If you want to slim down or maintain your weight, your metabolism holds the key to success. Foods that naturally boost metabolism help you burn more calories daily, which lets you enjoy some of the foods you love, but still lose weight when combined with regular exercise.

Burn Calories Through Protein

Protein is key to a healthy metabolism because it has a high TEF or thermic effect of food. Your body has to work hard to break down the foods you eat, and those with a high TEF require even more effort, according to the University of Illinois. Protein has a TEF of almost 30 percent, meaning you'll burn 30 percent of the calories in protein through digestion alone.

Use your Vitamix machine to start your day with smoothies, like a Triple Berry Smoothie or Going Green Smoothie and add in a scoop of your favorite protein supplement powder into your drink. For lunch or dinner, try a bowl of healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup or these other options, which are all high in protein.

Fill Up with Fiber

A diet high in fiber — the indigestible carb found in fresh produce, legumes, nuts and whole grains — also helps boost metabolism. Fiber aids weight loss by staying in the stomach longer after a meal so you feel fuller without eating more calories.

Use your Vitamix blender to whip up Spicy Hummus for a snack that is high in fiber and protein. For dinner, try whole-grain Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetable Sauce, and rev up your metabolism each morning with Apple-Raisin Cracked Wheat Cereal.

Spice Up Your Diet

Spices add flavor to meals and also rev up your metabolism. A review published in Physiology & Behavior in 2006 reported that eating spiced foods increases calorie burn and boosts the feeling of fullness. Capsaicin, the chemical that gives hot peppers their spice, is also known to increase calorie burn.

Add more spice to your diet with homemade salad dressings, like Spicy Honey Vinaigrette or Ginger Citrus Dressing. Use your Vitamix machine to make crowd-pleasing dips like Black Bean and Jalapeño Sauce, or blend jalapenos into your Gazpacho.