Calorie adjustment by goal (CAG part one)

I know some of you have already seen this scheme for establishing the daily calorie needs in athletes (and with special application to natural bodybuilding athletes). From this step, however, this concept will seem somewhat different or at leas modified. I’ve done these adjustments based on my knowledge in nutrition.

Let’s continue.

First you will need to decide for yourself (if you haven’t done that yet) what body structure you possess. You have three basic choices: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.

I am going to give you the definitions so you can make that decision:

Ectomorph: A quick metabolism and a slender body with little fat are hallmarks of an ectomorph. This body type has a lean frame, often with narrow hips, long legs, and a long neck. Some rail-thin ectomorphs have trouble gaining weight.

Fragile, thin, flat chest, delicate build, young appearance, tall, lightly muscled, stoop-shouldered, has trouble gaining weight, muscle growth takes longer.

Mesomorph: Muscular mesomorphs look like natural-born athletes, with wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and broad hips. The weight they gain tends to distribute itself evenly, and they lose fat and build muscle at a fast rate.

Athletic, hard, muscular body, overly mature appearance, rectangular shaped (hourglass shaped for women), thick skin, upright posture, gains or loses, weight easily, grows muscle quickly.

Endomorph: Endomorphs suffer from a slow metabolism. They put on pounds quickly, and they have to fight to keep weight off their heavy bones and sturdy frame. Without exercise, their body fat sticks around, even when they follow a healthy eating regimen.

Also soft body, flabby, underdeveloped muscles, round shaped, over-developed digestive system, trouble losing weight, generally gains muscle easily.

You ought to know, though that you can be somewhere in between. Ex. You can be a mesomorph – ectomorph type or mesomorph – endomorph type and that is normal. Not a whole lot of people can classify themselves as strictly one of the three main body types. Just for the purpose of the task pick one type that describes the closest your body structure and stick to it for now.

I will continue with "part two" of this topic really soon, so stick around..