Taken from: edit, no links
The results of my DNA test are in.
Thankfully, the test I took isn't for a paternity segment on The Maury Povich Show. Phew!
It's actually for a one-of-a-kind DNA-based fitness and nutrition program.
Liisa Jorgensen, a personal trainer with Edmonton-based DNA nutrition and fitness company YOUology, had me swab the insides of both cheeks last month with what resembled an oversized Q-tip.
While promising not to clone me, Jorgensen sent my DNA sample to the lab.
That's where a geneticist -- using the complex process of DNA sequencing -- decoded what are referred to in layman's terms as my five fitness genes and four nutrition genes.
The fascinating findings were presented to me in a book that included detailed training guidelines and a flexible 12-week nutrition plan -- designed specifically from the unique genetic instructions contained in my DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Talk about personal training.
"DNA doesn't lie," Jorgensen says.
"It's the reason they use it in a court of law."
So now I know precisely how I'm wired.
And how's that?
For starters, my hereditary material reveals that my optimum nutrition ratio for each meal should be 40% protein, 35% carbs and 25% fat.
Turns out I'm sensitive to fats and carbs, which means my body doesn't metabolize either macronutrient very well.
"Basically, your body loves protein and doesn't like fats or carbs -- really doesn't like fats," Jorgensen notes.
But isn't that true for everybody? Apparently not.
Jorgensen, for example, discovered her optimum ratio is 20% protein, 45% carbs and 35% fat, meaning her body metabolizes carbs and fat much more efficiently than it processes protein.
That's why she struggled for years to lose those stubborn last 10 pounds on a high-protein diet, despite an intense training regimen, she says.
It wasn't until she hooked up with YOUology and began eating for her genotype that Jorgensen finally got as lean as she knew she could be.
Along with that, her sleep patterns and moods have never been better, she adds.
"We're all very unique in what our body wants and needs," Jorgensen explains
"There's no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all diet."
That would explain why certain diets work for some people but not others -- and why my hit-or-miss attempts to lose 100 pounds this year have mostly missed (I'm down a measly nine pounds since New Year's Day).
My optimum nutrition ratio, according to my DNA, is most similar to the South Beach Diet. But the Atkins Diet, although high in protein, wouldn't work for me because of my fat sensitivity, Jorgensen tells me.
And as far as she knows, DNA-based nutrition and fitness findings don't correlate with a person's body type.
"We've tested now over 300 people and every time I think I'm seeing a bit of a pattern, it gets blown out of the water," Jorgensen says.
My so-called fitness -- or performance -- genes offer plenty more insight.
To summarize, I can thank my ancestors for "a higher than average amount of natural endurance" built into my DNA.
Given my staying power, I'm more suited to sports such as rowing, swimming, cycling and soccer. That might explain why I never excelled in the more explosive-type pursuits of my youth: hockey and bodybuilding. Sigh.
In terms of fat loss, the lab experts offer several suggestions, including doing circuit resistance training of 2-3 circuit sets, 6-10 exercises and 10-12 reps with a weight at 50% of my one-rep max.
They also encourage me to "use machines or movements that require more of the whole body during cardio-muscular (training)."
Among other findings: I'm more prone to feeling sore after a workout because my body is slow to flush lactic acid, and I require longer workouts -- including cardio sessions of 45-50 minutes -- because my body releases fat slowly and has a propensity for fat storage.
Darn genes!
"Everybody's gotta work with what they have," Jorgensen says. "Some people are blessed, but it is what it is."
Of course, knowledge is power.
For me, there's no more guesswork or trial-and-error.
"You'll never buy another diet book again because this is the only thing that's going to work for you," says Jorgensen, who also outlined a workout program for me based on my DNA.
"I guarantee you that if you follow this, it will change your life."
So I guess I have no more excuses, I say to Jorgensen.
She replies: "The buck stops here, my friend."
Gulp.
no email links
Cary Castagna is a certified personal trainer through Can-Fit-Pro.
Visit the Keeping Fit blog at blogs.canoe.ca/keepingfit
DNA facts:
- DNA is the "organic software" of life -- the code that determines an organism's form and function.
- Humans have about 20,000 genes.
- Efforts to decode the human genome began in 1990.
- The mapping of human genes is an important step in the development of medicines and other aspects of personalized health care.
- YOUology DNA "sequencing" is 99.9% accurate.
-- Source: YOUology.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
no prices, no links edit.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Twist
