Metabolism is the process by which your body converts foods and drinks into energy to keep you alive and functioning.
It includes all the chemical reactions happening in your cells every second, helping you breathe, move, and heal.
For some people, metabolism works more slowly, which can affect energy levels and weight management. Fortunately, certain foods can help give it a boost.
Whether you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight or simply feel more energised, incorporating these metabolism-friendly foods into your meals can make a difference.
- Lean meats
Foods like chicken, turkey, and other protein-packed lean meats are great for metabolism.
They boost metabolism because they take more energy for your body to break down compared to carbohydrates or fat-rich foods. So, they help burn slightly more calories during the digestive process.
According to a study, lean meats increase your metabolic rate by 15–30%, compared with 5–10% for carbs and 0–3% for fats
So, if you’re looking to stay full for longer, support your energy levels, and boost your metabolism, add lean meats to your meals.
- Beans
All legumes, including beans, are packed with the exact nutrients needed to boost metabolism.
Beans are packed with protein and fiber, two things your body works hard to digest, which means you burn more calories in the process.
Beans also support muscle growth and repair due to their protein content. More muscle means a better-running metabolism.
Beans have been linked to improved gut health and glucose metabolism, further supporting their role in overall metabolic health.
So whether it is black beans, lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans, adding legumes to your meals is an effective way to start supporting your metabolism.
- Oats
Oats are another metabolism-friendly meal you need to incorporate into your diet, according to several studies.
They are rich in fibre, particularly a type called beta-glucan, which keeps you full for longer and helps control blood sugar levels.
Because your body takes more time and energy to break down complex carbs like oats, you end up burning more calories during digestion. That slow and steady energy release also helps prevent energy crashes, keeping you active and alert.
- Edible seaweed
Seaweed is a nutrient-rich food that can play a powerful role in supporting metabolism.
It’s an excellent source of iodine, a mineral required to produce thyroid hormones and for your thyroid gland to function properly.
Meanwhile, these thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolic rate.
Seaweed might be unusual in your diet, but it’s great for your metabolism and iodine levels, so it’s worth a try.
- Chilli peppers
According to a study, chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that can raise your metabolism by increasing your body temperature.
This can help you burn more calories throughout the day and balance your metabolism function.
- Coffee
The caffeine in coffee can temporarily boost your metabolism by stimulating the central nervous system, helping you burn more calories and support fat metabolism.
It has also been shown to increase your resting metabolic rate (RMR), that is the number of calories your body burns while at rest.
Some studies suggest caffeine can increase RMR by 3% to 11%. Adding these foods to your diet can help keep your metabolism steady and your body feeling its best. So, why not give it a try?
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