K-pop idols are struggling to fit in the entertainment industry's stigma of sexy and healthy. That's why they do their best to maintain a perfect figure based on the South Korean standards.
With the pressure put on idols with regards to achieving a perfect South Korean physique, K-pop diets have become a popular among them. While these regimens have become effective among dieters, a lot of people are seeing these as extreme measures and practically unhealthy. Mascha Davis, a registered Dietitian and Nutritionist made a personal review among some of the popular K-pop diet plans.
Paper Cup Diet
Popularly known to be used by the girl group 9 Muses, this diet plan allows you to eat but in three paper cups with each measuring 3 ounces per meal. Each cup is filled with rice, side dishes, fruits, and veggies. Although this is a good way of allowing portion control that effectively promotes shedding weight, the dietitian claims it is pretty ridiculous. It may lead to cravings and binging.
She recommends that instead of those small paper cups, use a short or medium-sized platter to control the amount of food intake while listening to one's hunger and fullness cues.
Morning Banana Diet
This meal is design to have many bananas and room temperature water for breakfast. The upside is that you may have anything for lunch and dinner, but you should be done eating by 8:00 PM. An afternoon snack is allowed too. On top of that, you should also sleep before midnight. This diet is designed to increase metabolism, and one of the famous idols who tried it is Seo In Young.
The dietitian sees something good about this K-pop idol diet and says it is something flexible. However, she suggests that people should not limit themselves with bananas, which are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. She recommends adding a little bit of protein in the morning.
BTS Jin and Jimin Diet
Jin and Jimin's diet is mainly focuses on eating chicken. Jin revealed that his consists of eating four breast fillets per day for almost a year. The nutritionist claims this is really extreme. Although losing weight is possible, one will become malnourished. It is a "no-go" diet and dangerous.
She recommends a balanced-diet instead. Although chicken is a huge source of protein, one should add foods that are packed with other nutrients such as grains, vegetables, and fruits for a healthy and properly functioning body.
Deadly Diet
Korean singer, Wheesung, popularized this diet who revealed losing 30 kilograms while just eating chicken breast and no-dressing salad. While snacking on some almonds is allowed when you're hungry, all other foods are not allowed. Taking vitamin C and lots of water is also suggested.
Davis agrees that this diet is too extreme, and eating chicken breast, no-dressing salad, and almonds alone is not advisable. It can lead to low blood sugar, nutrient deficiencies, and even constipation. Fiber is missing on the platter. She suggests that a balanced diet is essential.
AOA Seolhyun's Diet
It was first reported that Seolhyun was only allowed to eat sweet potatoes, chicken breasts and eggs which she later denied. However, after looking into the details, such diet is too much. Although chicken and eggs are rich in protein, and sweet potatoes have carbs and vitamin A; the diet is missing on grains, greens, and other essential food such as fruits.
Park Bom's Diet
The 2NE1 member, Park Bom, is reported to have indulged in a diet that allows her to only eat corn, lettuce, or watermelon. However, her trainer called this a false statement and concluded that she eats watermelon as a substitute for rice.
Bom is said to follow a 5-meal plan a day and records her eating intake. Although Davis approves of tracking her meals, she would never recommend a one-food diet ever. It is a disordered diet and missing out on lots of nutrients which can destroying one's metabolism.
As a dietitian and nutritionist, Davis understands that due to the pressures in the K-pop industry, these idols have to undergo dieting in a fast phase to achieve results in a short period of time. However, as a health expert, she would not recommend this to anyone as these will cause eating disorders and even health issues. She believes seeking proprt advice from health professionals would result to better and healthier weight loss.
