Former S.E.S. member Shoo (Yoo Soo-young) recently captivated fans by revealing the sustainable meal plan behind her successful weight maintenance. After announcing a dramatic 8kg weight loss over just two months last July, the 44-year-old has shifted her focus to the most challenging part of any fitness journey: preventing the "rebound."
On the 23rd, Shoo shared her daily plate on social media, featuring a high-volume, low-calorie mix of tofu, light tuna, cucumber, and seaweed flakes, seasoned simply with soy sauce and sesame oil. Alongside her diet, she continues to share her gym progress, emphasizing that "Health = skincare = mental state." Shoo admits that maintaining consistency is the hardest part of the job, but her commitment to "not giving up" is what completes her physical and mental health.
Balancing Life as a CEO and Mother of Three
Shoo’s dedication to self-care is particularly impressive given her busy personal and professional life. She is married to former basketball player Lim Hyo-seong, and together they are raising one son and two daughters. In addition to her family life, Shoo has recently transitioned into the role of a cosmetics brand CEO, navigating the demanding schedule of a businesswoman. She believes that consistent self-care is what allows her to maintain the strength needed to manage these various roles effectively.
Breaking Down Shoo’s "Volume-Eating" Strategy
Shoo’s meal plan is a masterclass in satiety-focused nutrition. By choosing ingredients that are physically large but calorically light, she manages to feel full without exceeding her energy needs.
Cucumber: Comprised of over 95% water, cucumbers offer a massive amount of volume for under 15 kcal per 100g. The high fiber and potassium content help regulate digestion and reduce the puffiness (edema) often associated with dieting.
Tofu: A nutritional anchor providing 8g of protein per 100g at only 76 kcal. It supports muscle maintenance, which is essential for keeping the basal metabolic rate (BMR) from dropping during weight loss.
Light Tuna: A lean protein powerhouse (20g+ of protein per 100g) that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health while keeping hunger at bay.
Seaweed Flakes: At under 20 kcal, seaweed provides iodine to support thyroid function and metabolism, adding a savory umami punch without the need for heavy dressings.
The Finishing Touches: Flavor and Healthy Fats
To ensure she can stick to the plan long-term, Shoo uses small amounts of soy sauce for flavor and sesame oil for healthy unsaturated fats. Sesame oil is particularly beneficial for skin health and antioxidant activity, aligning with her philosophy that internal health reflects directly on the skin's appearance.
Expert Advice for Long-Term Success
While Shoo’s current plan is excellent for maintaining a deficit, experts suggest that adding complex carbohydrates—like brown rice or sweet potatoes—and vitamin C sources like broccoli or fruit can prevent nutritional imbalances during long-term maintenance. Combining this high-protein intake with her consistent gym routine remains the ultimate defense against muscle loss.
