Summer puts heat on dieting

/ Courtesy Uniquefruit blog

By Rachel Lee

Koreans are rushing to get their bodies in shape for summer.

A recent Gmarket survey found that more than 92 percent of men and women are dieting for summer. It also found that men care more about losing belly fat while women want to be in good physical shape for the season.

For that ideal body, there is a list of summer foods and drinks dieters should avoid, experts suggest.

“An increasing number of people are eating chicken and beer and pizza especially during the summer season,” a Vital Diet Lab spokesperson said.

The clinic suggests dieters avoid tropical fruits and fizzy drinks.

“Fruits are rich in fiber and good for the skin, but you should think about their high calories,” the spokesperson said. “When you get thirsty, drink green tea or eat nuts like almonds.”

“Making clever swaps to certain foods will help you keep the weight off,” the Daily Mail quoted nutritionist Cassandra Barnes as saying. “Arm yourself with knowledge and plan your meals, and you won't be fighting to fit into your summer clothes.”

Frozen drinks, including margaritas, are higher in calories than people think, the expert warns. She suggests gin and tonic as a replacement.

Potato salad and pre-made smoothies are also a problem, she says. The former tends to contain mayonnaise so brown rice with chopped vegetables can be an alternative.

The latter also contains five to six teaspoons of sugar, so home-made drinks are an option for dieters, Barnes says.