 45.3 | 29.8 | 121.5 | 935.4 | |||
| Total: | 155.8 | 8 9.3 | 430 | 3146.9 | ||||
| Thursday | ||||||||
| Meals | Protein g | Fat g | Carbohydrate g | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast | 2 whole boiled eggs, whole grain bread 200 g, cheese 100 g | 42. 9 | 36.8 | 81.8 | 830 | |||
| First snack | Cottage cheese with sour cream and dried fruits, 250 g | 36.5 | 42.2 | 404.8 | ||||
| Lunch | Baked turkey fillet 200 g, boiled rice 150 g, cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, 100 g 134 | |||||||
| Second snack | 2 bananas and 2 unsweetened apples | 4.2 | 2.2 | 71.1 | 321 | |||
| Dinner | Braised red fish 200 g, baked potatoes 600 g, fresh cucumber | 40.6 | 21.3 | 164.1 | 89.2 | 424.4 | 3156 8 | |
| Friday | ||||||||
| Meals | Proteins, g | Fats, g | Carbohydrates, g | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast | Cottage cheese with sour cream and dried fruits 200 g, whole grain bread 200 g, cheese 100 g | 56. 5 | 28.5 | 108.1 | 914, 9 | |||
| First snack | Kefir 250 g, mixed nuts and dried fruits 100 g | 13.8 | 28.7 | 63.1 | ||||
| Lunch | Baked white fish 200 g, boiled potatoes 500 g, cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil 100 g | 47.4 | 12.8 | 81.5 | 630.8 | |||
| Second snack | 2 bananas and 2 unsweetened apples 9 0125 | 4.2 | 2.2 | 71.1 | 321 | |||
| Dinner | Stewed chicken fillet with vegetables 150 g, boiled pasta 150 g | 32.8 | 16.8 | 713.6 | ||||
| Total: | 154 .7 | 89 | 431.6 | 3146.2 | ||||
| Saturday | ||||||||
| Meals | Protein, g | Fat, g 9012 5 | Carbohydrates, g | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast | Muesli (without sugar) with milk , 200 g | 24. 4 | 20.2 | 110.3 | 720.6 | |||
| First snack | Kefir 25 0 g wholemeal bread 150 g | 25.2 | 11.3 | 102 | 610.5 | |||
| Lunch | Baked salmon in foil 200 g, boiled potatoes 500 g, cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, 100 g | 51.1 901 25 | 22.9 | 91, 7 | 777.3 | |||
| Second snack | Fruit salad with sour cream sauce, 200 g | 2.2 | 15.8 | 3 7.2 | 299.8 | |||
| Dinner | Beef tenderloin steak 200 g, boiled rice 120 g, fresh cucumber | 52.1 | 18.7 | 89.8 | 735.9 | |||
| Total: | 155 | |||||||
| Meals | Protein, g | Fat, g | Carbohydrates, g | Calories | ||||
| Breakfast 901 25 | Steamed oatmeal 120 g, cottage cheese 2% fat 200 g with sour cream | 51. 9 | 15.4 | 84.1 | 682.6 | |||
| First snack | 11.3 | 102 | 610.5 | |||||
| Lunch | Stewed white fish 200 g, baked potatoes 500 g, cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, 100 g | 41.8 | 27.7 | 88.5 90 125 | 770.5 | |||
| Second snack | 2 bananas and 2 apples, unsweetened grilled beef cut 150 g, boiled rice 100 g, linseed oil spoon | 32 ,1 | 32.8 | 85.2 | 764.4 | |||
| Total: | 155.2 | 89.4 9012 5 | 430.9 | 3149 | ||||
*all weights shown for dry products
How can I customize the menu for myself?
The first thing you need to do is calculate your calorie intake for weight maintenance. Use, for example, the Harris-Benedict equation. Then add another 15% to the resulting number to get the number of calories for mass gain.