32 Recipes That Fight Fat

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

When you're looking to boost your metabolism and burn more fat, the foods you use to fuel your body can help — all day long! Here are the best fat-burning recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks that all include the nutrients you need to support your goals. Each is made with ingredients known to help boost metabolism to help you hit your goals sooner!

[Breakfast] [Lunch and Dinner] [Snacks]

Morning Jump-Start Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Morning Jump-Start Smoothie

Start your day right with a glass of fat-burning ingredients, like calcium-rich Greek yogurt, almonds, and broccoli; high-fiber and vitamin-C-rich strawberries; and spicy cinnamon, among other metabolism-boosting ingredients.

Calories: 345

Spicy Shakshuka
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Shakshuka

With more than 20 grams of protein and nearly 40 percent of your recommended fiber for the day, this 350-calorie meal consists of perfectly poached eggs swimming in a fragrant and spicy tomato sauce bath. To amp things up in the nutrition department, garbanzo beans are added for even more protein, while Swiss chard adds vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Both the cinnamon and red pepper flakes bring some serious fat-fighting spice to your plate!

Calories: 339

Pineapple Kale Blueberry Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Pineapple Kale Blueberry Smoothie

The Greek yogurt in this flat-belly smoothie provides a good amount of calcium and protein, both of which can aid in weight loss. The smoothie also contains several ingredients — like blueberries — that have been shown to help diminish belly fat. If that's not enough, you also get the sweetness of pineapple, which contains an enzyme that helps ease digestion and banish bloat.

Calories: 283

Overnight Oats
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Overnight Oats

High in protein and fiber, this whole-grain overnight oats recipe will keep hunger at bay all morning long. Moreover, this recipe supports healthy digestion and can even help you beat belly bloat. We topped off this jar with blackberries, raspberries, a few slivered almonds, and a slight drizzle of maple syrup, but feel free to get creative with your favorites.

Calories: 345

Gwyneth's Blueberry Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Michele Foley

Gwyneth's Blueberry Muffins

A muffin that actually fights the dreaded muffin top? We'll take two. Gone are the dairy and processed sugar, leaving a satisfying breakfast muffin that is literally bursting with antioxidant-rich blueberries — yes, those same blueberries that have been shown to target pesky belly fat.

Calories (per muffin): 221

Cinnamon and Green Tea Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Cinnamon and Green Tea Smoothie

Not only will the caffeine in this smoothie give you much-needed energy, but cinnamon and green tea have also been shown to have metabolism-boosting properties.

Calories: 139

Blueberry Barley Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Blueberry Barley Bake

This make-ahead blueberry barley bake contains fat-fighting blueberries, pearled barley, and cinnamon. This Summer bake will keep you satisfied all morning long!

Calories: 239

Whole-Grain French Toast
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Whole-Grain French Toast

French toast is one of those decadent, high-calorie recipes we've saved for a special indulgence — until now. Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak's recipe makeover for whole-grain french toast with ricotta cheese offers more than 20 grams of protein with just over 250 calories per generous serving. Protein-rich ricotta and the fat-burning duo of Summer berries and cinnamon make this recipe a winning brunch option.

Calories: 252

Santa Fe Vegetable Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Santa Fe Vegetable Soup

This Paleo-friendly vegetable soup simmers nicely in your slow cooker for dinner — be sure to make enough for an easy lunch the next day. While this recipe uses shredded chicken and chicken stock, you can substitute them with more beans and vegetable stock for a vegetarian dish that still packs in the protein you need to fight fat.

Calories: 321

Tortilla-Less Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Tortilla-Less Soup

A spicy low-carb "tortilla" soup that's ready in 20 minutes? Sign us up. Since there are so many flavors in this comforting Mexican soup recipe, you won't even miss the high-calorie, high-carb strips of tortilla.

Calories: 194

Ginger-Carrot Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Ginger-Carrot Soup

A bowl of this detoxifying ginger-carrot soup is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese, which aids digestion.

Calories: 262

Turmeric-Spiced Tomato Soup
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Turmeric-Spiced Tomato Soup

Kick up the good-for-you nature and flavor of tomato soup with this curried tomato soup that adds turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon to the classic comfort dish — three spices known to boost your metabolism!

Calories: 244

Burrito Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Burrito Bowl

Move over, Chipotle. This healthy burrito bowl recipe is half the calories and easy to make (the secret is precooked chicken breast). In under 10 minutes, you'll have a fresh lunch that hits all your Mexican takeout cravings. Plenty of protein plus a dollop of Greek yogurt keeps bloat at bay.

Calories: 350

Avocado Shell Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Avocado Shell Salad

No need for the oven for this refreshing dinner! This avocado shell salad has 60 percent of your recommended fiber for the day, aids in digestion, and may even diminish belly fat.

Calories: 468

Blueberry, Quinoa, and Kale Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Blueberry, Quinoa, and Kale Salad

This colorful salad has a bit of everything: blueberries, carrots, tomatoes, almonds, nori, kale, and quinoa, all blended with an Asian-inspired soy ginger dressing. Talk about eating a fat-fighting rainbow!

Calories: 377

Cabbage and Hemp Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cabbage and Hemp Detox Salad

If you're on the hunt for a quick and tasty detoxifying recipe, this crunchy cabbage and hemp salad is for you. If you haven't tried them yet, it's time to give hemp seeds a try. They're a great source of fat-fighting omega-3s and vitamin E for vegans and vegetarians, and the combination of the cold-pressed oil and seeds in this recipe gives this fresh salad a nutty flavor you'll love.

Calories: 381

Baby Kale Sesame Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Baby Kale Sesame Chicken Salad

If you want to get on the kale bandwagon but aren't a fan of the leaf's strong taste, baby kale is your new best friend. The young leaves are mild tasting, much like spinach, but still pack the same nutrients as their older counterparts. This easy baby kale and sesame chicken salad makes for a flavorful and protein-rich lunch.

Calories: 414

Spicy Cauliflower Lasagna
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Cauliflower Lasagna

Cinnamon and red pepper flakes give this healthy version of lasagna an amazing depth of flavor and metabolism-boosting properties!

Calories: 324

Paleo Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Stuffed Peppers

Save a serving of these light and easy Paleo stuffed peppers for the next day. You can dice the peppers and serve them atop a bed of greens for a nutrient-packed lunch that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Calories: 285

Spicy-Sweet Potato Burgers
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Spicy-Sweet Potato Burgers

Bring some healthy spice to your new favorite veggie burger. This seasonal sweet-potato burger that brings cayenne to the mix can be baked in the oven.

Calories: 202

Sushi Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Sushi Bowl

A chirashi sushi bowl may seem fancy, but it's the perfect simple and easy meal that offers a ton of anti-inflammatory omega-3s and plenty of protein. Just be sure you look for sushi-grade fish, and remember to keep everything refrigerated until lunchtime.

Calories: 402

Vegan Spiced Lentils and Quinoa
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Spiced Lentils and Quinoa

This vegan spiced lentils and quinoa dish is so good, you'll want to make a big batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week. Chock-full of protein, fiber, and good-for-you spices, this meal is sure to become a lunch staple.

Calories: 370

Apple Cabbage Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Apple Cabbage Detox Salad

For a lightened-up take on classic coleslaw, whip up this detox salad instead. Apples marry with the dynamic duo of red and Savoy cabbage, combining for a fiber-filled meal that aids in digestion. The addition of fennel seeds adds to the fiber factor, plus a kick of cayenne boosts your metabolism.

Calories: 289

Slow-Cooked Mexican Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Slow-Cooked Mexican Chicken

Another slow-cooked meal that takes 15 minutes to prep and works well as leftovers for lunch: this Mexican-style chicken and beans meal is full of flavor as well as fat-fighting protein.

Calories: 381

Spicy Sweet-Potato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Sweet-Potato Salad

High-fiber sweet potatoes in this spicy salad recipe can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while an antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.

Calories: 270

Easy Bean Burger
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Easy Bean Burger

Whip up a few of these easy bean burger patties early in the week, and you'll have a protein-packed vegetarian base for several lunches that fuel strong muscles. Make a burger, add the chopped patty to soups, or make low-carb wraps. These quick patties are extremely versatile, and the fiber content will keep you full for hours on end.

Calories: 520

Vegetarian Soba Noodle Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Vegetarian Soba Noodle Salad

This Thai-inspired soba noodle salad is chock-full of veggies and flavor — in fact, the peanut-butter-based dressing gets better the next day (hello, leftovers!). This is a great option if you're vegetarian or looking for a meatless midday meal that supports your goals. Keep in mind — the spicier you make it, the more metabolic power you give the dish!

Calories: 424

Thai-Spiced Hummus
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Thai-Spiced Hummus

Healthy spices like turmeric and curry help make this fiber-rich coconut curry hummus the perfect combination of tangy and spicy.

Calories: 170

Cinnamon-Spiced Chickpeas
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cinnamon-Spiced Chickpeas

Boost your energy levels and metabolism with this treat: cinnamon-spiced chickpeas. Once roasted, chickpeas offer a satisfying crunch, and this creative spice blend makes it a tasty, low-calorie snack.

Calories: 146

Curried Kale Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Michele Foley

Curried Kale Chips

Instead of overspending at your health food store, cook up these cheesy curry kale chips in your own kitchen. Inspired by one of our favorite flavors of Rhythm Superfoods kale chips, this snack is high in vitamins A and C, protein, fiber, and iron.

Calories: 194

Strawberry Banana Creams
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Strawberry Banana Creams

This vitamin-C-rich low-calorie dessert tastes like strawberry cheesecake! It's made with a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, so it's a cinch to whip up. Can you believe this easy-to-make sweet treat is under 150 calories per serving?

Calories: 145

Green Tea and Avocado Popsicles
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Green Tea and Avocado Popsicles

Greek yogurt and ripe avocado lay the base for this creamy, fiber-filled green popsicle, while caffeinated Japanese matcha powder provides the kick you need to beat the dreaded afternoon slump and boost your metabolism.

Calories: 222