Metabolic Typing—What Diet Works for YOU?

Some diets say to eat meat and stay away from carbs. Other diets say to eat carbs and stay away from meat. You could go raw, vegan or paleo, eat more, eat less or eat for your blood type. In the stew of conflicting information, confusion about what to eat is bound to eat you up.

In a way, all these diet approaches are right… for some people. Since we all have different genetics (called genetic polymorphism) it makes sense that we  should be eating varying diets. To prescribe a “one size fits all” diet is like saying that all cars, trucks and jets should be using the same fuel.

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One Person’s Food is Another Person’s Poison

Since different people have genetically programmed requirements for differing amounts of nutrients, this explains why a given food can make one person feel great, have no effect on another, and cause a third person to feel horrible. This is especially true in regard to macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and is largely due to heredity.

According to William Wolcott, author of The Metabolic Typing Diet, people with ancestry in warmer climates or closer to the equator will have a much higher, innate need for carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits and grains. Conversely, people who genetically evolved in Northern regions have greater need for protein, fats and heavier foods to sustain them. Even though we may now reside in a completely different climate, we are ultimately bound to our family’s nutritional program.

What Should YOU Be Eating?

Since most of us these days come from a melting pot of “genetic ingredients”, it’s a good idea to take a metabolic questionnaire to eliminate some of the guesswork. This analyzes your preferences, and places you into one of three categories: a Protein Type, a Carbohydrate Type or a Balanced Type.

For a quick and easy assessment, take Paul Chek’s Metabolic Typing Questionnaire.

For a more in depth survey, try the Metabolic Self Profile Test by William Wolcott.

You can also use a bit of common sense. For example, I have German, Scottish and Dutch ancestry with a thread of Mediterranean blood. For me, I do best on a balanced diet, since I have genetics from both a colder climate and a temperate one. I eat plenty of protein and fats and crave hearty stews and slow-cooked meats, even in the summer. At the same time, I eat most of my vegetables raw and can’t seem to go a day without a cooling green smoothie and a fresh slaw. I have to be careful with grains, but do well with 1-2 servings of high-fiber fruit every day.

Article References:

1. Wolcott, William. The Metabolic Typing Diet. New York: Broadway Books. 2002.
2. Chek, Paul. How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy. San Diego: CHEK Institute. 2004.
3. David Brady, ND. Healthy Revolution. New York: Morgan James Publishing. 2007.
4. Williams, Roger J. PhD. Biochemical Individuality. New Canaan: Keats Publishing. 1998.

Recipes

Cauliflower Couscous Tabouli

Zucchini “Spaghetti” with Bolognese Sauce