Ko Woo-rim, a member of the crossover group Forestella, recently revealed that his wife, figure skating legend Kim Yuna, considers ramen her favorite late-night snack. Appearing as a guest on a variety program, Ko shared that he was the one who introduced her to the world of late-night cravings. "During her competitive years, she couldn't eat freely, so she didn't really know what late-night snacks were," he explained.
According to Ko, Kim Yuna still looks back at her skating days with a touch of regret over the strict diet that barred the dish. "She especially loves jjajang ramen," he added. "Even if she is full, if she cooks it, she always finishes it." Like the Olympic champion, many people avoid ramen when managing their physique. However, the reasons go beyond simple calorie counting.
High Calorie and Sodium Loads Disrupt Conditioning
A single pack of ramen typically contains between 465 and 540 kcal, with roughly 75 to 90g of carbohydrates. Because these are largely refined carbohydrates, they are digested and absorbed quickly, causing blood sugar spikes and leaving the consumer hungry again shortly after. Furthermore, deep-fried noodles are high in saturated fats. Since fat provides 9 kcal per gram—more than double that of protein or carbs—ramen remains a high-density meal that makes weight management difficult, especially when paired with rice, kimchi, or sugary drinks.
Sodium is another critical factor. While sodium itself does not convert to fat, it triggers thirst and water retention. Eating salty food late at night often leads to facial puffiness and increased weight on the scale the following morning due to bloating. A study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, led by experts like Charles Scales, suggests that eating late at night increases hunger and alters adipose-tissue metabolism, raising the risk of obesity even when calorie intake remains the same.
Reducing the Burden: Less Broth, More Protein
If ramen is difficult to avoid entirely, certain adjustments can make it a more balanced meal. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends using only half to two-thirds of the seasoning packet and leaving the broth behind to significantly reduce sodium intake.
Adding vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, cabbage, or bean sprouts can increase satiety through dietary fiber. Incorporating protein sources like eggs, tofu, or chicken breast also prevents the dish from being a "carb-heavy" meal. For jjajang ramen, where the seasoning is concentrated, using only a portion of the powder and oil packets is a more effective way to manage intake.
Timing and Digestion
When consuming ramen as a late-night snack, it is vital to avoid lying down immediately after eating. A full stomach can burden the digestive system overnight and worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease. Experts suggest eating earlier in the evening while some physical activity is still possible. For those with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, limiting both the frequency and portion size of ramen remains the healthiest approach.
