Actress Sooyoung, formerly of Girls’ Generation, recently shared a candid look into her rigorous dietary regimen while preparing for an upcoming stage performance.
Appearing on a recent episode of the YouTube channel Hyoyeon’s Level Up, Sooyoung spoke openly about the demanding physical and mental challenges of managing her daily food intake during theater rehearsals. In the video, she joked about her highly restrictive routine to the laughter of the crew, saying, "Sooyoung eats nothing but eggs every day."
She continued with a sigh, "I eat eggs, and then I eat nurungji (scorched rice). I feel so sorry for myself I could die. I keep wishing I could just have a burrito." Sooyoung explained that her intense focus on weight management stems from a persistent worry about gaining weight in her face while navigating the grueling rehearsal schedule for her role in the play The Merchant of Venice.
Nutritional Value and Satiety of Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are a foundational staple in weight-control meal plans for good reason. A single whole egg contains roughly 70 to 80 calories alongside exceptionally high-quality protein. Because protein digests at a relatively slow rate, it effectively prolongs satiety and curbs immediate hunger. Additionally, maintaining adequate protein intake plays a vital role in minimizing the loss of lean muscle mass during periods of strict caloric restriction.
Eggs are also highly nutrient-dense, packed with essential micronutrients including B vitamins, selenium, and choline. Multiple dietary studies have confirmed that individuals who incorporate eggs into their breakfast maintain fullness longer throughout the day than those who do not. However, relying exclusively on eggs for extended periods quickly introduces severe limitations regarding overall nutritional balance.
The Role of Nurungji and the Dangers of Mono-Dieting
To complement her minimal diet, Sooyoung also incorporates nurungji, a traditional Korean scorched rice dish. Many individuals turn to nurungji to stave off hunger while managing weight; when soaked in warm water, it expands significantly in volume and requires prolonged chewing, which physically and psychologically increases feelings of fullness. It is frequently used as a simple substitute for those trying to cut back on late-night snacking.
Nonetheless, nurungji remains a pure carbohydrate food derived entirely from rice. Overconsuming it under the assumption that it is a consequence-free "health food" can inadvertently spike overall calorie intake. Furthermore, certain commercial products contain added sugars or artificial seasonings, making it essential to carefully review the ingredient label before consuming them as a diet food.
While restrictive, single-food regimens like a self-imposed egg diet can trigger rapid, short-term drops on the scale, medical experts strongly discourage them over the long term. Restricting nutritional intake to a single source inevitably leads to severe deficiencies in essential carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Instead, clinical nutritionists recommend a sustainable, balanced combination of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and diverse protein sources. Extreme dietary restriction often induces chronic fatigue, compromised concentration, and a sluggish metabolism, proving counterproductive to long-term health and wellness.
