15 Habits of People With A Fast Metabolism

What lifestyle and eating habits do people with a fast metabolism have?

Many people think they can’t control their metabolism, but your eating habits, activity levels, and other aspects of your health play a role. You can’t change everything, but your lifestyle habits heavily contribute. A fast metabolism can help with weight management, increased energy levels, and improved overall health.

People with a fast metabolism burn more calories, making them less likely to accumulate fat. It also gives them more energy and improves their overall health. Those without a fast metabolism have the opposite effect, with more calories left over that their body stores as fat.

People with a fast metabolism adopt healthy habits that promote their overall well-being. You can change your lifestyle and use some of their methods to increase your metabolism and live a healthier life.

NOTE: You should see a doctor if you have healthy habits but still experience metabolic sluggishness. Your physician can run some simple tests to diagnose any hidden health issues. 

Habit 1 – People With a Fast Metabolism Eat Breakfast Every Day

The thermic effect of food is highest in the first few hours after waking up. Experts suggest choosing a low-sugar and high-protein breakfast for the best effects.

Eating a healthy breakfast boosts your energy levels and metabolic rate, allowing you to experience the most benefits early in the day. It also promotes weight management and encourages healthy eating habits while reducing feelings of hunger and overeating.

Habit 2 – They Stay Hydrated

Water can increase metabolic function and energy levels as it triggers water-induced thermogenesis. It boosts weight loss and digestion while reducing feelings of fatigue and low energy. Those with fast metabolisms focus on hydration, and you can embrace the benefits yourself by increasing your water intake.

Hydration is beneficial, no matter the temperature of the water. However, cold water burns more calories because your body has to warm it up. You don’t have to drink plain water to experience the benefits. You can add lemon or other fruit to your drink for nutrients and natural flavour.

Habit 3 – They Focus on Whole Foods

When you eat whole foods, it improves your metabolic health because they are nutrient-dense. It can boost weight management and energy levels and improve your health, reducing inflammation and disease risk.

Whole foods don’t have any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or dyes that you’ll find in processed foods. It also doesn’t have added sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats, so making this change in your eating habits is beneficial. Processed foods also don’t contain much nutrition, leading to a deficiency of essential vitamins and using less energy to digest.

Habit 4 – They Incorporate Strength Training

Studies show that a higher muscle mass increases metabolic rates, burning more calories. Doing strength training exercises three times a week for at least 11 minutes can increase your resting metabolic rate.

Joining a gym isn’t necessary to do strength training. You can do plenty of workouts at home.

Habit 5 – People With a Fast Metabolism Get Enough Sleep

Those who practice sleep hygiene tend to have increased metabolic function. Getting enough sleep each night increases energy levels and boosts weight management. It also improves cognitive function.

Not getting enough sleep slows your metabolism and can lead to weight gain and obesity. It also disrupts hormones that regulate your appetite. Sleep disruption can have the same effect, so aim for at least seven hours each night.

Habit 6 – They Manage Stress

Too much stress can increase cortisol levels, causing disruptions to your appetite. Implementing stress management techniques can increase your metabolic function and help you develop a fast metabolism. It also improves your overall health and mental and emotional well-being.

Some stress management ideas include:

• prioritize your health and well-being
• spend time doing things you enjoy
• talk to someone you trust

Habit 7 – They Snack on Protein

Eating protein snacks promotes muscle recovery and growth and increases metabolic rate. On the other hand, snacks high in carbs can decrease it. Switching your eating habits and choosing protein snacks increases satiety, reducing feelings of hunger and overeating.

The thermic effect of food results in a temporarily increased metabolic rate, no matter what you eat. The thermic effect is higher if you eat protein instead of other options.

Some good protein sources include the following:

• lean beef
• turkey
• fish
• white meat chicken
• tofu
• nuts and seeds
• beans
• eggs
• low-fat dairy products
• legumes
• whole grains

Habit 8 – They Incorporate Spices and Herbs

Some spices and herbs can increase metabolic function and promote weight management. They also help reduce inflammation and disease risk while adding flavor and variety to meals.

Some of the spices and herbs that contribute to a fast metabolism include:

• ginger
• cinnamon
• turmeric
• cayenne pepper
• red pepper flakes
• chilli powder

Habit 9 – Those With a Fast Metabolism Avoid Sugary Drinks

Sugary beverages contain more calories than other drinks, and they don’t promote metabolic health. These drinks can increase your risk of obesity and cause many health issues.

Avoiding drinks with sugar can increase your metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and lower disease risk. Choosing healthier options instead can also boost energy levels and weight management.

Habit 10 – People With Fast Metabolism Eat Enough Fiber

A high-fiber diet can boost metabolism, prevent overeating, and promote weight management. Your body uses more calories trying to digest fiber than it does for other foods.

Soluble fiber takes on water during digestion, promoting satiety. Insoluble fiber passes through your system, promoting digestive health and regularity. Changing your eating habits to increase your fiber intake is easier than you might think. Some options you can add to your diet to develop a fast metabolism include:

Insoluble Fiber

• bran
• beans
• cauliflower
• apples

Soluble Fiber

• brown rice
• oat bran
• artichokes

Habit 11 – They Drink Green Tea

The caffeine and catechins in green tea increase your metabolic rate and fat oxidation. It also has antioxidants that promote other health benefits, including reducing inflammation and disease risk. Green tea also helps convert stored fat into free fatty acids that encourage fat-burning during exercise.

Habit 12 – They Manage Their Alcohol Intake

Reducing alcohol consumption can improve metabolic function and weight management. When you consume alcohol, your body burns it as a fuel source before glucose and lipids. It leads to more stored fat, interfering with your metabolic function and weight loss efforts.

Alcohol interferes with mental clarity, leading to poor decision-making regarding food. It often leads to an increase in food intake and triggers hunger signals.

Drinking alcohol can also decrease testosterone levels and cause metabolic syndrome in men. It also disrupts sleep cycles, leading to a lack of sleep. Another issue is that it interferes with digestion and moving food through the system.

Habit 13 – People With Fast Metabolism Get Enough Vitamin D

Studies show low Vitamin D levels are associated with higher body fat percentage. Vitamin D can increase metabolic function and bone health. It also reduces body fat, inflammation, and disease risk, improving immune function and overall health.

The sun doesn’t shine enough to be the only Vitamin D source you get. You’ll have to find it elsewhere if you want it to help you develop a fast metabolism. Other sources include:

• fish, including rainbow trout, salmon, sardines, and tuna
• fortified dairy products
• eggs
• portabella mushrooms
• chicken breast
• ground beef
• Vegetables, including broccoli and carrots
• almonds
• Fruit, including apples and bananas
• brown, long-grain rice
• whole wheat bread
• lentils
• sunflower seeds
• edamame
• dietary supplements

Habit 14 – They Stay Active Throughout the Day

You burn more calories during physical activity, known as the thermic effect of exercise. It increases energy expenditure, leading to improved metabolic health.

You also burn calories during other nonexercise activities, including changing posture, standing, walking, or fidgeting. Doing household tasks is another activity that can increase your metabolism.

Staying active throughout the day reduces sedentary behavior, which decreases your metabolism. It also lowers your risk of disease while promoting overall well-being and vitality.

Exercise is essential, but other ways you can stay active include the following ideas:

• stand up regularly if you have a desk job
• go for walks on your lunch break
• park further back in parking lots
• take the stairs
• fidget your leg while you sit
• take your dog for a walk
• clean the house
• do yardwork
• prepare your meals
• dance

Habit 15 – They Prioritize Consistency and Persistence

People with a fast metabolism practice consistency and persistence in their lifestyles. Crash diets won’t raise your metabolic function, but regular effort will. Build healthy habits that promote success and reduce feelings of frustration and failure. It’ll help you find positive lifestyle changes that help with weight management.

Some of the best ways you can be consistent include:

• being aware of your habits
• planning meals
• setting goals and working toward them
• scheduling time for exercise or physical activity
• considering obstacles
• practicing self-control
• thinking about the future
• identifying triggers
• removing temptations
• finding a support system
• tracking your progress
• rewarding yourself
• remembering why you want to live a healthy life

Final Thoughts on How People With Fast Metabolism Maintain Healthy Lifestyle and Eating Habits

Making lifestyle changes involving eating habits and physical activity can help you boost your metabolism. Living a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for your overall well-being and metabolic function.

It’ll get easier once healthy living becomes a habit, and you can see the benefits. Consider choosing a few habits of people with a fast metabolism to incorporate into your daily life. Once those changes become a regular aspect of your life, you can add more.