Metabolism Matters: How to Keep Yours Thriving This Autumn
We’ve all heard someone say they have a “fast” or “slow” metabolism, and often we imagine that a fast metabolism means staying effortlessly slim while eating whatever you like. But the truth about metabolism is a lot more interesting (and far more important) than just weight.
Your metabolism isn’t just about burning calories. It’s the powerhouse behind everything your body does, from keeping your brain focused and your heart beating, to supporting hormone balance, blood sugar and insulin regulation, immunity, muscle strength, and healthy ageing. In other words, a happy metabolism means a happy, healthy you.
What Is Metabolism, Exactly?
In simple terms, metabolism is how your body turns the food and drink you consume into energy it can use. Every organ; your heart, lungs, brain, muscles, gut, and immune system, relies on this energy in order to perform at its best.
When your metabolism is running smoothly, you feel energised, focused, and resilient. But if it slows down, which can happen with age, low-calorie diets, over-exercising, prolonged fasting, or inactivity, you might start to notice fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, or even a drop in your immune defences.
Metabolism Changes With Age
From around age 35, your metabolism naturally begins to slow. This is partly due to a gradual loss of muscle mass (known as sarcopenia). Since muscle is metabolically active tissue, it burns energy even at rest. And so losing muscle means your calorie needs drop and fat gain becomes easier.
The good news? With the right nutrition and movement, you can protect and even boost your metabolic rate well into later life.
Why ‘Metabolic Flexibility’ Matters
Metabolic flexibility is your body’s ability to switch between different fuel sources (like glucose from carbs or ketones from fat) depending on what’s available. If your cells can adapt quickly, you’ll have steady energy, better blood sugar control, and less risk of metabolic disorders.
A key player here is insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from your blood into your cells. If your cells respond well to insulin and soak it up that glucose (known as insulin sensitivity), your blood sugar and metabolism stay in balance. But if they don’t respond well to insulin (insulin resistance), your body pumps out more insulin (because the glucose is still in the bloodstream), which can lead to abdominal weight gain, cravings, fatigue, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
5 Signs Your Metabolism May Need Support
1) Weight gain around your middle (the “apple” shape)
2) Constant sugar or carb cravings
3) Afternoon energy crashes
4) High cholesterol
5) Skin tags
5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Metabolism This Autumn
1) Build and maintain muscle: Include resistance training 2 to 3 times per week and eat enough high quality protein each day.
2) Move after meals: Even a 10 to 15 minute walk after meals helps your body use glucose more efficiently.
3) Eat enough and eat well: Focus on colourful vegetables and fruits (our cold-pressed juices are a great option for a nutrient boost), good fats, quality proteins, and slow-release carbs.
4) Try temperature therapy: Cold showers, dips in the sea or an ice bath, or warming sauna sessions can improve metabolic flexibility.
5) Prioritise sleep: Your metabolism works best when your circadian rhythm is in sync. You can read our blog post here all about your circadian rhythm and how to support it.
Bonus Seasonal tip: Autumn is the perfect time to embrace colourful, antioxidant-rich produce like beetroot, carrots, apples, and leafy greens. Whether you enjoy them whole or blended into a vibrant juice, these nutrients feed your metabolism while supporting immune health for the colder months ahead. Our ZIP and ZAP juices are perfect for this!
