Lex Luger - Ecto, Meso or Endo? Doing Right for Your Body Type

  

Ecto, Meso or Endo? Doing Right for Your Body Type

By Lex Luger

 

We've all seen those skinny people that can eat anything and still stay lean, haven't we?  Or, we've felt sorry for those people with the genetically-soft look about them-those who struggle just to stay near the normal range in weight, much less trying to develop any kind of muscle tone. 

Magazines, movies and TV commercials often tell us that the ideal body type is the tall, skinny model or the guy with the perfect "six pack." But I believe God wants us all to come to peace with the fact that the Lord made a variety of body types, all of which have their challenges and benefits. I want you to be proud of what you are and know that God has a purpose for making you just the way you are.

            Let's take a look at the three main body types and the keys to dealing with each in a healthy way. Remember, most of us don't fit perfectly into any of these categories, so let's think of it as a continuum and try to see where we each fall in a general way.

 

The Ectomorph

 

No, an ectomorph is not a dinosaur. It's a person with a naturally thin body type. He or she is born with it. Ectomorphs can eat anything they want-and usually do, especially at the wrong times, like late at night-yet they remain thin, even when their buddies are putting on five pounds from just one night of bingeing at the pizza parlor. They usually have a really fast metabolism and maybe don't even need the amount of sleep the rest of us do. Pretty enviable, isn't it?

However, ectomorphs have a downside. They usually have difficulty putting on muscle; and worse yet, even though they're not gaining weight by loading up on junk food, their blood chemistry and internal snapshots might tell a negative story. This skinny guy or gal could have high cholesterol and clogged arteries and not even realize they're a ticking bomb.

Remember, ectomorphs, all of us have to put good, high-quality fuel into our body's engines, and we all have to get some good, aerobic exercise-like walking or biking-in order to be healthy inside and out. Though ectos need food constantly, they must make sure their choices are good.

 

The Endomorph

 

Endomorphs look rounder and softer though the hips, middle and shoulders. They typically inherited this look from their parents, and no matter how hard they diet and exercise, they'll never look quite like their ectomorph buddies. Regrettably, endomorphs cannot eat what they want, and they really have to watch eating at the wrong times-especially at night!

Endomorphs tend to give up easily on diet and exercise routines and simply relegate themselves to being overweight. However, the good news is that this body type does respond well to disciplined eating and exercise. If endormorphs hydrate well each day and stop eating-especially the "bad carbs"-at night, they'll find that they can maintain a good, normal weight and be healthy and fit for a lifetime.

 

The Mesomorph

 

The mesomorph is the in-between physique. Think Arnold Schwarznegger. Mesomorphs usually have efficient metabolisms, and if they apply themselves, their weight management usually goes well. The mesomorph tends to have proportional measurements and a generally muscular frame, but like the endomorph, mesos need to pay careful attention to diet and exercise.

            In general, mesos need to focus on eating healthy meals-complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, rice... and adequate proteins spaced throughout the day. Proteins oil  the body's engine, and they must continually top it off during the day in fairly equal increments. This "de-sludges" the metabolism and makes body engines roar.

Mesos and all the body types need to be careful with carbs, tapering them off as the day goes on.

 

Be Realistic!

 

            So, do you now have a general idea of what body type God gave you? I promise, you will never be happy trying to be someone you're not. Enjoy what you've been given and ask God how He can turn you-no matter what your body type-into a showcase for His glory.

Remember, the 24" waist or 6-pack stomach might not be realistic for you; and that's okay. If you're a woman, you may never look like Jessica Alba, but here's great news: According to a national survey conducted for For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, the vast majority of men say they don't mind less-than-perfect bodies on their wives. The things women obsess about don't bother the men who love them-and they certainly don't bother the God who created them!

In heaven, we'll all be deliriously happy with our bodies-I promise! And in the meantime, let's come to peace with our God-given earthen vessels and focus on becoming and staying healthy, not perfect. Let's commit our bodies and how we view these "earth suits" to the Lord and leave the rest to His great care.

Remember, "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." ~ I Thessalonians 5:24

 

God bless your journey!

 

~ Lex