Debunking the Myth: Eating vs. Starving
The public perception that Victoria's Secret models starve themselves is a persistent but inaccurate myth. The notion was perpetuated by the industry's historical emphasis on extreme thinness and occasional, highly restrictive pre-show practices. However, the overwhelming consensus among models and their professional trainers is that their demanding schedules and intense workouts require them to eat nutrient-dense foods to fuel their bodies. Starving would not only be unsustainable but would also prevent them from having the energy to perform during workouts and long days of shoots.
The Role of Nutritionists and Clean Eating
Unlike an unhealthy crash diet, a model's nutrition plan is typically managed by a professional nutritionist. These diets focus on whole, natural foods and are carefully crafted to provide the necessary fuel while maintaining a lean physique. This isn't about avoiding food, but rather about making smart, strategic choices consistently.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are staples to help build and maintain muscle mass.
- Healthy Fats: Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide energy and support skin health.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, and other fibrous vegetables are consumed in large quantities to supply vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Whole Grains: While often limited, nutrient-rich carbohydrates like quinoa and brown rice are included for fuel, especially around workouts.
The Pre-Show Regimen: Short-Term Extremes
While everyday life involves balanced eating, the preparation for the annual fashion show was notoriously extreme. In the final weeks or even days leading up to the event, models would follow more restrictive protocols under a trainer's supervision to eliminate water weight and maximize muscle definition.
What the Pre-Show Diet Involved
- Carb Cycling: Carbohydrate intake would be significantly reduced or eliminated entirely for a few days to burn fat and water weight, a practice confirmed by models' nutritionists.
- Dairy Elimination: Many models, including Taylor Hill, have reported cutting dairy to avoid bloating, noticing improved skin health as a side effect.
- Water Manipulation: In the final 12-24 hours, some models would reportedly limit water intake, a controversial and potentially dangerous practice to achieve temporary maximum definition.
A Comparison of Diet and Exercise
| Aspect | Regular Lifestyle | Pre-Show Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Focus | Balanced, nutrient-dense whole foods. Lean protein, healthy fats, and ample vegetables are key. Adherence to an 80/20 rule (80% healthy, 20% treats) is common. | Highly restrictive. Elimination of carbs, dairy, and processed sugars to cut water weight and maximize definition. |
| Carbohydrates | Balanced intake of whole grains and fibrous vegetables, timed around workouts for energy. | Severely restricted or eliminated entirely in the final days before the show. |
| Exercise Intensity | Frequent and consistent workouts (3-5 times per week) incorporating a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility. | Elevated to a much more rigorous level, often daily, sometimes multiple times a day, to build maximum muscle tone. |
| Water Intake | Abundant throughout the day to stay hydrated and support overall health. | Potentially manipulated in the final hours, though this is a controversial practice. |
The Human Cost and Industry Controversy
The intense pressure of the fashion industry has, in some cases, led to serious health issues. Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm bravely shared her story of developing an eating disorder and body dysmorphia, a direct result of the pressure to maintain an unattainable physique. Her experiences shed light on the darker side of the industry's standards and the immense physical and psychological toll on models.
This is a critical nuance to the conversation. While the average model might not starve, the extreme lengths required for the runway, combined with immense career pressure, created an environment where disordered eating could thrive. Recent shifts in the fashion industry towards greater body diversity reflect a growing awareness and rejection of these harmful standards.
Conclusion: More Than Just 'Not Eating'
The notion that Victoria's Secret models not eat is an oversimplified and damaging myth. The truth is far more complex, revealing a world of intense professional discipline, structured nutrition, and rigorous physical training. While they consume food, their diets are not typical and are tailored to achieve a very specific, and for many, unattainable, body type. The industry's past practices, particularly the extreme pre-show preparations, have rightly drawn criticism for the immense pressure placed on models and the mental and physical health risks involved. Understanding the reality requires looking past the glamour to the demanding lifestyle and the broader implications for body image that the fashion industry creates. For more on the specifics of this and other model diets, the health and wellness site Healthline offers a comprehensive overview of the 'Victoria's Secret Model Diet' concept.
The Rigorous Fitness Routine
Achieving a toned and lean physique is a result of exercise just as much as diet. Victoria's Secret models were known for their dedication to various fitness disciplines.
- Boxing: High-intensity boxing sessions were a favorite of many models, including Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid, for intense cardio and toning.
- Pilates: A popular choice for long, lean muscle sculpting and core strength.
- Yoga: Utilized for flexibility, toning, and mental clarity, particularly by models like Lily Aldridge.
- Ballet: For its emphasis on grace, posture, and targeting specific muscle groups, ballet was a workout of choice for some models like Miranda Kerr.
Key Takeaways
- It's a Myth: The idea that Victoria's Secret models don't eat is a false and misleading stereotype.
- Fuel, Not Starve: Their bodies require nutrient-dense food to endure intense workout schedules and long workdays.
- Discipline, Not Deprivation: Their diets are professionally guided, prioritizing lean protein, healthy fats, and vegetables over processed foods and sugars.
- Pre-Show Extremes: While everyday eating was balanced, the final preparation for the show involved restrictive, short-term dietary extremes.
- Health Concerns: Past industry pressures have led to serious body image and eating disorder issues for some models, highlighting a need for change.
