- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
- The energy your body uses at complete rest just to keep essential systems running — breathing, circulation, temperature. It makes up the largest share of most people's daily energy use.
- Blood sugar (glucose)
- The main sugar carried in your blood and a key fuel for your cells. Large, rapid swings can leave some people feeling shaky or tired; steadier meals tend to feel more even.
- Electrolytes
- Minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that carry a small electrical charge and help regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function.
- Fiber
- The parts of plant foods your body doesn't fully digest. Fiber supports digestion, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and helps meals feel more filling.
- Gut microbiome
- The community of trillions of microorganisms living mainly in your large intestine. It plays a role in digestion, immune function, and more.
- Glycemic response
- How quickly and how much a food raises your blood sugar after eating. Whole, fiber-rich, protein-paired meals generally produce a gentler response.
- Hydration
- Having enough fluid in your body for it to work comfortably. It comes from drinks and water-rich foods, not water alone.
- Macronutrients
- The three nutrients your body needs in larger amounts — carbohydrates, protein, and fat — each with its own roles in energy and repair.
- NEAT
- Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis: the energy you burn through everyday movement like walking, fidgeting, and chores — often more than formal workouts.
- Protein synthesis
- The process your body uses to build and repair tissue from the protein you eat. Spreading protein across meals can support it more evenly.
- Satiety
- The comfortable feeling of fullness after eating. Protein, fiber, and slower eating tend to support it.
- Circadian rhythm
- Your body's roughly 24-hour internal clock, which influences sleep, alertness, hormones, and even digestion.