In order to start eating right for your body type, you need know what your body type is. Your body type will determine where you store fat and what to eat so you can get healthy. There are three basic body types: chili pepper (even weight distribution), apple (more weight in the middle) and triangle (more weight on the bottom). In order to lose weight effectively and to eat healthy, learn about your body type:

The Chili Pepper

If you are naturally thin with little difference in proportion from your upper and lower body, you are probably a chili pepper body type. The biggest challenge for you if you are a chili pepper is to eat healthy even though you don't have a weight problem. You might think that you can eat whatever you want because you don't gain weight, but eating unhealthy food can still cause high blood pressure and diabetes in thin individuals. If you have a chili pepper body type, increase the amount of heart healthy fats that you consume (like nuts and olive oil) and decrease saturated fats, trans fats and sugars (found in most packaged food).

The Apple

You have an apple body type if you tend to gain weight around your mid section, while your lower body remains slender. If you are an apple body type, you have the greatest risk of developing cardiovascular disease and endocrine disorders (like kidney stones). The best way to eat right if you have an apple body type is to increase your intake of heart healthy fats, like avocados, almonds and fish, and decrease your intake of carbohydrates, sugar and saturated fats (like processed cookies, fried foods and candy). Doing this will help regulate your blood sugar and decrease the fat storage around your stomach.

The Triangle

You have a triangle body type if you have a small upper body and a larger lower body. The triangle body type is most commonly seen on women, but men can have it too. The good thing about having a triangle body type is that you are less at risk for developing cardiovascular disease since your fat is not stored around your organs. The biggest difficulty for you, if you have a pear body type, is losing weight from your butt and thigh area. The best way to eat right for your body type is to decrease your fat intake and increase your intake of carbohydrates and protein. A diet that is rich in whole grains and vegetables (like oatmeal and lentils) will make it harder for your body to store unwanted fat on your lower body. You should aim to eat approximately 60 percent carbohydrates and 40 percent lean protein and fruits and vegetables.