There is nothing more unequal, than the equal treatment of unequal people.

The above quote by Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) could equally relate to the inequality of one diet fitting all, as it could to the Declaration of Independence and the affairs of the United States.

The UK Government recommends that you eat the following balance of food every day (as quoted from Men's Fitness March 2007):

35% - Carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice or other cereals
33% - Fruit and vegetables - at least 5 portions a day, but aim for 9
12% - Meat, fish or vegetarian alternatives
15% - Milk, cheese or yoghurt
5% - (optional) Fatty and suggary foods such as mayonaise and sauces.

However, how many people look the same, talk the same or perform the same. Therefore, the idea that one diet can fit all is a myth and consequently you should always seek to eat according to your metabolic type.

There are 3 broad metabolic types:

Protein Type (Fast oxidisers)
Mixed Type
Carbo Type (Slow oxidisers)

When you don't understand how specific foods affect you, eating becomes a daily struggle. You struggle to feel satisfied, are constantly fighting weight, or struggle to get through between meals and end up snacking.

When you understand your metabolic type it is the first step in achieving or maintaining your ideal weight, increasing energy and endurance, strengthening your immune system and help in fighting diseases, increasing alertness and reducing anxiety and mood swings.

Understanding the metabolic type allows the creation of a 'custom' diet - one that's especially created for the metabolic type.

Protein Types:

Protein Types typically have strong appetites, have cravings for fatty, salty foods, failure with reduced calorie diets, fatigue, anxiety and nervousness.

Protein Types need a diet relativey high amounts of proteins and fat, compared to carbohydrates. However, all proteins are not created equal. Proteins high in fat and high in purines convert to energy at the proper rate for the metabolic type.

Consumption of carbohydrates should be minimised since they are converted to energy too quickly.

Carbo Types:

Many Carbo Types have relatively weak appetite, have high tolerance for sweets, problems with weight management, have variable energy levels and have a caffine dependenency. Therefore as a Carbo Type the diet needs to have relatively small amounts of proteins and fats in relation to carbohydrates. More than any other type, Carbo types have the freedom to eat a wide selection of carbohydrates - vegetables, grains and fruits. Because the body converts food to energy slowly, the amount of proteins and fats should be limited, as these foods would slow down energy conversion even more, leading to increased sluggishness and increased anxiety.

Mixed Types

Mixed Types fall between Protein Types and Carbo types. Typical tendencies of Mixed Types are, variable appetite, low crawings for sweets or carbohydrates, easy weight management - although if Mixed Types eats more of a Carbo or Protein diet then weight problems can develop.

Mixed Types require need a good balance of high purine, high fat proteins and low purine, low fat purines. Similarly Mixed Types need to make sure they get a good balance of vegetables and fruits that are good for both Protein and Carbo types.

Over time, eating to the correct metabolic type will dramatically improve your quality of life. Some benefits will be incurred straightaway, whilst others may take time to take effect.

In the next post there will be guidance on how to obtain your metabolic type.