What is a mesomorph body type. How does the mesomorph diet work. What foods should mesomorphs eat. What are the benefits of following a mesomorph diet plan. How can mesomorphs optimize their nutrition for muscle building and fat loss.

Understanding the Mesomorph Body Type

The mesomorph body type is characterized by an athletic build, rectangular shape, and ease of muscle gain. Mesomorphs typically have broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and low body fat. They tend to have a higher metabolism and respond well to both strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Key characteristics of mesomorphs include:

• Athletic, muscular appearance
• Rectangular or “boxy” body shape
• Broad shoulders and chest
• Narrow waist and hips
• Relatively low body fat
• Ease of gaining muscle mass
• Responsive to both strength and cardio training

Are there variations within the mesomorph body type? Yes, some individuals may be classified as hybrid types, such as meso-endomorphs or ecto-mesomorphs. Meso-endomorphs tend to have a thicker build with less visible muscle definition, while ecto-mesomorphs are naturally slim but have developed significant muscle mass through training.

The Science Behind the Mesomorph Diet

The mesomorph diet is based on the concept that different body types have unique nutritional needs. For mesomorphs, the focus is on a balanced macronutrient intake to support muscle growth and maintenance while keeping body fat in check.

What macronutrient ratio is recommended for mesomorphs? The typical recommendation is:

• 40% carbohydrates
• 30% protein
• 30% fat

This balanced approach aims to provide sufficient energy for workouts, support muscle repair and growth, and maintain a lean physique. It’s important to note that while these ratios are commonly suggested, individual needs may vary based on factors such as activity level, goals, and overall health status.

Essential Foods for the Mesomorph Diet Plan

A well-rounded mesomorph diet includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all food groups. Here’s a comprehensive list of foods that are typically recommended for mesomorphs:

Protein Sources

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef)
• Fish (salmon, tuna, cod)
• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Tofu and tempeh
• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)

Complex Carbohydrates

• Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
• Sweet potatoes
• Whole grain bread and pasta
• Fruits (berries, apples, bananas)
• Vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale)

Healthy Fats

• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds

How can mesomorphs ensure they’re getting enough nutrients? By incorporating a variety of foods from each category, mesomorphs can meet their macronutrient needs while also obtaining essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s crucial to focus on whole, unprocessed foods for optimal health and performance.

Sample Meal Plan for Mesomorphs

To illustrate how the mesomorph diet can be implemented, here’s a sample meal plan that adheres to the recommended macronutrient ratios:

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 whey protein

Dinner

Baked salmon with sweet potato and steamed broccoli

Evening Snack (if needed)

Cottage cheese with sliced peaches

How can mesomorphs adapt this meal plan to their preferences? This sample plan can be customized based on individual tastes, dietary restrictions, and specific fitness goals. The key is to maintain the overall balance of macronutrients while choosing foods that are enjoyable and sustainable for long-term adherence.

Benefits of Following a Mesomorph Diet Plan

Adopting a mesomorph-specific diet plan can offer several potential benefits for individuals with this body type:

• Improved muscle growth and definition
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Better energy levels throughout the day
• Easier maintenance of a lean physique
• Balanced blood sugar levels
• Reduced risk of overeating or undereating

Do all mesomorphs experience the same benefits? While many mesomorphs may find success with this dietary approach, individual results can vary based on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and adherence to the plan. It’s important to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

Optimizing Nutrition for Muscle Building and Fat Loss

Mesomorphs often have the advantage of building muscle relatively easily, but they may also need to be mindful of fat gain. To optimize nutrition for both muscle building and fat loss, consider the following strategies:

1. Prioritize protein intake: Aim for 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to support muscle growth and repair.
2. Time carbohydrates strategically: Consume complex carbs before and after workouts to fuel performance and aid recovery.
3. Include healthy fats: Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats to support hormone production and overall health.
4. Practice portion control: Even with a faster metabolism, mesomorphs should be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excess calorie intake.
5. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for muscle function, recovery, and overall performance.

How can mesomorphs adjust their diet for specific goals? For muscle gain, slightly increasing calorie intake while maintaining the recommended macronutrient ratios can be effective. For fat loss, creating a moderate calorie deficit while ensuring adequate protein intake can help preserve muscle mass during the cutting phase.

Combining the Mesomorph Diet with Exercise

To maximize the benefits of the mesomorph diet, it should be combined with an appropriate exercise regimen. Mesomorphs typically respond well to a balanced approach that includes both strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Strength Training

Mesomorphs often excel in strength training due to their natural muscle-building ability. A program that includes compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows can be highly effective. Aim for 3-4 strength training sessions per week, focusing on progressive overload to continually challenge the muscles.

Cardiovascular Exercise

While mesomorphs may not need as much cardio as other body types for fat loss, including regular cardiovascular exercise is still important for overall health and fitness. A mix of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity steady-state cardio can provide optimal benefits.

How should mesomorphs balance strength training and cardio? A typical weekly routine might include 3-4 strength training sessions and 2-3 cardio sessions, with at least one rest day for recovery. The exact balance can be adjusted based on individual goals and preferences.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While the mesomorph diet can be effective for many individuals, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges and considerations:

• Individual variability: Not all mesomorphs will respond identically to the same diet plan.
• Risk of overeating: Due to their higher metabolism, mesomorphs may be tempted to overeat, which can lead to unwanted fat gain.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Focusing too heavily on macronutrients may lead to neglecting micronutrient intake.
• Sustainability: Strict adherence to specific macronutrient ratios may be challenging for some individuals in the long term.
• Overemphasis on body type: While body type can be a useful guide, it shouldn’t be the sole factor in determining nutritional needs.

How can mesomorphs address these challenges? Regular self-assessment, consultation with nutrition professionals, and flexibility in adapting the diet to individual needs and preferences can help overcome these potential obstacles.

In conclusion, the mesomorph diet plan offers a structured approach to nutrition that can support the unique needs of individuals with an athletic body type. By focusing on balanced macronutrient intake, incorporating nutrient-dense foods, and combining the diet with appropriate exercise, mesomorphs can optimize their physique and performance. However, it’s crucial to remember that individual needs may vary, and the diet should be adapted as necessary to ensure long-term health and sustainability.

What Is the Mesomorph Diet? Food List, Sample Menu, Benefits, More

By Jessica MigalaMedically Reviewed by Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN

Reviewed: November 3, 2022

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

The 11 Best and Worst Oils for Your Health

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.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Somatotypes. Harvard Catalyst.
2. 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.
3. Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
4. 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.
5. Fast-Twitch vs. Slow-Twitch Muscle Fiber Types and Training Tips. National Academy of Sports Medicine. July 2018.
6. Ryan-Stewart H, Faulkner J, Jobson S. The Influence of Somatotype on Anaerobic Performance. PLoS One. May 22, 2018.

Additional Sources

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 [PDF]. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. December 2020. 

Show Less

Knife Skills 101: How to Cut Complicated Fruit and Veggies

Ever wonder how to properly cut avocado, sweet potato, pomegranate, and other tricky produce? We’ve got you covered. These knife skills tips from a chef…

By Elizabeth MillardJuly 12, 2023

20 Popular Food and Nutrition Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Are carbs the enemy? How about gluten? Is it necessary to eat breakfast? And if so, are eggs going to raise your cholesterol? We debunk some common myths. ..

By Jessica MigalaJuly 12, 2023

12 Healthier Ice Cream Brands, According to Registered Dietitians

Ice cream is a favorite dessert, and these 12 brands make varieties that taste indulgent but contain protein, probiotics, and even fiber in some cases…

By Jill WaldbieserJuly 12, 2023

Eating More of These 6 Natural Foods Could Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease and Death

Heart-healthy diets often focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fish. But a new global study suggests full-fat dairy could also offer benefits…

By Becky UphamJuly 11, 2023

The 10 Top Hydrating Fruits

Fill up your grocery cart with these hydrating fruits that are all packed with water and nutrition. Fresh picks like citrus, berries, and melon are some…

By Leslie BarrieJuly 10, 2023

All About Cherries: Nutrition, Benefits, Types, Side Effects, and More

Whether you prefer them tart or sweet, cherries are packed with nutritional benefits. Find out about calories in cherries, benefits of cherries, and everything…

By Jessica MigalaJuly 10, 2023

8 Potential Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes and tomato products have a number of known health benefits. A top source of the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes have anticancer properties and…

By Kayla BlantonJuly 7, 2023

11 Myths and Facts Everyone Should Know About Drinking Water

Proper hydration is key to good health, but there are plenty of myths about how much water to drink, what kind if best, and how to know if you’re dehydrated…

By Sarah GaroneJuly 7, 2023

The 7 Biggest Myths About Calories

Calorie counting for weight loss does work, but not all calories are created equal. Check out seven of the most persistent calorie counting myths — plus…

By Joy ManningJuly 6, 2023

How to Cut a Pineapple: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pineapple is a high-sugar fruit, but it also contains vitamin C and fiber, and an enzyme, bromelain, known for tis anti-inflammatory properties. Learn…

By Kelly Kennedy, RDNJune 30, 2023

10 Types of the Keto Diet to Consider

Ketosis: Symptoms, Benefits, Risks, and More

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

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.

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

Nutrition plan for a mesomorph male to gain muscle mass

Share:

In the article we will analyze the general nutrition rules for successful mesomorph mass gain, and also offer a ready-made weekly diet that you can easily change 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

The diet below was selected for a mesomorph male who is 180 cm tall, weighs 75 kg and is 20 years old. Using a special formula, we get his basic calorie intake needed 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:

90 050 98.8

9005 0 Cottage cheese with sour cream and dried fruits, 250 g

9 0050 565.9

9005 0 107.8

9005 Sunday

Monday
Meals		Proteins, g	Fats, g	Carbohydrates, g 900 45	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 pasta 150 g, cucumber and tomato salad 100 g, 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	11.3 900 45	102	610.5
Lunch	Stew turkey fillet 150 g, boiled pasta 150 g, fresh tomato	43.8	12.6	118.1	761
Second snack	Fruit salad with sour cream sauce, 200 g	2.2	15.8	37.2	299.8
Dinner	Beef tenderloin steak 150 g, boiled potatoes 300 g, pickles	47.8	11.9 9 0045	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	10	42.2	404.8
Lunch	Baked turkey fillet 200 g, boiled rice 150 g, cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, 100 g 046
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 0045	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 9004 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	51.1 900 45	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 900 45	Steamed oatmeal 120 g, cottage cheese 2% fat 200 g with sour cream	51. 9	15.4	84.1	682.6
First snack	Kefir 250 g, whole grain bread 150 g	25.2	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 90 045	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 9004 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 caloric 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.

Then download this file, which contains the diet above. You will only need to adjust the amount of BJU dishes in your meals to get the right amount of calories for you. It is enough to change only BZHU, calorie content and final numbers are calculated automatically. You can also replace the dishes themselves, then you will also need to manually enter their composition for proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Simplified version

If you do not want to do such complex calculations, there is an easier method. Given the list of sources of carbohydrates, proteins and fats from the first paragraph, simply consume every day at least 5.5-6 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein and 1-1.2 grams of fat per kg of body weight.

Rate the material

Loading…

Share:

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 🙂

Editorial cross. expert

Mesomorph nutrition for weight gain and weight loss: diet and program

Share:

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.

Nutritional features

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.

© adekvat — depositphotos.com

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.

• Carbohydrate sources: 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.

© maxxyustas — depositphotos.com

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 (drug for the 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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 visually analyze an approximate diet:

900 46

900 50

• 25 grams of protein
• 45 grams of carbohydrates

Meals	Food	Nutritional value
Right after waking up	0.5 liters of water 2 servings BCAA	6 grams of protein
Breakfast dry) 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 banana three whole eggs and five protein serving of fish oil and vitamin-mineral complex	40 grams of protein 40 grams of fat 120 grams of carbohydrates 9004 5
Lunch	100 grams durum wheat pasta (dry) 250 grams beef fresh vegetable salad 2	40 grams protein 20 grams fat 70 grams of carbohydrates
Snack	serving of multi-component protein 2 bananas
2 hours before training	100 grams of rice (dry) 2 50 grams chicken fillet fresh vegetable salad	50 grams protein 60 grams of carbohydrates
Pre-workout	pre-workout serving 60 grams of dried fruits	30 grams of carbohydrates
Post workout	two servings of whey protein 900 15 100 grams dried fruit or 2 bananas	50 grams protein 50 grams carbohydrates
Dinner	100 grams durum wheat pasta (dry) 250 grams fish fresh vegetable salad	40 grams of protein 25 grams of fat 70 grams of carbohydrates
Before bed	portion of multi-component protein or casein	25 grams of protein

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.

50 Nutritional value Right after waking up

• 0.5 liters of water
• 2 servings of BCAAs
• 6 grams of protein
Breakfast
• 100 grams of oatmeal (dry)
• tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 green apple
• seven egg whites

9001 4 servings of fish oil and vitamin-mineral complex

• 25 grams protein
• 20 grams of fat
• 80 grams of carbohydrates
Lunch
• 100 grams of durum wheat pasta (dry)
• 250 grams of turkey
• fresh vegetable salad
• 40 grams of protein
• 70 grams of carbohydrates

900 43

Snack
• protein bar
• 20 grams of protein
• 10 grams of fat
• 10 grams of carbohydrates
2 hours before training
• 100 grams of rice
• 250 grams of chicken fillet
• fresh vegetable salad
• 50 grams of protein
• 60 grams of carbohydrates

9 0043

Pre-workout
• pre-workout scoop
• BCAA 2 scoops
• 6 grams of protein
Post Workout
• 2 servings of whey protein
• 50 grams of protein
Dinner durum wheat ron (dry)
• 250 grams of fish
• fresh vegetable salad
• 40 grams of protein
• 25 grams of fat
• 70 grams of carbohydrates
Before bed casein or 200 grams of fat-free cottage cheese
• 25-35 grams of protein

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:

1. Don’t cut fat out of your diet completely. Red meat and vegetable oils must be present on your menu, otherwise you risk undermining women’s health.
2. 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.
3. Do not fast. Long-term catabolic processes will burn your muscle tissue, leaving fat in place. Nutrition should be balanced and regular.
4. Don’t forget vitamins and minerals. They are important for immunity and health in general.