If you’re like everyone else right now, you’ve probably hooked on Korean culture. And while the top trends have already been discussed, perhaps none is easier to follow than the K-Pop diet. And yes, we know you’ve also been listening to your favorite K-pop tracks on repeat and watching your favorite idols and this could probably be your inspiration for living a healthier life thru a healthier diet.
Photo by: @jungkook.97 on Instagram
Now that we’ve mentioned the K-Pop diet, you might be wondering, what is a K-Pop diet? Apart from the very obvious definition that it is a diet that most Hallyu stars or Koreans adhere to that comprises largely of healthier food options.
1. Kimchi
Perhaps no other Korean dish or side dish is more recognizable than kimchi. Kimchi is a dish of fermented cabbage seasoned with chili, garlic, and other spices. The fermentation process of kimchi is called lacto-fermentation, which includes the bacteria Lactobacillus which helps support the immune system. Kimchi is also said to decrease risk factors for heart disease and has compounds that help with weight regulation.
Calories: 23 kcal (1 cup)
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: Less than 1 g
2. Kimbap
Just like kimchi, another common staple in Korean cuisine is kimbap. If you’ve frequented Korean restaurants, you’ve definitely encountered kimbap one way or another. Kimbap is a seaweed rice roll that contains thin slices of meat, vegetables, or eggs depending on the preference. Due to the vegetable content, kimbap is known to be rich in fiber that aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of satiety. Apart from that, kimbap contains plenty of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A, B, C, and E.
Calories: 390 kcal
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Protein:21 g
Fat: 15 g
3. Soft tofu stew
Photo by: Maangchi
Also known as soondubu jjigae, this healthy Korean dish is made with tofu, vegetables, and occasionally meat, making for a fiber-rich dish. Its star ingredient, tofu, is low in calories and a great source of protein. It also contains plenty of essential amino acids and beneficial isoflavones that act as phytoestrogens, meaning that these attach and activate the body’s estrogen receptors. One of the main perks of tofu having all these is that it reduces cancer risk, diabetes, and heart disease.
Calories: 458 kcal (1 bowl)
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 28 g
4. Bibimbap
This colorful dish is practically a staple at any Korean restaurant you go to. It’s complete, it’s filling, and it looks very pleasant to the eyes. Bibimbap is comprised of rice, vegetables, meat, and eggs, making for a very balanced dish. It is known that vegetables are rich fiber sources that aid with digestion, and you can reap all its benefits as bibimbap has a whopping 10 grams of fiber thanks to all its vegetable ingredients. If you want a vegetarian option, you can always switch to tofu bibimbap instead of beef.
Calories: 490 kcal (1 bowl)
Carbohydrates: 75 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 14 g
5. Bean Sprout Soup
Photo by: The Spruce Eats
It is said that almost every Korean gathering has to have bean sprout soup which in itself is a fairly uncomplicated dish to make, with the star ingredients being bean sprouts seasoned with a reasonable amount of soy sauce. One can serve this as a light meal or as a side dish with any Korean meat staple such as short ribs and rice. Its main ingredient, bean sprouts are have high concentration of vitamin C and are noted to help regulate blood pressure, prevent cancer, and promote proper digestive function. Apart from that, bean sprouts can also lower triglyceride levels which can result in heart disease when built up.
Calories: 65 kcal (1cup)
Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
Protein: 8.1 g
Fat: 3.4 g
If you’re looking to blend with the Korean trend and take your diet along with it, then incorporate these healthy Korean dish suggestions in your next meal. Remember, no matter how healthy these selections are, moderation is key. These do not promise quick fixes to persisting weight problems. A lifestyle check and change is always key to lasting results.
Before considering trying any diet, weight loss medication, or fitness regimen, always consult a specialist. Getting in touch with a weight loss specialist and a registered nutritionist-dietitian is always the best step in order to attain your goals. Specialists can guide you to the right path in order to achieve your goals in a manner that is convenient and safe for you. Schedule an appointment with a weight loss and obesity specialist now!