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We all know that “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t usually work for most people when buying clothes, so why do we try to use that same approach when dieting?
The amazing diet that helped your best friend lose 20 pounds in two months may not work for you at all.
That’s why it’s so important to find the diet and exercise plan that works best for your particular body type.
Though people come in all different shapes and sizes, we consistently see different variations of about three actual body types: Hourglass, Apple (Circle) and Pear (Triangle).
While you probably won’t look exactly like one of these shapes, you can roughly determine which group you belong in before starting any diet.
To help you figure out the next step in your weight-loss plan, here are the best tips for each body type:
Hourglass
What It Looks Like: Congratulations! According to just about everybody, you have the ideal body type. This generally means you have a small waist, shapely hips, and a larger bust. Think: Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian. In terms of fat, hourglass figures tend to distribute weight fairly evenly throughout the body.
Weight-Loss Plan: If you have an hourglass shape, then your problem areas are generally going to be around your inner and outer thighs, triceps, and lower abdomen. You can’t simply diet to tackle these areas, but you should stick to a diet high in lean protein and fresh veggies. Since you build muscle easily, you should try a combination of strength training and cardio, rather than weight lifting. This diet and exercise plan will help you lose inches of fat fast!
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Apple
What It Looks Like: You tend to gain more weight around your midsection and upper body than anywhere else. If you have an apple shape, then you’ve probably had fairly slim legs and arms your entire life, but you’ve struggled with belly fat.
Weight-Loss Plan: While belly fat is generally considered to be the most dangerous for your heart, you’re in luck. Most health experts agree that excessive belly fat is usually easier to lose than, say, fat around the thighs. To lose more abdominal fat, it’s important to follow a low-carb diet that’s rich in monosaturated fats, like oily fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocado. If you want to lose weight in your midsection, you have to burn more calories in general first. This means 40 minutes of cardio at least three to five times a week.
Pear
What It Looks Like: The good news is that you don’t have a lot of belly fat to lose. Unfortunately, this tends to be the only area pear-shaped women do lose weight. Most carry any extra fat in their butt, hips, and thighs.
Weight-Loss Plan: If you’re trying to lose weight in your lower body, then you should watch out for high-fat foods. Instead, try to get more of your energy from complex carbs and lean protein. While cardio is extremely important to burn calories and lose weight fast, strength training is just as important for pear-shaped women. Lower body exercises, like lunges and squats, will help tone your thighs and reduce the appearance of cellulite, while building your upper body with weights can help balance out your shape.
Which body type do you think you have? Tell us in the comments!
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