Do you wish you were born with one of those metabolisms that enable some people to eat as much as they want whenever they want without gaining weight?

If Mother Nature didn't bless you with an ultimate fat-burning machine, there are ways you can compensate for her oversight. Although you probably will not be able to flip a switch and eat as much as others do, there are some rather tasty ways to see some results. A very good trick for helping your metabolism along involves nothing more than some creative food substitutes.

No, we're not talking changing your diet so drastically a rabbit couldn't survive off of it. Rather than starvation, think interesting, tasty ingredients. Some foods that can help you along the way – when eaten in the right amount – include:

• Salad toppers. Instead of reaching for fat-laden salad dressings, go for smarter choices. Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes a much lighter choice that tastes incredible.

• Salad fixings. Okay, this is rabbit food, but it can be rather tasty. To make your salads work better, say goodbye to bacon bits and croutons. Rather than adding animal fat and carbohydrates to your salads, consider more healthful fixings. Things such as sunflower seeds, sprouts and even raisins can add combine to make a rather good tasting salad. They also take a little more time for the body to break down, which is not bad for the metabolism at all.

• Whole grains. Cutting out carbohydrates completely is not good for the body. There is no doubt about this. There are some carbohydrates that are better for the metabolism than others, however. Rather than potatoes, white bread and white rice, think whole grain rice and breads. When crunchier whole grains are included in daily fare, they make the body work more to break them down. In the process, they can really help ensure a metabolism functions better.
  

• Smart snacks. Rather than chips, cookies and ice cream, think grapefruit, nuts and seeds for snacks. If a little bit of salt is desired, sunflower or pumpkin seeds can really take care of the craving. Fruit works well to curb a need for sweets. For an interesting flavor mix, granola and carob go very well together.
  

• Full meal substitutions. Instead of fixing your brain on eating three large meals a day, consider smaller, more frequent meals instead. A mini-meal about six times a day or three proper proportioned meals with smart snacks mixed in can help keep the metabolism functioning overtime. This can help you burn more calories over the course of a day. When this strategy is blended with a bit of exercise, the impacts on the metabolism are incredible.
  

Transforming a slow-moving metabolism into a powerhouse isn't always possible, but tweaking the system certainly is. Substituting high-fat, high-sugar and high-carbohydrate items for smarter choices can help.