Ever notice how the warmer the weather, the more you want to dive into a bowl of greens for lunch or dinner? Thing is, the more greens you consume, the greater your risk of inadvertently skimping on protein—and that can cause a huge dip in your energy and alertness levels, says nutritionist Brittany Kohn, R.D., of Middleberg Nutrition in New York City. Protein is also satiating and keeps hunger pangs at bay, so it's extra important to make sure you get enough. Next time you're shopping for salad ingredients, try one of these flavor-boosting, energy-charging add-ins.
Quinoa
A half-cup of this cooked grain has four grams of high quality "complete" protein, meaning the protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. Quinoa is also packed with fiber, iron, and magnesium.
Shrimp
Three or four large grilled shrimp contain 18 grams of lean protein, plus lots of omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp's mild flavor means it goes with pretty much any kind of salad greens or other add-ins, no matter how strong or bitter the flavor.
MORE: The 6 Veggies With the Most Protein
Feta Cheese
Hard cheeses can be calorie-dense, but soft, tangy feta is relatively low in calories and fat—yet one serving contains four filling grams of protein. And since it's so flavorful, you don't need much.
Sunflower Seeds
Crunchy and nutty, a quarter-cup racks up six grams of protein—plus good fat, vitamin E, and selenium, all of which are important for metabolism.
Poached Eggs
Each egg packs six grams of protein, as well as vitamin D. Eggs do have fat, but that makes them more filling. And if you get yours poached, the cooking process doesn't add extra fat or calories. As a bonus, the runny yolk can act as your dressing (and tastes so good).
Hemp Seeds
These trendy seeds have five grams of complete protein per tablespoon. Even better, they're a great source of magnesium, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
MORE: 9 Genius Tips to Make At-Home Salads Taste So Much More Amazing
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