The Best Iron-Rich Meat To Eat For A Faster Metabolism Over 40

1. Lean Beef

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, lean meats are qualified as 100 grams of beef (about 3 1/2 ounces) that have less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol. Extra Lean meats on the other hand are less than 5 grams of fat, less than 2 grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol. Lean meats like lean sirloin or ground beef are high in heme iron which is great for boosting metabolism.

"Lean beef is a good source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plant-based sources," Greenwood explains. "It also provides high-quality protein and other important nutrients for overall health." She highly recommends a beef stir-fry with vegetables and brown rice or a grilled beef kebab with peppers and onions to get your daily iron intake.

2. Pork Tenderloin

Another type of meat that is high in heme iron is pork tenderloins. Pork tenderloin, also called pork fillet, pork steak, or a Gentleman's Cut, is a long, thin cut of pork. It's one of the leanest, most tender cuts of meat on the market, so it can also be a little expensive. Pork loin, on the other hand, can often be a lot cheaper if you're looking for a tender cut of meat that cooks well and is still a great source of iron.

"Pork tenderloin," Greenwood says, "is a lean cut of pork that is a good source of heme iron and also provides high-quality protein. It is also versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways." She suggests preparing your pork tenderloin with roasted sweet potatoes or as a stir-fry with broccoli. Yum!

3. Skinless chicken or turkey breast

And, the last type of iron-rich meat that Greenwood recommends for a faster metabolism is chicken or turkey breast. Nutritionally speaking, boneless, skinless chicken breasts have fewer calories and fat overall than their counterparts with skin. "Skinless chicken or turkey breast is a lean source of protein and heme iron," Greenwood raves. "It can be used in a variety of recipes and is a staple in many healthy diets." You can make grilled chicken or turkey breast with mixed vegetables or with sweet potato wedges. Or, you could even make a turkey or chicken breast chili with black beans and avocado!

The Bottom Line

While adding iron-rich meats can be incredibly beneficial for boosting metabolism, Greenwood emphasizes that it's also important to consume iron-rich foods in combination with vitamin C-rich foods in order to "enhance absorption." She recommends foods with vitamin C like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers. That's why stir-fries and kebabs with bell peppers can be so helpful (and yummy!) for boosting metabolism.