You probably already know that your metabolism affects how your body processes the food you eat, both how fast and how much. It’s tempting to think of your metabolism as a thing, like your body’s speedometer that controls the rate your body burns energy, but your metabolism is actually a complex process. Your body converts the food you eat into energy through a series of chemical reactions that happen inside your cells.

It’s tempting to think of your metabolism as a thing, like your body’s speedometer that controls the rate your body burns energy, but your metabolism is actually a complex process.

It’s tempting to think of your metabolism as a thing, like your body’s speedometer that controls the rate your body burns energy, but your metabolism is actually a complex process.

Your own metabolic burn depends on many things. Some are outside your control, like your genetics and gender, but you have control over a lot of the other factors, like your activity level, sleep and even how stressed you feel!

Here’s a fast look at 5 major factors that you control that play a role in how fast or how slow your metabolism is:

FOOD CHOICES
Eating a balanced, whole-foods-based diet with enough protein and fiber can help boost your metabolism and keep you feeling full. Drinking enough water each day, at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces, will also make a big impact!

Eating a balanced, whole-foods-based diet with enough protein and fiber can help boost your metabolism and keep you feeling full, like this breakfast of fresh fruits and greens with cottage cheese and hemp hearts.

EXERCISE
Nearly all workouts will help you burn more calories, but strength training and high-intensity interval training workouts can give you some bonus burn after your workout is over.

STRESS
When you are stressed, it can affect your body’s hormones, which can in turn make your body burn fewer calories (and store fat).

SLEEP
Not getting enough sleep also affects your hormones. You can end up feeling extra hungry and burn fewer calories.

OTHER ACTIVITY
This is a secret weapon for metabolism! Basically, the more active you are outside your workouts, the more calories you burn all day. From taking the stairs to walking your dogs, extra movement can add up fast.

Tillie Bug and Little Bleue at Crater Lake in Oregon. Walking your dogs is a great way to add extra movement into your day.

From taking the stairs to walking your dogs, extra movement can add up fast and make a big difference!

Here’s the best thing about these 5 components, when you get them working together, not only does your metabolism rev up, but you also feel great. You’ll feel more energized, lighter on your feet, and you might even start to hear people comment on your healthy “glow!”

REFERENCE Cleveland Clinic: Can You Boost Your Metabolism for Weight Loss?