31 Healthy Meals That Boost Your Metabolism for Weight Loss
For as much information there is on weight loss, metabolism is still a topic that can cause confusion for many people. Your metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical processes in your body.
The metabolic rate is the number of calories that are burned when your body goes through all of the processes of your metabolism. Having a higher metabolic rate (a.k.a having a faster metabolism) means your body is burning more calories even when you are at rest.
So, does that mean it is possible to be bringing calories by eating food without ever setting foot inside of a gym? Follow along with these metabolism-boosting recipes to make your next meal work for you.
And for even more recipes and weight loss tips, be sure to check out our list of 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Plant-Based Matcha Mint Smoothie
Start your morning with matcha. Research has shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in matcha can breakdown fat and block the formation of belly-fat cells. EGCG in matcha is significantly greater than the amount in most store-bought green tea.
Get our recipe for Plant-Based Matcha Mint Smoothies.
Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon With Roasted Asparagus
Vitamin D is essential to preserving the muscles that keep your metabolism chugging along. Salmon is a fantastic source of vitamin D, with 90% of your recommended daily value (400 IU) in a 3.5-ounce serving.
Get our recipe for Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus.
Chocolate-Coconut-Banana Smoothie
High levels of stress can release hormones that can slow your metabolism. The flavonoids in cocoa can help alleviate stress and keep these hormones in check. When choosing chocolate, look for high-quality dark chocolate for the best impact.
Get our recipe for Chocolate-Coconut-Banana Smoothie.
Plant-Based Whole Grain Pancakes With Cashew Butter
Whole grains for the win. Compared to over-processed products, whole grains require more energy from your body to break them down and process them.
Get our recipe for Plant-Based Whole Grain Pancakes with Cashew Butter.
Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Tacos
Start your morning with protein. Protein burns twice as many calories as your body processes it compared to fat or carbohydrates. As if you needed a reason to start your day with eggs and bacon, now you can officially say that these protein-heavy staples are good for your metabolism.
Get our recipe for Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Tacos.
Seared Ginger-Cumin Swordfish With Blueberry-Avocado Salsa
Blueberries are a key anti-inflammatory food. Researchers have found that anti-inflammatory foods are some of the best choices to jumpstart your metabolism.
Get our recipe for Seared Ginger-Cumin Swordfish with Blueberry-Avocado Salsa.
Blood Orange Beet Smoothie
Beets are another anti-inflammatory food. With a smoothie like this to start your morning, your body will be at peak productivity throughout the day and burning calories with your boosted metabolism. Besides, who doesn't like a delicious smoothie in the morning?
Get the recipe for Blood Orange Beet Smoothies.
Golden Milk Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense source of healthy fats and fiber. That combination makes for a powerful inflammation-fighting, metabolism-boosting superfood. This versatile recipe is the perfect meal for weight loss, and it fits perfectly into a vegan or keto way of eating.
Get the recipe for Golden Milk Chia Pudding.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Pineapple Salsa
Bromelain is an enzyme that acts as a meat tenderizer and a long-lasting anti-inflammatory. Pineapple is a powerful source of bromelain, meaning that it helps contribute to a boosted metabolism. While many people think of pineapple as a food you can fit in for breakfast or snack, with this recipe, you can make it work for dinner too.
Get our recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa.
10-Minute Baked Eggs With Mushroom and Spinach
Eggs are a great source of protein, which serves as a natural way to boost your metabolism. Combine that with inflammation-attacking spinach, and you have a breakfast made for weight loss.
Get our recipe for 10-Minute Baked Eggs with Mushroom and Spinach.
Steak With Garlic Gravy
Allicin, which is naturally found in garlic, has been found to boost heart health and promote a strong metabolism. The benefits can be found through the anti-inflammation nature of the ingredient. With this recipe, the benefits of garlic are top-notch, but the flavor isn't sacrificed whatsoever.
Get our recipe for Steak with Garlic Gravy.
Fresh Fruit and Cream Tart
Almonds are a gift to healthy eaters everywhere. The monosaturated fats in almonds help to regulate the feeling of hunger and keep you feeling full. Overall, incorporating these into your meals can help you eat less, feel better, and boost your metabolism. They are versatile enough to eat as a snack on their own or add them to other recipes.
Get our recipe for a Fresh Fruit and Cream Tart.
Whipped Coffee
Stay on-trend and boost your metabolism with this Instagram-friendly whipped coffee recipe. Drinking coffee can help boost your average metabolic rate. And, making it pretty enough to post is just an added bonus.
Get our recipe for Whipped Coffee.
Hearty Turkey Chili
Beans are packed with protein and fiber, a winning combination if you are looking to boost your metabolism. Even if you aren't a huge fan of beans, mixing them into chili is a great way to incorporate them into your diet without even noticing.
Get our recipe for Hearty Turkey Chili.
Eggs in Purgatory
Healthy eaters looking to boost their metabolism should look to eggs as a great way to get in your daily protein goals without sacrificing any flavor. And if you think eggs have to be boring, look no further than this recipe for a way to mix it up.
Get our recipe for Eggs in Purgatory.
Protein Muffin
Let's face it: Sometimes we are just really busy. It is okay! We all get that way. But, even at your busiest, it is important not to forget about your metabolism. This recipe for protein-packed muffins can be prepared in advance to grab and go for a boost of healthy protein even when you are on the go.
Get our recipe for Protein Muffins.
Lemon-Pepper Salmon Jerky
The benefits that salmon has on your metabolism can't be overstated. The anti-inflammation properties of salmon can help to promote thyroid health which regulates your metabolic rate.
Get our recipe for Lemon-Pepper Salmon Jerky.
Simmered Lentils
Think that eating to boost your metabolism has to be expensive? Think again. This recipe for simmered lentils is as good for you as it is for your wallet. Lentils are an excellent source of iron. Iron is a key factor in maintaining your metabolic health.
Get our recipe for Simmered Lentils.
Raspberry-Peach Swirled Smoothie
Alcohol is okay as an every-once-in-a-while treat but indulging on a regular basis can slow your metabolism. Healthy smoothies can be a great alternative to alcohol when you are looking for something to sip on with friends.
Get our recipe for Raspberry-Peach Swirled Smoothie.
Yogurt Parfait
Probiotics in yogurt can help support gut health, which, in turn, is good for your metabolism. Yogurt can also be a good source of calcium and protein, which will help you stay full for longer.
Get our recipe for Yogurt Parfaits.
Avocado-Crab Salad
Avocado is another great source of monosaturated fats that supports mitochondrial health and a strong metabolism. Incorporate more into your diet to feel full and satisfied while enjoying delicious food.
Get our recipe for Avocado-Crab Salad.
Broccoli-Cheese Eggs in a Mug
Is there anything broccoli can't do? We've long known broccoli can be part of a healthy diet, but did you know it can also boost your metabolism? The calcium and vitamin C in broccoli partner to help boost metabolism.
Get our recipe for Broccoli-Cheese Eggs in a Mug.
Cranberry Mustard Mini Tuna Melts
Feel the burn of… mustard. Not only does mustard have a distinct flavor, but it also can help contribute to a healthy waistline. Add in a little mustard to your diet to boost your metabolism with unique recipes like this.
Get our recipe for Cranberry Mustard Mini Tuna Melts.
Tandoori Chicken Skewers With Spicy Cucumber Raita
Not only will spicy foods help keep your meal planning interesting, but it also will help keep your metabolism running strong. Capsaicin, a compound that makes spicy foods taste, well, spicy, has been found to be good for your metabolic rate. So, don't pass on those peppers!
Get our recipe for Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Spicy Cucumber Raita.
Pickled Cucumber Salad
Vinegar, which is a key ingredient in pickles, helps to turn on genes that release fat-busting proteins. Incorporating more pickles and vinegar into your diet can help you to lose weight and keep your metabolism moving.
Get our recipe for Pickled Cucumber Salad.
Pan Burger With Fried Egg
For many years, people thought the egg white was the key to weight loss. More recent research, however, suggests that eating the entire egg with the yolk can be most beneficial to your metabolism.
Get our recipe for a Pan Burger with Fried Egg.
Chocolate Pudding With Olive Oil and Sea Salt
The monosaturated fats in olive oil can help your body burn more calories. In addition to cooking with olive oil, you can find other creative ways to incorporate it into your diet. Consider this pudding recipe that pairs the metabolism-boosting oil with chocolate and sea salt.
Get our recipe for Chocolate Pudding with Olive Oil and Sea Salt.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sandwich
Think that cheese can only be good for gaining weight? Think again. Cheese can be an excellent source of calcium and healthy foods that help keep you feel full for longer. Pair cheese with a healthy protein, like the grilled chicken in this recipe, for a complete metabolism-friendly meal.
Get our recipe for Grilled Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sandwich.
Teriyaki Pork Chops With Sautéed Apples
An apple a day keeps your metabolism healthy. That is the old saying, right? Well, even if it isn't, there is some truth to apples being a fantastic way to prevent metabolic disease. This low-calorie, high-fiber food is a great addition to your diet.
Get our recipe for Teriyaki Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples.
Veggie Scramble With Mushrooms, Spinach and Goat Cheese
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast. While breakfast itself may not help to boost metabolism, as previously thought, starting your day with protein can help to keep you full for longer which will stop you from overeating later on in the day. Look for a recipe with fiber, protein, and fat, like this one, to get the most out of your morning meal.
Get our recipe for a Veggie Scramble with Mushrooms, Spinach and Goat Cheese.
Tuna Burger With Wasabi Mayo
Get in your daily dose of fatty acid and healthy omega-3 with tuna. This protein-packed option delivers on the flavor without sacrificing any of the metabolism-boosting benefits.
Get our recipe for a Tuna Burger with Wasabi Mayo.
