Adapted from the Metabolic Typing Diet (Wolcott and Fahey 2000), this simple test is the most basic way to determine your metabolism type.
Circle the letter of the phrase that best completes the following 25 statements according to how you actually feel, not how you think you should feel. If you don’t usually pay attention to your body’s cues before and after eating, then do so for a few days (while continuing your present eating habits) before taking the test. To ensure a valid result, be honest and do not skip any questions!
QUESTIONS
1. When I feel anxious, angry, or irritable,
A. Heavy fatty foods such as meat or salty nuts make me feel better.
B. Fruit, vegetables, or fruit juice makes you feel better
2. I feel best when I eat the following for breakfast;
A. Sausage, eggs and/or bacon
B. Cereal, fruit, and/or toast
3. If I attended a buffet and could eat whatever I wanted (all health rules aside), I would choose:
A. Steak, pork chops, ribs, gravy, and a salad with creamy dressing
B. Chicken, turkey, fish, vegetables and a dessert
4. I feel best when the temperature is
A. Cool or cold; I don’t like hot weather
B. Warm or hot; I don’t like cold weather
5. Coffee makes me feel
A. Jittery, jumpy, nervous, hyper, shaky, or hungry
B. Okay, as long as I don’t drink too much
6. In the morning, I am
A. Hungry and ready to eat breakfast
B. Not hungry and do not feel like eating
7. At midday, I am
A. Hungry and ready to eat lunch
B. Not noticeably hungry and have to be reminded to eat
8. In the evening, I am
A. Hungry and ready to eat dinner
B. Not noticeably hungry and have to be reminded to eat
9. I concentrate best if I have eaten a meal that includes
A. Meat and Fatty foods
B. Fruits, Vegetable and Grains
10. When I have cravings, I tend to want
A. salty and fatty snacks (peanuts, cheese or potato chips)
B. Baked goods or other carbs
11. When I eat sugar or a sugary snack
A. I feel a rush of energy, then I am likely to crash and feel fatigued
B. My energy levels are restored
12. If dessert is served
A. I can take it or leave it; I would rather have cheese, chips or popcorn
B. I definitely will indulge; I like to have some thing sweet after a meal
13. If I have a dessert, I most often choose
A. Cheesecake or creamy French pastries
B. Cakes, cookies, or candies
14. For dinner, I feel best (satiated) after eating
A. Steak and Vegetables
B. Skinless Chicken Breast
15. I sleep best if my meal
A. Heavy and includes more proteins
B. Light and includes more carbohydrates
16. I wake up feeling well rested if
A. I don’t eat sweets in the evening
B. I eat sweets in the evening
17. I feel best during the day if I eat
A. Small meals frequently, or three meals and some snacks
B. Two or Three meals a day, no snacks; I can last pretty long without eating
18. I describe myself as someone who
A. Loves to eat ; food is a central part of my life
B. Is not very concerned with food; I may forget to eat at times
19. If I skip a meal, I feel
A. Irritable, jittery, weak, tired, depressed
B. Okay; it doesn’t really bother me
20. If I had fruit and low-fat cottage for lunch, I would feel;
A. Hungry, irritable, sleepy soon after
B. Satisfied and probably could go until dinner after that.
21. During the Day, I feel hungry
A. Often and needs to eat several times a day
B. Rarely and have a weak appetite
22. I would describe myself as someone who is more
A. Extroverted – I am a very social person
B. Introverted -- I usually keep to myself
23. When a meal or a food is very salty,
A. I love it!!!
B. I don’t enjoy it
24. If I get hungry mid-afternoon, I feel best (more energized) after eating
A. Cheese and nuts
B. Something Sweet
25. After exercising, I feel best if I eat
A. A Protein Shake or food that contains protein
B. A High sugar drink or food such as a Gatorade or a banana
SCORING
First, count how many times you selected “A” and the total number of times you selected “B”.
Total number of A answers =
Total number of B answers =
Next, referring to these scores, select the metabolism type classification according to the following criteria:
- If your “A” score is 5 or more points higher than your “B” score (e.g. A=15, B=10), then you’re a Protein type.
- If your “B” score is 5 or more points higher than your “A” score, then you’re a Carb Type.
- If you’re A and B scores are within 3 points of each other, you’re a Mixed Type.
Source: Isabel De Los Rios adapted from William Wolcott and Trish Fahey
