Boost Your Metabolism With These Science-Based Hacks

Metabolism is how quickly your body breaks down food. Increasing metabolic rates helps people lose weight and gain more energy. While metabolism is partially impacted by genetics, decades worth of research prove that diet and exercise impact metabolic rate.

Fortunately, small tweaks in habits and diet can increase your metabolism every day. Standing more, drinking water, and sleeping for seven hours all improve your metabolism. Once you learn these tricks, you’ll be able to rest assured that your body is happy. Here are the best, research-backed hacks to boost your metabolism.

Add Protein To Your Menu

Not only does protein help you feel fuller for longer, but it also burns more calories. In 2005, a study in the American Journal of Nutrition found that increasing protein intake by 15% to 30% drops 441 calories a day. It also kickstarts your body into burning an extra 80 to 100 calories per day.

Person grills chicken, sausage, and vegetables
Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post via Getty Images

According to registered nurse Rebecca Lee, protein takes longer to digest than fat and carbs. The longer digestion takes, the more calories your body burns. Note that many studies on protein digestion involve a high-protein, low-fat diet.