Decoding: What is the Victoria's Secret model diet?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Unlike a traditional eating plan, the Victoria's Secret model diet is not one uniform set of rules, but rather a collection of often-extreme and highly restrictive eating patterns observed in models, particularly before runway shows.

Quick Summary

The Victoria's Secret model diet is a highly restrictive pattern focusing on lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, with severe calorie cutting before shows. It is often complemented by intense exercise and involves limiting processed foods, sugars, and alcohol.

Key Points

Not a Single Plan: The Victoria's Secret diet is a varied, highly restrictive approach, not a standardized set of rules.
Core Focus: It emphasizes lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats while cutting out processed foods, refined carbs, and added sugars.
Extreme Pre-Show Restrictions: Preparation for shows involves severe measures like eliminating salt, certain vegetables, and potentially all solids to reduce bloating.
Intense Exercise: The diet is paired with a rigorous workout routine that includes boxing, Pilates, and strength training.
Controversial and Unhealthy: Many aspects of the diet have been criticized by health experts and former models for being unsustainable and harmful.
Unrealistic Expectations: The diet and associated lifestyle are not suitable for the average person and promote potentially harmful body image standards.
Focus on Whole Foods is the Only Healthy Takeaway: The most beneficial aspect of the diet is its focus on clean, whole foods, which can be incorporated into a balanced, sustainable eating plan.

The Core Principles of the Victoria's Secret Model Diet

Based on public interviews, the diet of a Victoria's Secret model is less a fixed plan and more a set of guiding principles focused on achieving a specific body composition. The approach is holistic, combining stringent dietary rules with a demanding exercise regimen. While the specifics vary by model and nutritionist, several common themes emerge.

Focus on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods

At its foundation, the diet is built on a high intake of whole, unprocessed foods. This means prioritizing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Lean Protein: Chicken, fish, and eggs are staples to support muscle repair and growth from intense workouts.
Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide essential fatty acids for energy and skin health.
Vegetables: A wide variety of leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables are consumed freely for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Fruits: Berries, apples, and citrus fruits are favored, while high-sugar fruits may be limited.
Whole Grains: While often restricted, especially pre-show, whole grains like quinoa and brown rice might be included in limited amounts for sustained energy.

Strict Limitation of Processed Foods

A major tenet is the near-total elimination of processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. This is aimed at reducing inflammation, maintaining stable blood sugar, and supporting a lean physique.

No Refined Grains: White bread, pasta, and rice are typically cut.
No Added Sugars: Sugary drinks, candies, and baked goods are off-limits.
Limited Alcohol: Intake is restricted or eliminated entirely.

The Intensive Pre-Show Regime

In the weeks leading up to a major event like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the diet becomes even more extreme. The focus shifts to reducing any potential water retention and achieving a maximally lean and toned appearance.

Cutting Inflammatory Foods: Some pre-show plans advise temporarily removing certain healthy foods that can cause bloating, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower).
Eliminating Salt and Eggs: To reduce water retention, salt is often cut completely.
Carbohydrate Cycling: Carbs might be removed completely for several days before a show to dehydrate the body.
Intense Hydration: Models consume high amounts of water for hydration, but some reports suggest extreme fluid restriction just before a show.

The Critical Role of Exercise

The Victoria's Secret look isn't achieved by diet alone; it's a combination of dietary restriction and rigorous exercise. Common activities include:

Pilates: Builds long, lean muscles and improves posture.
Boxing: High-intensity cardio that tones the upper body.
Strength Training: Builds muscle tone and increases metabolism.
Yoga: Enhances flexibility and promotes mental wellbeing.

The Diet's Controversies and Criticisms

Despite the aesthetic results, the Victoria's Secret model diet and lifestyle have faced significant backlash. Dietitians and former models have highlighted the extreme and unhealthy nature of some of the practices.

Nutrient Deficiencies: The restrictive nature, particularly in the pre-show phase, can lead to deficiencies and hormonal imbalance.
Unhealthy Relationships with Food: Testimonials from models reveal constant hunger and frustration, which can foster unhealthy eating patterns.
Body Image Concerns: The promotion of such extreme diets and body types contributes to unrealistic beauty standards and can negatively impact body image.

Comparison: Victoria's Secret Diet vs. A Balanced, Sustainable Diet


Feature	Victoria's Secret Model Diet	Balanced, Sustainable Diet
Core Focus	Achieving extreme leanness for specific events, based on aesthetic goals.	Long-term health, energy, and well-being.
Carbohydrates	Highly restricted, especially refined carbs. Often completely cut before shows.	Includes a variety of complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber.
Processed Foods	Strictly eliminated.	Minimizes, but allows for occasional, moderate intake.
Sustainability	Not designed for long-term sustainability; often involves short-term, extreme efforts.	Built on consistent, manageable habits that can be maintained indefinitely.
Mental Health	Can cause stress, hunger, and a negative relationship with food.	Promotes a positive, flexible relationship with food.
Hydration	Rigorous hydration is key, but some reports indicate extreme fluid cuts pre-show.	Consistent, sufficient fluid intake throughout the day.

Conclusion: The Reality Behind the Myth

Ultimately, what is the Victoria's Secret model diet? It's not a single, healthy eating plan but a highly demanding, short-term lifestyle focused on achieving a specific, often extreme, aesthetic. While some of its principles, like a focus on whole foods and lean protein, align with generally healthy eating, the restrictive and unsustainable pre-show rituals draw significant criticism. The health risks and mental toll make it an unsuitable and dangerous approach for the average person. The real lesson lies in appreciating the dedication required for these extreme results while recognizing that a balanced, sustainable approach is the key to genuine long-term health and well-being. For those inspired by the commitment, focusing on the healthy aspects like eating whole foods, increasing lean protein, and exercising regularly offers a far more sustainable path to fitness. (For a deep dive into the controversies surrounding the diet, you can explore reports from publications like The Guardian).

Frequently Asked Questions

The diet generally restricts processed foods, refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta), added sugars, and alcohol. Before a show, some models may also temporarily eliminate salt and specific vegetables that can cause bloating, such as kale and broccoli.

No, the most extreme restrictions are short-term and occur in the lead-up to a specific event or show. While models generally follow a healthy eating pattern year-round, they may relax their rules during off-seasons.

No, the diet, especially the pre-show phase, is considered extreme and potentially dangerous. The severe calorie restriction and elimination of important food groups can lead to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and a poor relationship with food.

Exercise is a critical component, equal in importance to the diet. Models engage in demanding workouts, including Pilates, boxing, and strength training, to build and maintain muscle tone.

Pre-show diets become much more restrictive. Models often cut out salt, sugar, and carbs, and may eliminate certain vegetables to reduce water retention and achieve a leaner look.

Yes, many models work with nutritionists and trainers who help them create and adhere to their meal plans, especially in the intense period before a show.

Potential long-term health concerns include a slowed metabolism, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and the development of unhealthy eating patterns or eating disorders.