What diet do Victoria's Secret models do?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While the fashion industry has faced criticism over body image, the general eating pattern that many Victoria's Secret models follow revolves around whole foods, lean proteins, and balanced nutrition. This article explores what diet do Victoria's Secret models do and breaks down the healthy principles behind their regimen, distinguishing them from unrealistic fad diets.

Quick Summary

This article examines the general dietary approach of Victoria's Secret models, which focuses on nutrient-dense foods, lean protein, and strategic carb timing. It covers the core principles, typical meal components, pre-show modifications, and the broader lifestyle context that influences their physique.

Key Points

No Single Diet: There is no one specific Victoria's Secret diet; it is a general lifestyle of clean eating, not a fad plan.
Protein and Veggies are Key: The diet is built around lean proteins and nutrient-dense vegetables, which provide fuel for intense workouts and minimize bloating.
Pre-Show Carb-Cycling: Many models strategically cut or reduce carbohydrates in the final days before a show to eliminate water retention for a leaner look.
Healthy Fats and Hydration: Healthy fats from sources like avocado and nuts, plus diligent water intake, are crucial for satiety, energy, and skin health.
80/20 Balance: Many models follow an 80/20 rule, where they eat healthy 80% of the time and allow for treats the remaining 20%, which is key for long-term sustainability.
Lifestyle Over Fad: Experts, and even some models themselves, emphasize that the extreme versions seen pre-show are not a sustainable model for the average person and a balanced lifestyle is healthier.
Controversy Exists: Accounts from former models reveal pressure to maintain extreme low weights, highlighting the potential for unhealthy practices within the industry.

Core Principles Behind a Victoria's Secret Model's Diet

There is no single, monolithic "Victoria's Secret model diet" with a uniform set of rules. Instead, interviews and reports reveal a common set of principles that many of these models, guided by nutritionists and trainers, adopt as a lifestyle rather than a quick fix. These principles are largely based on clean, whole-food eating and are combined with intense workout routines. The models' focus is typically on fuel for performance, digestive health to reduce bloating, and overall nutrient density.

Some of the fundamental dietary rules include:

Prioritizing protein: Lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and eggs are staples, which help with muscle repair and create a feeling of fullness.
Focusing on whole foods: Processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive alcohol are typically avoided, particularly before a show.
Loading up on vegetables: A diet rich in nutrient-dense, fiber-packed vegetables is emphasized for essential vitamins and minerals.
Incorporating healthy fats: Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil are included for satiety and energy.
Strategic hydration: Drinking plenty of water is a constant focus to maintain hydration, skin health, and a feeling of fullness.

Year-Round vs. Pre-Show Diet

While most models maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle throughout the year, their diet becomes more strategic in the weeks leading up to a runway show. This final phase is designed to minimize water retention and achieve maximum definition.

Year-round: Many models follow an 80/20 approach, eating healthy whole foods 80% of the time and allowing for moderate indulgence 20% of the time. This balance prevents burnout and makes the lifestyle sustainable.
Pre-show: In the final days before a show, some models, under the supervision of a nutritionist, will drastically reduce or even cut carbs completely to eliminate water retention. They focus on low-carb, easily digestible vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.

A Closer Look at Meal Components and Timing

Models, such as Romee Strijd, have shared examples of their daily eating, illustrating the emphasis on balanced meals and nutrient timing. Breakfast is often a substantial, energizing meal, while snacks are strategically used to maintain energy levels between meals.

Here is a look at some common meal components:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit and seeds, scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado, or a green smoothie packed with vegetables and protein powder.
Lunch: A protein-rich salad with chicken or fish, accompanied by healthy fats like avocado and a light dressing.
Snacks: Handfuls of nuts, seeds, fresh fruit like berries, or carrots with hummus are popular choices to curb hunger.
Dinner: Lean protein with a generous portion of steamed or roasted vegetables. For example, baked salmon with brown rice and broccoli.

Comparison Table: Model Diet vs. Standard Healthy Diet


Feature	Victoria's Secret Model Diet (Pre-Show)	Standard Healthy Eating Guidelines (WHO)
Caloric Intake	Can be highly restricted, sometimes as low as 1,300 calories, and not sustainable long-term.	Based on individual needs (age, sex, activity level); aims for a balanced energy intake.
Carbohydrates	Often cut or heavily restricted in the final days before an event to reduce bloating.	Encourages complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruit, and starchy vegetables as a primary energy source.
Food Focus	Emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods. Can involve extreme measures like liquid depletion right before a show.	Promotes a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods for long-term health and disease prevention.
Bloating Management	A significant priority, often involving cutting specific vegetables (like broccoli) and salt.	Not a primary focus; general salt and sugar reduction is for long-term health, not just appearance.
Approach	Goal-oriented with a specific, sometimes extreme, end result in mind.	Sustainable, balanced lifestyle approach for overall well-being.

The Controversial Side and Authoritative Perspective

It is important to acknowledge the controversial and often unrealistic aspects of the model diet. Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm bravely came forward about the extreme measures she was advised to take, including a restrictive 800-calorie diet and excessive exercise, highlighting the potential harm of such practices. Similarly, Erin Heatherton discussed the immense pressure to lose weight, leading her to unhealthy thoughts about food.

Medical and nutritional professionals emphasize that these pre-show routines, especially severe calorie restriction and fluid depletion, are not a healthy or sustainable model for the average person. The focus should be on lifelong healthy habits rather than short-term extremes. A model's regimen is a job requirement, facilitated by personal trainers and nutritionists, with specific short-term performance goals. For general health, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides robust guidelines on maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables for long-term well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, what diet do Victoria's Secret models do is less of a single diet plan and more of a meticulously managed, whole-food-based lifestyle. It centers on lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and careful hydration year-round, with a more strategic, and sometimes controversial, approach in the weeks before a major show. While the principles of eating whole foods and regular exercise are beneficial for anyone, the extreme measures are not advisable for the general public and are not reflective of a sustainable healthy lifestyle. It's crucial to distinguish between a model's professional regimen and a realistic, balanced approach to diet and fitness for long-term health.

The Takeaway

Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Prioritize lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats as the foundation of your diet.
Avoid Processed Foods: Minimize refined sugar, excess salt, and processed snacks for better digestion and overall health.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your metabolism and keep skin healthy.
Find Balance: Adopt an 80/20 rule, allowing for occasional treats to make healthy eating a sustainable lifestyle, not a restrictive diet.
Consult a Professional: For specific health goals, work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to create a plan tailored to your needs.

Outbound Link

For balanced dietary guidelines from a public health perspective, see the World Health Organization's page on healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The diet is primarily focused on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods, particularly lean proteins and vegetables, to fuel intense workouts and maintain a lean physique.

No, models do not typically cut out all carbs year-round. However, many, under the guidance of a nutritionist, will drastically reduce or eliminate carbs in the final 3-5 days before a show to minimize water retention.

No, the more extreme, restrictive versions of the diet are not considered healthy or sustainable for the average person. Medical professionals advise against such methods, citing risks like malnutrition and eating disorders.

Models incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia, flax), and olive oil into their diets.

Many models practice the 80/20 rule, eating healthy 80% of the time and allowing for moderate indulgence 20% of the time. Some prefer to call them "treat days" rather than "cheat days" to avoid feeling guilty.

Hydration is extremely important. Models drink large amounts of water to support metabolism, aid in detoxification, maintain skin health, and manage appetite.

Yes, many Victoria's Secret models work closely with personal trainers and nutritionists to create a personalized, regimented plan that helps them prepare for shows and maintain their health throughout the year.