Fed up with diet myths?

We all know that summer is short in Minnesota. But when it comes to how to shape up for those fleeting weeks of swimsuit season, it's easy to confuse fact with fiction.

To sort out the confusion over the healthiest ways to lose weight, we've enlisted the help of Cassie Weness, a registered dietitian with Nutritional Weight and Wellness in Wayzata, and Leigh Ann Greavu, a registered dietitian for Women's Care at St. John's Hospital. They share the top six diet myths of the season:

MYTH: Acai berry is a natural answer to weight loss.

This berry, found in rain forests, has been touted as helping people lose weight by curbing appetite and boosting energy. The fiber content might suppress appetite, and the natural sugars will give you a kick, but most berries have lots of fiber and natural sugars -- and aren't nearly as expensive. The acai berry does have some unique features, such as healthfy fat. It's also brimming with so many antioxidants that even a blueberry would be jealous. But drinking pricey bottles of acai juice won't do wonders for your waistline.

MYTH: Summer salads help you lose weight.

Not so fast. A Caesar salad at a restaurant could easily have more fat than a person should have in an entire day. Although the fiber-filled veggies in salads are healthy and good for weight loss, pay attention to the dressing. Read labels, because low-fat dressings might have trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup or other unhealthy ingredients. Instead, choose dressings and toppings that are made from healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil-based dressings and sunflower seeds. These fats will satisfy you, so you stay full longer.

MYTH: Colon cleanses and body detoxes flush out waste and weight.

MYTH: Drinking meals, instead of eating, is a lighter option.

It might sound lighter to guzzle lemonade all afternoon or drink a bottle of Slim Fast in place of a meal, but liquids don't signal fullness as food does. Just think how easy it would be to drink 16 ounces of orange juice compared with how enjoyable it would be to eat four oranges in a row. Studies have shown that people who drink a greater percentage of their calories tend to be more overweight. It is important to stay hydrated, though, especially in summer. If you're thirsty, sometimes your body reads that as hunger. So rely on the classic glass of water throughout the day.

MYTH: Eating light is easy when you grill out.

You'll need to take the high-fat, processed items off the picnic table. That means cutting way back on hot dogs, brats, chips and potato salad. Instead, focus on grilling seafood and skinless chicken breasts and serving them with sides of veggies and baked beans. If you're eating rice or potatoes, stay full with more fibrous options, such as brown rice and potatoes with the skins.

MYTH: Diet foods help dieters.