We’ve all been tempted after a long workday by the convenience and comfort of a frozen dinner, bag of chips or can of soda. While those choices probably seem harmless in the moment, mounting research shows that such ultraprocessed foods can quietly interfere with how our bodies burn and store fuel, regulate blood sugar and maintain a healthy fat balance.

But if concepts like “metabolic flexibility” or “fuel regulation” sound abstract, you’re not alone — most people have only a vague idea of what metabolism actually is.

So here’s what it means, why it matters, and which processed foods may be doing the most harm to your metabolism and beyond.

What Is Metabolism, and Why Does It Matter?

Metabolism refers to the "biological machinery" that helps your body convert food and drink into ene

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