15 Metabolism-Boosting Superfoods

Boost your metabolism and your weight loss.

As we get older, our metabolism naturally slows down, but there ways to speed it up. Hydration and regular exercise, especially weight training, play a vital role in keeping your metabolism working steadily. Simply drinking water and hitting the gym aren’t enough, however. You also need to make sure you’re eating enough. When you don’t consume enough calories, your body desperately wants to hold onto all the ones it gets, and your metabolism slows down. Nevertheless, when it comes to giving your body the fat-burning power it needs, not all foods are created equal. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and lean protein are all fantastic for your metabolism, and for weight loss in general. Add these 15 Metabolism-Boosting Superfoods to your diet to boost your metabolism and your weight loss.

15 Metabolism-Boosting Superfoods

1. Green Tea

Green tea has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its caffeine content also helps give your metabolism a boost. Our Green Tea Kiwi Berry Smoothie will give you all of green tea’s health benefits. This smoothie has 5 superfoods and is a nutrient powerhouse.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a true superfood. It does wonders for your immune system, has anti-inflammatory benefits, and helps regulate blood pressure. It also helps your body process iron, and an iron deficiency can slow down your metabolism. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile recipe that goes great on salads, sandwiches, or eaten solo.

3. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. We’ve combined grapefruit with avocado and salad greens for a perfectly delicious Avocado and Grapefruit Salad.

4. Apples

The pectin found in apples is an excellent source of fiber. It regulates your blood sugar levels to keep you full, and gives your metabolism a boost. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples are easy to make and taste great on just about everything, from meat to ice cream.

5. Leafy Greens

Foods high in calcium have been shown to improve metabolic rates. Did you know kale, spinach, and bok choy are high in calcium? They’re also rich in iron and fiber. Seared Chicken and Quinoa Salad is made with arugula, which provides a boost to brain and bone health.

6. Flax Seeds

Blueberry-Mint-and-Flax-Seed-Smoothie

Flax seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses. They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Have this Wild Blueberry, Mint, and Flax Seed Smoothie for breakfast to get your metabolism going strong!

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains metabolism boosting caffeine. For a quick pick-me-up, try Chocolate Cheesecake BitesCreamy cheesecake dipped in dark chocolate makes this treat ultra rich and delicious. 

8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has serious anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, antioxidants, and fiber. It can also help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Add a dash to your morning coffee or smoothie, or try our Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Bread Pudding.

9. Hot Peppers


Hot peppers are serious metabolism boosters. They stimulate digestion and are natural appetite suppressants, making them a fantastic weight-loss food. Try our Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup to get your spice on!

10. Lentils

An iron deficiency can slow down your metabolism and contribute to weight gain. Lentils are high in iron, as well as in fiber and protein. Try this Slow Cooker Fully-Loaded Lentil Stew for a filling, fat-burning vegetarian lunch.

11. Avocados

Fewer foods are better for your metabolism than avocado. Since avocados are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and potassium, they help lower LDL cholesterol. These Barbecue Chicken and Avocado Quesadillas will rev up your metabolism in no time!

12. Broccoli

Eat your broccoli! Calcium-rich foods have been shown to speed up your metabolism, and broccoli is packed with calcium. It’s also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. This One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli is super healthy as well as delicious.

13. Whole Grains


You don’t have to give up bread to speed up your metabolism. In fact, your body needs carbs. Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oats, farro, and quinoa are high in fiber and B-vitamins. They also take longer for your body to process than refined grains, so they keep your blood sugar stable and your body working to burn fat. Whip up a batch of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites for a healthy treat.

14. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is rich in the calcium needed to keep your metabolism working hard, is high in protein, and has probiotics to keep your gut healthy and happy. In addition to being a delicious breakfast food, it makes a healthy alternative to mayo and sour cream. Strawberries in Balsamic Yogurt Sauce make a creamy, nutritious dessert or snack.

15. Salmon

greek salmon

Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, both of which help lower your LDL cholesterol and burn fat. We have tons of salmon recipes for you, including this Mediterranean Greek Salmon with Orzo.

What’s your favorite recipe for these superfoods? Let us know in the comments!

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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4 Comments

  1. The link for the grapefruit and avocado salad is coming up the recipe for the slow cooker honey garlic chicken 🙁 is there anyway to post that recipe?! It looks so yummy!

    1. Lisa, Please look at the paragraph underneath the photos. There you’ll find a link to each recipe. Enjoy!

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