What Do Victoria's Secret Models Eat to Stay Runway Ready?

While there is no single, uniform diet plan, many Victoria's Secret models follow a nutrition-focused lifestyle rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This approach, combined with intense training, helps them maintain their famously toned physiques.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the common dietary themes and practices observed among Victoria's Secret models, focusing on whole foods, lean protein, and disciplined eating, alongside intensive fitness regimes.

Key Points

• Nutrient-Dense Focus: Models prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats over processed options and refined sugars.

• Strategic Carbohydrate Timing: Complex carbs, such as brown rice and quinoa, are consumed strategically to fuel rigorous workouts and aid recovery.

• Moderation Over Deprivation: The 80/20 rule, which allows for occasional treats, is a common practice to maintain a sustainable, long-term healthy lifestyle.

• Intensified Pre-Show Discipline: Weeks before a fashion show, diets become more restrictive, focusing on reducing bloating by limiting sodium, certain veggies, and sometimes carbs.

• Hydration is Essential: Consistent and ample hydration through water, lemon water, and green tea is critical for metabolism, skin health, and flushing out toxins.

The Nutrition Philosophy of Victoria's Secret Models

Contrary to popular belief, there is no single, secretive diet that all Victoria's Secret models follow. Instead, their approach to eating is a collective philosophy centered on a few key nutritional principles that support intense physical training and help them achieve their signature lean, toned look. The diet is typically built on nutrient-dense, whole foods while restricting processed options and refined sugars. This nutritional discipline is a long-term lifestyle choice, not just a pre-show crash diet, although stricter protocols are followed in the final days before a runway show.

Core Dietary Principles

• Prioritize Lean Protein: Models prioritize protein with every meal to help build and maintain muscle mass, increase satiety, and fuel their rigorous workout routines. Sources often include grilled chicken, fish like salmon, and eggs. For non-meat eaters, protein shakes and legumes are common substitutes.
• Load Up on Vegetables: Vegetables, particularly green, leafy ones, are a staple. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without excess calories. Popular choices include spinach, kale, broccoli, and asparagus.
• Embrace Healthy Fats: Healthy fats from sources like avocado, nuts, olive oil, and seeds are included for energy, satiety, and overall health.
• Manage Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates from sources like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and quinoa are strategically timed to coincide with workouts, providing necessary energy for exercise. Refined grains and simple sugars are heavily limited or avoided.
• Focus on Hydration: Water intake is critical. Drinking plenty of water helps with metabolism, reduces water retention, and improves skin health. Lemon water and green tea are also common choices.
• Practice Moderation (80/20 Rule): Many models, such as Miranda Kerr and Stella Maxwell, follow the 80/20 rule, where they eat clean 80% of the time and allow for occasional treats during the remaining 20%. This helps maintain a sustainable and healthy relationship with food, preventing burnout.

Example Meal Plans

Looking at individual models' interviews provides insight into how these principles are applied. While meal plans vary by individual and depend on their training schedule, a typical day might look something like this:

• Breakfast: A protein smoothie with almond milk, protein powder, and berries; or scrambled eggs with avocado and spinach.
• Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish with a large green salad dressed with olive oil.
• Dinner: Lean protein like salmon or chicken with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini.
• Snacks: Nuts, seeds, fruits, or a protein bar.

Pre-Show vs. Off-Season Dieting

The dietary discipline intensifies in the weeks leading up to a show. The focus sharpens on reducing any potential bloating and maximizing leanness. This is where more restrictive measures are implemented.

Pre-Show Week Regimen

• Carbohydrate Cycling: Some models might cut back on carbs significantly in the final days before a show to reduce water retention, though complex carbs are still used to fuel intense workouts.
• Sodium Reduction: Salt intake is heavily reduced to combat water retention.
• Elimination of Inflammatory Foods: Certain vegetables and food groups known to cause bloating, like broccoli, cauliflower, eggs, and nut butters, are temporarily eliminated by some models under a nutritionist's guidance.

Off-Season Approach

• 80/20 Rule: The focus shifts back to the 80/20 moderation rule, allowing for more flexibility and occasional indulgences.
• Balanced Intake: The emphasis is on balanced macronutrients to maintain weight and health year-round.
• Carb Inclusion: Complex carbohydrates are regularly incorporated to support sustained energy levels for daily activity and consistent workouts.

A Balanced Perspective

It is crucial to remember that these models have specific genetic predispositions, dedicated trainers, and constant guidance from nutritionists. Their careers depend on achieving a particular look, which involves intense discipline not necessarily sustainable or healthy for the average person. Restricting calories too low can lead to fatigue and other health issues. The key takeaway is the foundation of whole, unprocessed foods and a dedication to fitness, rather than mimicking every restrictive detail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what Victoria's Secret models eat is not a uniform, monolithic diet but a disciplined and tailored nutritional lifestyle. It revolves around consuming lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats, with strategic management of carbohydrates and moderation for sustainability. While the specifics intensify before a major event, the core principles of prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, ample hydration, and consistent exercise form the bedrock of their approach. For anyone looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle, focusing on these fundamental principles is far more beneficial and realistic than attempting to replicate a highly restrictive, pre-show regimen. It's a reminder that a healthy, balanced diet combined with regular physical activity is the true path to feeling and looking your best, with or without angel wings.

Model Diet Comparison: A Glimpse into Individual Approaches

Model	General Diet Philosophy	Key Food Examples	Pre-Show Adjustments	Unique Habits
Doutzen Kroes	Natural foods, balanced macronutrients, focuses on pre/post-workout fuel.	Low-fat yogurt, wheat-free granola, lean meats, fruits, veggies, nuts.	More protein-based snacks post-workout.	Exercises portion control with indulgences like fries.
Stella Maxwell	Moderation, focusing on clean foods, and portion control.	Eggs, avocado, oatmeal, salmon, salad, lean protein.	None specified, emphasizes long-term lifestyle.	Believes in mindful, not restrictive, eating.
Kendall Jenner	Simple and consistent approach, balanced for energy regulation.	Lean proteins, vegetables, with occasional 'treats' like chips and guacamole.	Mentions needing snacks to manage low blood sugar.	Acknowledges occasional indulgences to sustain energy.
Karlie Kloss	Natural whole foods, high protein, and plant-based substitutes.	Protein smoothies, Greek yogurt, egg-white omelets, oats, fresh fruits.	None specified, but emphasizes feeling strong and energized.	Vegetarian, uses almond milk instead of cow's milk.
Bella Hadid	Emphasizes consistency and greens for detox, with strategic use of carbs.	Lean proteins, vegetables, green juices, lemon water.	Opts for Monday-Wednesday cleanses if eating poorly.	Starts day with lemon water.
Blanca Padilla (via Trainer)	Focuses on reducing bloating and inflammation.	Lean protein, low-carb vegetables, eggs, nuts, avocados.	Temporarily eliminates bloating vegetables like kale and broccoli, eggs, salt, and nut butters.	Specific, short-term eliminations for peak definition.

Fueling for a Model's Workout

To achieve their toned, lean look, diet is only one part of the equation. Intense exercise, often 3-5 times a week, complements their nutritional habits. Proper fueling is crucial for these workouts, and models strategically consume carbohydrates before and after their sessions to maximize performance and aid recovery. For instance, Josephine Skriver notes that she needs healthier carbs like brown rice or sweet potatoes for energy, especially given her workout intensity. Many opt for a protein-rich smoothie immediately post-workout to support muscle repair. This symbiotic relationship between nutrition and exercise is what truly defines the Victoria's Secret model lifestyle.

It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Ultimately, the diet strategies of Victoria's Secret models highlight the importance of a long-term, disciplined approach to health and fitness. For these models, maintaining their physique is a career requirement, which necessitates a regimented routine year-round. While the extreme measures taken before a show may not be sustainable for everyone, the underlying principles—consuming whole foods, prioritizing protein and vegetables, and exercising consistently—are applicable to anyone seeking a healthier, more active lifestyle. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and these models demonstrate that consistency is key.

Embracing Healthy Habits

Adopting some of the healthy habits of Victoria's Secret models can be a positive step for many. Start by incorporating more whole foods into your diet, planning your meals around lean protein and vegetables, and ensuring you stay well-hydrated. Small, consistent changes, like adding a green smoothie or swapping refined grains for quinoa, can lead to significant long-term health benefits. Instead of focusing on extreme restrictions, prioritize nourishment and building a positive relationship with your body. Remember that individual nutritional needs vary, so what works for a supermodel might not be the right path for you. Consulting a nutritionist can help you tailor a plan that is both effective and healthy for your unique goals.

A Final Thought on Sustainability

While the glamour of the runway might inspire, it is vital to approach the topic of model diets with a realistic perspective. The regimens are intensive and are driven by professional obligations and genetic advantages. Rather than aspiring to an unattainable ideal, focus on embracing the foundational principles of healthy living that many of these models advocate for, such as balanced meals, hydration, and regular exercise. This balanced and sustainable approach will yield far more positive and lasting results for your overall health and well-being.

What do Victoria's Secret models eat? Common themes and practices.

• Protein-Rich: Meals are centered on lean proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs for muscle support.
• Vegetable-Heavy: Diets are packed with vegetables, particularly leafy greens, to maximize nutrient intake and fiber.
• Hydration is Key: Models emphasize drinking plenty of water, green tea, and lemon water for metabolism and skin health.
• Moderation, Not Deprivation: Many follow the 80/20 rule, allowing for occasional treats to avoid burnout.
• Strategic Carbohydrates: Complex carbs like brown rice are timed around workouts for fuel, while simple sugars are avoided.
• Pre-Show Intensification: Diets become more restrictive and focused on reducing bloating in the weeks before a fashion show.
• Healthy Fats: Essential fatty acids from sources like avocado and nuts are included for overall health.
• No Single 'Secret': The approach is a disciplined lifestyle, not a single miracle diet, with variations among individual models.

FAQs

Q: Do all Victoria's Secret models eat the same thing? A: No, there is no single, uniform diet plan for all models. Their diets are based on a set of core principles but are individualized to suit their body type, metabolism, and training regimen, often with guidance from nutritionists.

Q: What do models eat right before a fashion show? A: In the weeks and days leading up to a show, models typically enter a stricter regimen. This often involves reducing or eliminating foods that cause bloating, like certain vegetables and excess sodium, while focusing on lean protein and low-carb options.

Q: Are Victoria's Secret models' diets sustainable for the average person? A: The highly restrictive pre-show diet is not sustainable or healthy for most people. However, the core principles of a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, and vegetables, along with regular exercise, are highly sustainable and beneficial for anyone's health.

Q: Do models ever eat junk food? A: Many models, such as Stella Maxwell, follow the 80/20 rule, which allows for occasional indulgences or 'treats' 20% of the time, while maintaining a healthy diet the other 80%.

Q: How do models incorporate carbohydrates into their diet? A: Models strategically consume complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, around their workouts. This provides them with the energy needed to power through intense exercise sessions. Refined carbs like white bread are typically avoided.

Q: What about snacks and cravings? A: Healthy snacks are common and include fruits, nuts, seeds, and protein bars to maintain energy levels between meals. Models prioritize nutrient-dense options over processed sugary snacks to manage cravings effectively.

Q: Is intermittent fasting part of the Victoria's Secret model diet? A: Intermittent fasting is a practice some models and their trainers have reportedly used. However, it is not a universal rule and is often reserved for pre-show preparation rather than a year-round habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of protein do Victoria's Secret models eat?

Victoria's Secret models primarily consume lean protein sources such as grilled chicken, salmon, and other fish. They also get protein from eggs, and plant-based protein powders or legumes are common for vegetarian models.

Do Victoria's Secret models eat carbs?

Yes, many models eat complex carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and quinoa, especially to fuel their workouts. However, they tend to limit or avoid refined grains and simple sugars.

Is the Victoria's Secret model diet restrictive?

While the core principles are based on healthy whole foods, the regimen becomes highly restrictive, sometimes overly so, in the weeks leading up to a show. Many models, however, maintain a more moderate and sustainable approach during the off-season.

Do Victoria's Secret models drink green juice?

Yes, green juices and green smoothies are common choices for models like Elsa Hosk and Kelly Gale, particularly before or after a workout, to get a dense dose of vitamins and energy.

What foods do models avoid before a show?

Before a major show, models may avoid foods known to cause bloating and inflammation, such as dairy, high-sugar fruits, processed foods, refined grains, and excessive salt.

How important is hydration for models' diets?

Hydration is extremely important. Models drink large quantities of water throughout the day to support metabolism, improve skin complexion, and reduce water retention. Lemon water is a common morning habit.

Do models work with nutritionists?

Yes, many Victoria's Secret models work with personal trainers and nutritionists to create customized meal plans that meet their individual needs and professional requirements.