Getting Swimsuit Ready for Summer

CLEVELAND – If you’re looking to get fit for summer, you may be tempted to try one of the many fad diets out there claiming to help you lose weight fast.

But, Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic, said there are better options.

“I know there is this temptation to really want to just look good in this swimsuit, but what I tell my patients is, if we focus on health, the weight will typically come off,” said Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick suggests eating more nutrient dense foods instead, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, seafood, eggs, nuts and beans.

They are more filling, which means you’ll eat less. And in turn, you won’t have to worry about portion control.

You don’t need to go to the extreme, either.

Kirkpatrick said there are simple things you can do to improve your diet.

For example, if you crave sweetness, you could have steel cut oats with some maple syrup and fruit for breakfast.

Or, you could swap out your white bread for whole grain.

And maybe scale back on the bacon and only eat it twice a week.

“Little swaps like that where you’re not completely reconfiguring your plate, but you’re really just looking at is there one component on my plate that I can change, either take out, swap or have less of,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick said it’s also important to stay active.

You don’t have to do anything intense.

You could simply go for a walk after dinner, which can aid in digestion.