How Can Genetic Testing Be Used to Create a Personalized Meal and Fitness Plan?

• Our DNA provides the blueprint to who we are – including the types of diet and fitness plans that our bodies will best respond to.
• If you have been trying to lose weight or reach a certain fitness goal to no avail, it may not be because you’re not doing the right things – but rather because you’re not doing the right things for you.
• Some people are genetically predisposed to maintaining a healthier weight when they eat five to six small meals a day, while other will fare better eating only two to three meals per day.
• The best way for an individual to exercise can also be determined to a large extent by their DNA.

Have you ever wondered why there is so much conflicting advice out there about food and exercise? Or why what worked for your friend just doesn’t seem to be working for you no matter how much effort you put into it? Maybe it’s time to consider your genetics.

Our DNA provides the blueprint to who we are – including the types of diet and fitness plans that our bodies will best respond to. Yes, there are environmental factors at play as well, but by understanding your genetic predispositions, you can get off to a great start with a very personalized meal and fitness program.

If you have been trying to lose weight or reach a certain fitness goal to no avail, it may not be because you’re not doing the right things – but rather because you’re not doing the right things for you.

WHAT COULD GENETIC TESTING FOR FITNESS AND DIET FIND?

If the key to the perfect diet or fitness program could be found on a single chromosome or allele (a genetic variant), then using a DNA test to develop a personalized program would be a fairly simple matter. But the truth is, the genetic variants that make one program superior to another are spread out across many genes like GeneBlueprint does.

By examining a large number of genetic variants, a test may find that you are more sensitive than the average person to carbohydrates – in which case, your diet plan would be more restrictive on carbohydrates than someone who’s genetic makeup makes them less sensitive.

Some people are genetically predisposed to maintaining a healthier weight when they eat five to six small meals a day, while other will fare better eating only two to three meals per day.

The best way for an individual to exercise can also be determined to a large extent by their DNA. Some people can stay very fit for example, training for marathons and doing other endurance type exercises. In others however, there may be a genetic variant that actually makes this kind of workout regime counterproductive. For example, if one were to have two copies of the “sprint” allele on their ACTN3 gene, then their workout would be much more effective in burning fat if they focused on shorter, higher intensity training.

YOUR PERSONALIZED PLAN

Spoiler alert! No one who does a genetic test is going to get back a personalized diet and fitness plan that says they should lounge around the house all day and eat chocolate cake for every meal. The plans will consist of healthy meals and the right type of exercise to help you reach your goals.

You will still have to do the work and stay motivated. Staying motivated however should be easier, because now that you have a plan that is specifically tailored to your DNA, you will be able to see better results and see those results more quickly.