So as some of you may know I am currently taking classes through IIN to become a health coach. (Side note: I am halfway through my program and can start working with clients, if you or anyone you know is interested in a health coach please contact me at forloveofcarrots@gmail.com) This week one of the handouts we received it a survey saying what metabolic type you are. There are 3 you could be
The Protein Type Diet
Your cells tend to burn carbohydrates quickly. You need to be consuming a high-protein diet in order to slow down your body’s rapid cellular oxidation rate. Protein types do very well on a diet that includes plenty of high-density, high-fat proteins. These include foods like red meat, dark chicken and turkey meat and various types of seafood such as salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, mussels and anchovies. Most protein types can also eat freely of whole fat foods in the forms of cheese, eggs, cream and milk. It’s especially important for protein types to include a significant amount of protein at every meal and to moderate their intake of carbohydrates (grains, vegetables and fruits), especially carbohydrates that are high in sugar and starch.
The Carbo Type Diet
You need a high percentage of carbohydrates in your diet in order to speed up your naturally slower cellular oxidation rate. Carbo types typically do well on a low-fat, relatively low-protein diet that includes liberal amounts of carbohydrates in the forms of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Carbo types, however, need to remember that a low-protein diet does not mean a no-protein diet. In fact, most carbo types need to include protein at most meals and focus on leaner and lighter meats, such as seafood and poultry. Restrict consumption of red meat in favor of light chicken and turkey meat and lighter seafood such as haddock, cod, perch, sole, catfish and flounder. If you’re a carbo type, stick to low-fat dairy products, and be sure to eat a very wide selection of vegetables, fruits and grains. Many carbo types, like protein types, do best by focusing on vegetables that contain low or moderate levels of sugar and starch.
The Mixed Type Diet
You’re somewhere in the middle of the protein type and the carbo type, which both have more pronounced or clear-cut metabolic imbalances. You need to eat a mixture of both protein-type foods and carbo-type foods. This will keep your cellular oxidation rate, which is neither too fast nor too slow, in balance. Mixed types need to consume relatively equal ratios of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. You also need to eat a mixture of high-fat proteins and low-fat proteins. The same applies to all of the other foods contained on the protein type and carbo type diets, including grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
source: Adapted from The Metabolic Typing Diet by William Wolcott.
Metabolic Typing Questionnaire
When answering the following questions according to how you usually feel. If you feel that none of the answers describes your dietary or lifestyle habits – leave the question blank. If you find that both A and B apply, you may circle both.
1. My common reaction when indulging in sweet foods and snacks:
A. Normally I feel an instant euphoric feeling with a burst of energy. Then I eventually slow down and experience a drop in my blood sugar – leading to more sweets
B. I seem to not react negatively to sweet candies, cakes and treats. I know how to handle my limits when the craving strikes.
2. After a tense workout routine, I find myself craving:
A. Foods and drinks high in protein and/or fat content (protein shakes, meats)
B. Sweeter foods and drinks higher in carbohydrates (sports drinks, pasta, grains)
3. When it comes to snacking, I generally:
A. Need to eat something small and filling to hold me over between meals
B. Don’t need to snack in between meals
4. Salting my foods:
A. Is very common and used to flavor most of my meals
B. Is mostly unnecessary – but I do use salt occasionally to flavor some meals
5. At breakfast time, I tend to choose:
A. A heavier meal such as eggs, sausage and/or bacon to provide energy throughout the day
B. A lighter meal such as yogurt, granola and fruit to provide satiety until a mid-morning snack or lunch
6. I generally prefer:
A. Full-fat milk, cheeses and yogurt because the way they make me feel
B. Low-fat milk, cheeses and yogurt because the way they make me feel
7. Meals that commonly provide energy, balance and optimal
performance for daily activities are:
A. Mainly composed of proteins such as meats, poultry and fish – with a small amount of carbohydrate.
B. Mainly composed of carbohydrates such as pasta, breads, salads and vegetables – with a small amount of protein.
8. When choosing between meats, I normally go for:
A. Dark meats rather than light meat
B. Light meat rather than dark meat
9. My general outlook towards food:
A. I live to eat
B. I eat to live
10. When it comes to eating before bedtime, I tend to:
A. Sleep best if I eat 1-2 hours prior
B. Sleep best 3 or more hours prior
11. I find my sleep is best when:
A. My last meal is mostly protein-based with some carbohydrates and vegetables
B. My last meal is mostly carbohydrate-based with a small serving of protein or meat
12. I normally wake up in the morning feel rejuvenated and well-rested:
A. If I avoid sweet cakes, candies and treats
B. If I have consumed an appropriate portion of a sweet dessert
13. The list of fish I find most appealing:
A. Anchovy, caviar, herring, mussels, sardines, crab, lobster, mackerel, octopus, salmon, scallops, shrimp, squid
B. Catfish, cod, flounder, scrod, sole, trout, turbot, haddock, light fish
14. My body shape is closest to:
A. The ‘V’ shaped, mesomorphic body – similar to that of a wrestler, gymnast or weight lifter; or Endomorphic – naturally round but with a great deal of strength and to excel at strength training exercises
B. Long and lean ectomorphic body – a natural round shape but more endurance than that of strength training ability
15. I best describe myself as:
A. A creative individual with a strong immune system, a particular appetite for protein, comfortable with eating fatty foods, muscular, and inclined to gain muscle and strength more easily
B. A logical individual with a more sensitive immune system, prefers light meats with lower fat foods, and inclined to stronger endurance
Total A answers: ___________ Total B answers: ___________
If you calculated more A answers than B answers, you are a Protein Type
If your number of A and B are equal, you are a Mixed Type
If you calculated more B answers than A answers, you are a Carbo Type
Source: “Metabolic Typing.” The Metabolic Typing Diet. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb 2012.
When I took the survey I came out as carbo type, but I don’t really think that’s true, I aim to eat protein at every meal and try to get carbs in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Just by reading the descriptions I would say I am a mixed type.
What was your type? Do you agree or disagree?
I'm Kaitlin a 25 year old health coach with a passion for all things food and fitness related. I love to cook and bake, I am all about healthy recipes and definitely guilty pleasures here and there. My goal is to give women guidance to healthier nutrition that will ultimately help lead to a stronger sense of self.
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What an interesting concept! I’m not sure I believe we all fit as a “type,” but it’s definitely interesting. Thank you for sharing!
yeah I don’t really believe it either but I did think it was an interesting concept!
oh wow this is so cool! I came out as a “carb type” and I think the more I train (running and cycling), the more this is true, but really I think I’m more mixed – I function best with relatively high carbs, moderate fat, and low-ish protein, like a 60-30-10 type thing. So I guess I don’t really fit a type. Or maybe you can vary depending on what your activity level/training is like at the moment!
Yeah I don’t think I really fit a type either, I think it is an interesting concept though!
this is so cool , I am going to take it now, I need to figure it out.