The General Principles of the Victoria's Secret Diet
While there is no single, universal "Victoria's Secret diet," a core philosophy of clean, balanced eating underpins the models' nutritional routines. The overall approach prioritizes nutrient-dense, whole foods while strictly limiting or avoiding processed items, refined sugars, and excessive alcohol. Hydration is also a crucial component, with models drinking large amounts of water and herbal tea. The emphasis is on fueling the body with quality macronutrients to support intense fitness regimens and maintain a lean, toned physique year-round, not just for a show. Nutritionists work closely with the models to tailor plans to their individual needs and genetics, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.
Core Dietary Components
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are staples that help build and maintain lean muscle mass. Many models ensure a source of protein is included with every meal.
- Healthy Fats: Sources like avocado, nuts, olive oil, and coconut oil are regularly incorporated for satiety and overall health.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Instead of refined grains, models opt for complex carbs such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, and oats, especially in the morning to fuel workouts.
- Abundant Vegetables: A heavy focus on green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli provides essential vitamins and fiber.
- Fruits and Berries: While high-sugar fruits are often limited, berries are a common sight for their antioxidant benefits.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Many models eat smaller, more frequent meals, often every 2-3 hours, to maintain stable energy levels and manage appetite.
The All-Important Pre-Show Routine
Leading up to a fashion show, models often enter a stricter and more specialized phase of their diet. This preparation is designed to reduce bloating and achieve a more defined look for the runway. Key strategies during this period include:
- Carb Limitation: Many models significantly reduce or eliminate most carbohydrates in the final days before a show, relying on carbs primarily from vegetables.
- Sodium Reduction: Cutting sodium intake helps to reduce water retention, resulting in a leaner appearance.
- Dairy and Gluten-Free: Some nutritionists recommend removing dairy and gluten to prevent bloating and reduce inflammation.
- Increased Protein: To maintain muscle tone, protein intake is often increased during the pre-show phase.
- Strategic Hydration: While water is crucial, some models adjust their intake very close to a show to achieve a more dehydrated look.
Model-Specific Variations
Each model has a unique approach to nutrition, often reflecting their personal lifestyle and dietary preferences. Their individual strategies highlight the personalized nature of these plans.
| A Comparison of Model Diet Approaches | Model | General Diet Philosophy | Key Food Choices | Notable Habits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adriana Lima | High-protein, frequent meals | Lean protein (fish, chicken), quinoa, oatmeal, buckwheat shakes | Eats 6 meals daily, focuses on consistency, uses buckwheat to aid digestion | |
| Bridget Malcolm | Vegan, low sugar | Vegan protein shakes, tempeh, green vegetables, almonds | Avoids refined sugars year-round, practices intermittent fasting (12+ hours between meals) | |
| Stella Maxwell | Moderation and balance | Scrambled eggs, avocado, fish, chicken, greens, nuts | Believes in a lifestyle approach over extreme dieting, incorporates "treat days" | |
| Karlie Kloss | Natural whole foods | Protein smoothies, Greek yogurt, fruit, vegetables, egg-white omelettes | Vegetarian, uses almond milk instead of cow's milk | |
| Josephine Skriver | Balanced carbs, protein, and veggies | Brown rice, sweet potatoes, eggs, spinach | Needs healthy carbs for energy due to intense workouts |
Is the Victoria's Secret Model Diet Healthy?
The diet principles emphasize whole foods and consistent exercise, which are generally healthy practices. However, potential downsides exist, especially concerning the more extreme pre-show preparations. Critics point out that focusing on aesthetics over holistic health, coupled with dangerously low-calorie periods, can be unsustainable and promote an unhealthy relationship with food. The pressure to achieve an idealized body type, not attainable for most, can also be detrimental. The healthy takeaway is adopting the focus on whole foods, proper hydration, and exercise, while avoiding the restrictive and extreme elements. As Gigi Hadid famously said, "Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane".
Conclusion
The diet followed by Victoria's Secret models is not a single, prescriptive plan but a highly personalized and disciplined approach centered on clean eating, high protein, and strategic carb management. While the focus on whole foods and regular exercise offers valuable lessons for a healthy lifestyle, the more extreme practices seen in pre-show preparation are not recommended or realistic for the average person. The key takeaway is to build sustainable, mindful eating habits rather than chasing an unattainable ideal. A balanced diet and regular activity, tailored to your own body, will always yield the healthiest and most enduring results.
For more insight into the potential health risks and benefits of various diet plans, you can read this evidence-based review from Healthline(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/victoria-secret-model-diet).
