Ectomorph Diet: What Food Should You Eat As An Ectomorph?

When it comes to our bodyweight, most of us can fall into 3 categories: those who gain weight easily, those who lose weight easily, and those with an athletic build that fall somewhere in the middle. Because it's quite straightforward to categorise body types in this way, some theories champion diet modifications to suit each type. Known as somatotypes, these physique categories were created by William Sheldon in the 1940s.¹

This article will focus on the ideal diet for an ectomorph somatotype. It’s important to keep in mind that somatotypes are pretty simplified ideas of human body types, and body composition is a little more complex than just these types. However, if you are someone who struggles to gain weight or muscle mass, you would fall into the ectomorph type and incorporating foods in this article will definitely help you achieve some weight gain. 

Jump to:

• What is an Ectomorph?
• What Should Ectomorphs Eat?
• Recommended Foods for Ectomorphs

What is an Ectomorph?

If you’ve already determined that you’re an ectomorph, you likely are of a very slim build, struggle to gain weight (both muscle and fat), and find it generally easy to lose weight when you want to. On the flip side, it can be really frustrating if you have an ectomorphic body type when you’re trying to make significant gains.  

We know that no matter what your body type is, three factors are required for gaining muscle - adequate calories, adequate protein, and challenging your muscles with exercise.² If you’re not seeing the gains you’re working for, start by examining your calorie intake to make sure you’re getting enough energy. Ectomorphs typically have a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR), meaning they burn more calories at rest than those of other body types.¹

Read more about all the different types in this article. 

 

What should Ectomorphs Eat?

Once you’ve set your goals (gaining muscle, burning fat, etc) you can rely on some standard tools to help you plan your meals. If you don’t know where to start, check out our macro calculator for determining your BMR. Once you know your BMR, you can factor in your activity level and get an idea of optimal macros. 

When it comes to planning your menus, ectomorphs can benefit from foods with a high caloric density - or low volume foods. This means foods that pack a lot of energy (or calories) per gram. Some low volume foods are animal proteins, nuts and seeds, eggs, and pastas. These foods can contribute lots of calories in a low volume, unlike high volume foods that are packed with mostly water and few calories - like leafy greens, celery, or watermelon. 

The three macros are protein, carbs, and fat - and low volume foods can be good sources of all three. Choose animal protein sources, focus on whole grains that are packed with vitamins and minerals in addition to carbs. 

Fats are also an easy way to boost your calorie intake - providing 9 calories per gram (as opposed to 4 calories per gram in carbs and protein). 

Ectomorphs who focus on low volume foods can obtain adequate calories in their diet without feeling too full. Keeping recovery shakes with whey protein or gainer blends can be another great way to pack in the calories and protein between your meals.  

 

Recommended Foods for Ectomorphs

Recommended Proteins

Choose animal protein sources with some fat for a higher calorie intake. 

Salmon: 206 calories per 100g / 22g protein / 0g carbs / 12g fat 

Roasted chicken leg: 184 calories per 100g / 24g protein / 0g carbs / 9g fat 

Ground beef: 260 calories per 100g / 26g protein / 0g carbs / 17g fat 

Chickpeas: 164 calories per 100g / 9g protein / 27g carbs / 2.6g fat

Try out our salmon tray bake recipe for a mouth-watering dinner...

 

Recommended Carbs

Focus on whole grains for optimum nutrition in low volume. 

Pearled farro: 333 calories per 100g / 11g protein / 64g carbs / 2g fat 

Whole wheat pasta: 375 calories per 100g / 13g protein / 73g carbs / 3g fat 

Farina: 356 calories per 100g / 11g protein / 73g carbs / 2 g fat 

Whole grain bread: 258 calories per 100g / 13g protein / 48g carbs / 3g fat

 

Recommended Fats

Choose nuts for snacks that are easy to carry and pack a ton of calories in a small volume. Adding plant based oils like olive oil while cooking is a great calorie booster. 

Avocado: 160 calories per 100g / 2g protein / 9g carbs / 15g fat 

Cheddar cheese: 403 calories per 100g / 23g protein / 3g carbs / 33g fat 

Macadamia Nuts: 718 calories per 100g / 8g protein / 14g carbs / 76g fat 

Pecans: 691 calories per 100g / 9g protein / 14g carbs / 72g fat 

Olive oil: 884 calories per 100g / 0g protein / 0g carbs / 100g fatAvo baked eggs are a great way to get some healthy fat into your breakfast... 

 

Take Home Message

Ectomorphs can meet their mass and muscle gain goals by choosing foods that pack protein and calories in small amounts. Focusing on protein, whole grains, and healthy fats are the easiest ways to boost overall calorie intake. While ectomorphs might have to work harder to make gains, choosing the right low volume foods can make all the difference. 

It’s important to note that somatotypes are pretty simplified ideas of body types, and things tend to be a little more nuanced than that. However, if you are someone who is quite slim and struggles to build muscle or gain weight, you may fall into the ectomorph body type and will benefit from eating more calorie dense foods high in protein, healthy fats and carbs.