Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything “right” with your nutrition, working out, and sleep but nothing is changing? Yep – me too. Are you tired of trying carb cycling, fasting, low carb, high carb and every other macro variation and still not seeing result? *Hand raised
How can you know what your body needs without getting a peak into what’s on the inside? I finally decided it was time to take a look under the hood and follow a plan that’s meant for ME, not for the general reader of Shape or Fitness Magazine. **No disrespect to those magazines – I love to read about the 4 best exercises to tone your booty – but general good health info only takes you so far.
It just so happened that at my last half marathon, I came across a test that uses your DNA to give you the optimal eating and fitness program for your body – I was SOLD! The one I ultimately chose is called DNAFit and it promised to tell me the best foods and workouts for me, all based on my genes.
p.s. this is NOT a PAID review and there are lots of tests similar to this one on the market – so do your research and see what works for you!
Here’s why I chose to do it:
First, I did my research. With 100’s of tests out there, I wanted to make sure this was worth the time and money. Trustpilot gives it a 5 star rating, and various other sites put it top of the list. I figured if multiple independent sites had positive reviews, I could keep going. Check that box.
Second, I decided what I was searching for. It wasn’t for my great-great-grandmother (though that would be cool to know who she was), but I needed specifics on the best foods for my body, how I process nutrients and types of fitness that would move the needle (and fat away). Check, check, and check. DNA fit tests all of those areas.
Lastly, I wanted more with my test (I’m kind of needy!). It’s cool to get a report, but I wanted to be able to talk to someone, get advice based on my results and have a resource to guide me. DNAFit totally hit this mark too.
So, I ordered the test, sent my spit sample in (ewww), then patiently waited a few weeks and here’s what I found out:
- Keto is totally NOT for me. My genes respond well to Carbs and Saturated fats, so the Mediterranean diet was meant for me. A 40/40/20 (carbs/fat/pro) would give me optimal results and if I wanted to trim down a bit, I should check my caloric intake, but stay balanced with my macros.
- Take-away: say yes to carbs (the good ones), and don’t try the latest keto-craze.
- My MTHFR gene has a normal expression. SAY WHAT?? Simple put – I can more easily convert nutrients from food into usable nutrients for my body. Supplementing too much with vitamins, if I’m already getting what I need from food, could cause issues in my organs too.
- Take-away: save money on vitamins and eat real food.
- Red Wine IS good for me! Our bodies metabolize alcohol differently – for some it stays in the blood stream longer so your body can absorb positive antioxidents, and for others it just passes right through. My genes process slowly, so a few glass a week can actually help increase good cholesterol and absorb nutrient.
- Take-away: I’m winning at the gene game. More carbs and more wine are my keys to success! (ok, in moderation, but whatever)
- I need to Run: Yep, I’m built to be a runner, not a lifter. I love to run and see the best results when I do, but I lift heavy a few days a week too because it’s also good and helps me perform. BUT, shifting to crossfit may not give me the results I want. And honestly, I knew that. We all know lifting heavy doesn’t make you bulky… but, I don’t get leaner and don’t regulate fat storage as well when do.
- Take-away: I’m going to trend toward cardio, body weight & resistence training, and moderate heavy lifting for a bit. Let’s see what happens!
This was just a sample of what I got with my test, and I got a free 30 min consult with a nutritionist and a trainer who answered my questions and broke down my results. It also came with a 3 month meal plan based on my gene’s needs, recipes and continual access to specialists as you need.
At the end of the day, we are all different and if you are serious about your goals, then it could be time to take it to the next level and maybe try a test like this or consult with a licensed naturopath or nutrition coach to create a plan for YOU. It’s all about being the best version of you!
Inspired Best Self 