9 K-Pop Idols Spill the Beans on Extreme Diets

Have you ever pondered about the secrets behind your beloved K-pop idols’ flawless appearance on stage? Well, it seems that amidst all the glitz and glamour, many Korean celebrities face the constant pressure to maintain a slim figure.

In order to combat this pressure, some idols have devised their own unconventional strategies for weight management – some of which are healthy, while others are quite eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

Today, let’s delve into the realm of extreme idol weight management, exploring their unique methods and contemplating whether these extreme diets are truly worth the potential risks. And in the midst of it all, are there any better alternatives?

Please note that many of the diets featured are not recommended for long-term use due to their extreme nature and unhealthily low-calorie intake. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any significant dietary changes.

This article is intended for you to take a glimpse into what celebrities do to achieve their ideal weight.

So-Mi’s “Banana Diet”

So-Mi, the “human Barbie,” faced criticism for her weight when she started her solo career. Her extreme response? A diet of just one banana a day.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

Bananas are great for a quick energy boost, but surviving on just one is like driving a car on empty.

This severe calorie cut triggers your body into survival mode, sacrificing muscle for fuel. It leads to fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and even hair loss.

What Can You Do Instead?

Swap that lonely banana for a mix of fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Listen to your body’s hunger cues and fuel it regularly.

Consider a balanced day where you have a hearty breakfast with whole-grain toast, eggs, and some fruit.

For lunch, include a variety of veggies, lean protein like chicken or tofu, and a complex carbohydrate like quinoa or brown rice.

Snack on nuts, yogurt, or more fruit in between. Dinner can mirror lunch, keeping the portions sensible.

So-Yeon’s “Ice Americano Diet”

So-Yeon from (G)I-DLE spilled the beans about her weight loss strategy before debut – one iced Americano a day.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

Relying on just iced coffee might seem like a smart shortcut, but the lack of essential nutrients leads to issues like acid reflux and hair loss, as So-Yeon experienced.

The weight lost is mostly water, bouncing back once normal eating resumes.

What Can You Do Instead?

Say no to the coffee crash and opt for a balanced diet with regular meals and snacks for sustained energy and overall health.

Ensure your day includes a mix of foods like a balanced breakfast with oats, yogurt, and berries.

For lunch and dinner, incorporate a variety of veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Snack on nuts, cheese, or veggies in between to keep your metabolism ticking.

Ning Ning’s “Breakfast Only Diet”

Aespa’s Ning Ning, the youngest member, responded to criticism by adopting a strict diet, sometimes only eating breakfast.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

Skipping meals disrupts your blood sugar levels, leading to cravings and slowed metabolism. It’s like starving your body’s furnace, making it harder to burn calories effectively.

What Can You Do Instead?

Go for consistent, portion-controlled meals throughout the day. Begin with a protein-rich breakfast to keep energy stable and metabolism humming.

Consider a day where you start with a protein-packed breakfast like Greek yogurt with berries or scrambled eggs with spinach.

For lunch, aim for a balanced plate with lean protein, veggies, and a healthy carb. Snack on a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts in the afternoon. Dinner can mirror lunch, ensuring you meet your nutritional needs.

Karina’s “Intense Exercise Regime”

Aespa’s Karina, though naturally athletic, sometimes clocks in four hours of exercise a day to combat potential weight gain.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

While exercise is fantastic, overtraining can lead to fatigue, muscle breakdown, injury, and hormonal imbalances hindering weight loss.

What Can You Do Instead?

Embrace moderate-intensity exercise with a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises for 30 minutes to one hour on most days.

Include activities you enjoy as well, like brisk walking, swimming, or dancing. Allow yourself rest days to prevent burnout, and complement your workouts with nutrient-rich meals.

Momo’s “Ice Cube Diet”

TWICE’s Momo was instructed to shed seven kilograms before her debut and chose the extreme route of consuming only one ice cube a day.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

An ice cube diet may seem like a quick fix, but it severely restricts calories and fluids, risking dehydration and organ damage. Rebound weight gain is almost inevitable.

What Can You Do Instead?

Fuel your body with a mix of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein for a happy and energised metabolism.

Start your day with a variety of foods like a balanced breakfast with whole-grain cereal, milk, and a piece of fruit.

For lunch and dinner, focus on a colourful plate with vegetables, lean protein, and a complex carbohydrate. Include healthy snacks like yogurt, hummus, or fruit to keep you satisfied between meals.

Seul-Gi’s “Soy Milk Diet”

Seul-Gi from Red Velvet sometimes opts for a quick weight loss strategy, limiting herself to just a single glass of soy milk.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

While soy milk offers protein, it lacks the variety and essential nutrients your body needs, leading to fatigue, digestive issues, and nutrient deficiencies.

What Can You Do Instead?

Include a diverse range of foods in your meals, ensuring your body gets all the nutrients it needs for overall well-being.

Opt for a breakfast with whole-grain toast, nut butter, and a piece of fruit.

For lunch and dinner, include a variety of veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Snack on a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese to add more nutritional value to your day.

Wendy’s “Cabbage Diet and Extreme Jump Rope Exercise”

Red Velvet’s Wendy faced criticism early on and resorted to eating cabbage leaves and jumping rope 2,000 times a day.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

Combining low-calorie cabbage with intense exercise leads to muscle breakdown, weakening your physique and slowing down your metabolism.

What Can You Do Instead?

Opt for moderate-intensity exercise most days, paired with a balanced diet for long-term health and sustainable weight management.

IU’s “Apple, Sweet Potato, and Protein Powder Diet”

IU admitted to following an extreme diet of only apples, sweet potatoes, and protein powder, emphasising she wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

Eating only apples and sweet potatoes neglects essential nutrients, potentially leading to deficiencies and imbalanced gut flora.

What Can You Do Instead?

Build your dietary foundation on a diverse plate, incorporating healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, along with protein and fibre, for sustained well-being.

Choose a breakfast that includes whole-grain toast with avocado and eggs. For lunch and dinner, aim for a mix of veggies, lean protein, and whole grains.

Victoria’s “Tofu Diet and Drastic Running Exercise”

f(x)’s Victoria’s routine included waking up at 6 am, running for two hours, eating two pieces of tofu for breakfast, and dancing for 12 hours straight.

Why Is This Not a Good Idea?

Intense exercise without proper recovery and nutrition leads to fatigue, injury, and hormonal imbalances.

What Can You Do Instead?

Strike a balance between challenging your body and providing it with rest and proper nutrition. Prioritise a balanced workout routine and listen to your body for effective recovery.

You can also include a mix of activities you enjoy, like jogging, strength training, and stretching in your fitness routine to prevent any burnt out!

Remember, true beauty comes from a healthy and balanced lifestyle, not extreme measures. Focus on making sustainable changes to your food choices and exercise routine, and you’ll see yourself shedding those extra pounds healthily!

Feature image credits: @tiny.pretty.j/Instagram, @dlwlrma/Instagram, @katarinabluu/Instagram