Gim (laver or seaweed) is a very popular side dish in Korea. Its crispy and salty taste makes it a delicious complement to rice. In particular, a bowl of freshly steamed white rice with seasoned gim, coated in oil and sprinkled with salt, can be finished in the blink of an eye. Originally, gim is a healthy food packed with beneficial nutrients. However, people on a diet often wonder if it's okay to eat seasoned gim due to its high oil and salt content. Is seasoned gim really bad for dieting? Here are some healthy ways to enjoy gim while on a diet.
Gim Itself Is Not the Culprit! A Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Packed Food
In its original form, gim is a very healthy food. It's so nutritious it's often called a "sea vegetable." Specifically, 'mareun-gim' (dried, unseasoned seaweed) is very low in calories. One sheet of mareun-gim has only about 5-10 calories. Despite being low in calories, it is rich in beneficial minerals like iodine, calcium, and iron. It also contains vitamins and dietary fiber, which helps you feel full. This makes mareun-gim an excellent food for dieting. It helps boost your metabolism and aids in regular digestion.
The Trap of Seasoned Gim: Oil and Sodium
The problem lies with the 'jomi-gim' (seasoned gim) that we often eat. Jomi-gim is made by brushing dried gim with oil and sprinkling it with salt. This process significantly increases its calorie count. Oil is high in calories even in small amounts. Furthermore, consuming too much salt (sodium) can cause bloating and increase your appetite. Because seasoned gim is so tasty, it's hard to stop at just one or two sheets. As you eat several pieces with rice, you end up consuming more calories and sodium than you realize. This is the main issue with seasoned gim.
Attention Dieters! How to Enjoy Gim Healthily
You don't have to completely give up gim just because you're on a diet. By keeping a few things in mind, you can enjoy gim in a healthy way.
- Opt for 'mareun-gim' (dried) or 'gu-un-gim' (roasted): The best method is to eat dried gim without oil and salt. Lightly roasting it in a pan brings out a savory and delicious flavor. Nowadays, you can also find 'roasted gim' products sold without oil, which are a great option.
- Eat seasoned gim in moderation: If you must have seasoned gim, check the nutrition label on the packaging and choose a product with less oil and salt. It's also important to get into the habit of eating only one or two sheets per meal.
- Pair it with healthy foods: When eating gim, it's better to have it with brown or multi-grain rice instead of white rice. Pairing it with other healthy side dishes like vegetables, tofu, or lean meats will provide balanced nutrition.
Enjoy a Delicious and Fun Diet with Healthy Gim Consumption
Originally, gim is a great low-calorie, nutrient-rich food. However, seasoned gim, with its added oil and salt, is high in calories and sodium, so you should be cautious when on a diet. If you want to eat gim while dieting, it's best to choose oil-free dried or roasted gim. If you do eat seasoned gim, be sure to control your portion size. By making these smart choices, you can enjoy gim deliciously and healthily even while on a diet.