Actress Ha Ji-won recently revealed how she strictly manages her diet, down to avoiding broth and heavy seasonings.
In a video posted on the YouTube channel Class of '26, Jiwon Here, Ha took a part-time job at a wine bar following the lead of an upperclassman. After work, while chatting with her colleagues, she was asked if she actively diets. Ha confirmed that she does and detailed her unique approach to meal management.
"I didn't drink broth. If I wanted kimchi, I rinsed it in water before eating it. I avoided heavy seasonings altogether," Ha shared. She added, "My main staples were mostly eggs, tofu, and tomatoes," naming the core foods she relied on most frequently during weight management.
Cutting back on broth and sodium-laden seasonings plays a significant role in managing daily sodium intake. Eggs and tofu provide accessible, high-quality protein, while tomatoes supply hydration and essential dietary fiber. However, when incorporating these foods into a daily diet, attention should also be paid to preparation methods, particularly the amount of oil and sauces added.
Reducing Broth and Seasonings Helps Control Daily Sodium Intake
Finishing the broth in soups or stews—rather than eating only the solid ingredients—substantially increases sodium consumption from added salt, soy sauce, and other condiments. Similarly, pouring heavy sauces over already seasoned side dishes elevates sodium levels unnecessarily. Consuming less broth and requesting seasonings or sauces on the side makes it far easier to regulate sodium intake at the table.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, equivalent to less than 5 g of salt. Maintaining a low-sodium diet primarily benefits blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular health. For weight loss, monitoring hidden sugars and fats in commercial seasonings, as well as managing overall caloric intake, remains equally critical.
Eggs, Tofu, and Tomatoes: Accessible Essentials for Balanced Meals
The eggs and tofu Ha emphasized in her routine serve as versatile protein sources. Eggs are simple to prepare via boiling or steaming, while tofu pairs well with vegetables, soups, and steamed dishes. Incorporating these foods into daily meals helps maintain adequate protein intake even during calorie-restricted diets.
However, cooking methods dictate the overall caloric and sodium density of these meals. Instead of pan-frying tofu in abundant oil with sweet sauces, blanching tofu and serving it with a light dipping sauce offers a healthier alternative. Similarly, pairing eggs with fresh vegetables rather than heavy sauces or excessive salt optimizes their nutritional profile.
Tomatoes are naturally high in water content and relatively low in calories, making them an ideal vegetable addition to any meal. Replacing higher-calorie foods with tomatoes or other fresh vegetables helps control total caloric intake. Consuming them raw rather than dusting them with sugar or sweet dressings preserves their natural health benefits.
Even when prioritizing eggs, tofu, and tomatoes, relying exclusively on these three items for every meal is unnecessary. Incorporating whole grains, such as multigrain rice adjusted to physical activity levels, alongside a varied selection of vegetables, ensures a more balanced diet. Rather than abruptly eliminating all seasonings, gradually reducing sodium and adapting to the natural flavors of whole foods provides a more sustainable long-term approach.
