Add These to Your Salad to Lose Weight Faster

Increasing your veggie intake by chowing on a huge salad is one of the best ways to cut down on calories and drop pounds, but not all salad toppings are created equal. Choose the wrong ones, and your healthy salad quickly turns into a calorie bomb. For those trying to slim down, add these to your bowl of greens.

Pears
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Pears

This fruit is high in the fiber pectin, which has been proven to help suppress appetite. Whatever the variety, half a medium pear (with the skin) is about 52 calories and offers 2.8 grams of filling fiber. If you're not a fan of pears, apples are equally good.

Quinoa
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Quinoa

If you've ever felt hungry after downing a huge serving of greens, it's because you need to beef up your bowl with some whole grains. Quinoa will give your salad a boost of protein and fiber. A quarter-cup serving of cooked quinoa is 56 calories, 1.3 grams of fiber, and two grams of protein. Psychologically, it'll help you feel like you're eating more of a meal than just a salad.

Blueberries
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Blueberries

All berries offer a high fiber content that makes them filling so you eat less, but blueberries are the one berry proven to diminish belly fat. A quarter-cup serving is 21 calories and 0.9 grams of fiber. And because they're naturally sweet, they may prevent the desire to reach for a treat afterward.

Avocado
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Avocado

This green fruit not only adds a soft and creamy texture to your traditionally crunchy salad, but it also helps you slim down in three ways. For one, it's full of fiber to fill you up while you're eating so you eat less, but it also keeps you feeling full. The fiber prevents constipation, which can prevent a round and bloated belly. Avocados are also excellent sources of MUFAs (monounsaturated fats), proven to diminish belly fat. This salad buddy is high in calories, so go for one-quarter to one half — you can even serve your salad in an avocado.

Almonds
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Almonds

Nuts are another source of MUFAs and fiber, but they're also an easy source of protein. A one-eighth-cup serving is 80 calories and offers 1.5 grams of fiber and three grams of protein. Plus, the satisfying crunch tricks your brain into believing you're eating something more hearty.

Hard-Boiled Egg
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Hard-Boiled Egg

Low energy levels coupled with hunger pangs are sure to send you out for a postsalad pick-me-up. Avoid the energy meltdown by including protein-rich toppings like hard-boiled eggs in your salad. One egg is 78 calories and offers 6.3 grams of protein.

Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Beans

Since fiber and protein are a must in filling you up and keeping that full feeling going strong hours after you eat, which prevents snacking, beans are one of the most important salad toppings when it comes to losing weight. Kidney beans have more fiber and protein than chickpeas, so go for the red. A quarter-cup serving offers five grams of fiber and four grams of protein for 50 calories. Black beans are also a great choice as they offer magnesium and iron.

Salmon
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Salmon

Salmon is another low-fat protein source, so topping your salad with a piece of grilled salmon will keep hunger at bay and energy levels consistent hours after putting down your fork. It's also an excellent source of omega-3s, which not only reduce cholesterol but can also reduce inflammation to help you recover faster after an intense workout to help build more metabolism-boosting muscles. A small two-ounce serving is 116 calories and adds 12.5 grams of protein to your meal.

Cottage Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cottage Cheese

If you crave cheese on your salad, although it's a great source of protein, most are high in fat. Go for low-fat cottage cheese — a quarter-cup serving is only 45 calories (feta cheese has twice that!), and it offers six grams of protein.

Chia Seeds
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chia Seeds

Don't let their tiny size fool you! Chia seeds offer big rewards for those trying to lose weight. Sprinkle a tablespoon on your salad (or stir into your salad dressing), and for 60 calories, they'll offer four grams of fiber and two grams of protein. Chia seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3s — a one-tablespoon serving offers 150 percent of your daily value.