What are sweet, juicy, and proven to help you stay slim? Hint: They’re not in the diet-food aisle. Packed with fiber and other nutrients, pears are in season and worth a second look.

One medium pear has 100 calories and is a good source of vitamin C. But this fruit’s real waist-trimming power is in its fiber. On average, pears have 5 grams of fiber, about 25 percent of your recommended daily allowance. A recent Tufts University study linked fiber to preventing weight gain in women.

“Fiber is bulky and helps create a sense of fullness,” says Lola O’Rourke, RD, an American Dietetic Association spokesperson. “You are going to be less likely to eat as much food afterward if you have more fiber.”

And for the best weight-loss benefits, put down the peeler: Leave the skin on to get more fiber and nutritional benefits.

Fresh ways to use ’em
There’s plenty of time to enjoy fresh-picked pears—they’re peaking now, and most varieties are available all winter. They brown quickly once they are sliced, so try this easy trick from Roy Breiman, the executive chef at Salish Lodge and Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington: Place the pear slices in cold water with some lemon juice. The citrus blocks the oxidation that causes browning, and it adds a nice hint of flavor, too.

Breiman likes to layer fresh-sliced pears—preferably on the crunchy and not-too-ripe side—with prosciutto, shaved Parmesan, and arugula. “With a little coarse sea salt on top,” he says, “it’s fabulous.”

And for dessert, O’Rourke suggests keeping things simple. Try baking, poaching, even grilling pears—then top them with a light vanilla sauce or a small drizzle of dark chocolate. “It’s a relatively low-calorie and delicious dessert.”