Lee Jun-hyuk Eats Ramen Only Once a Year—Hopes for a ‘Ramen Revolution’ (Tips)

Actor Lee Jun-hyuk recently shared one of his most disciplined self-care habits—staying away from ramen.

On March 4, a new interview video featuring Lee was uploaded to Elle Korea’s YouTube channel. During the interview, he admitted that he has been avoiding ramen for a long time to maintain his weight and skin health. “I still don’t eat it. It’s been a while,” he said. “I trick myself by eating protein snacks instead.” Lee revealed that he only allows himself to have ramen once a year.

Expressing his frustration, he joked, “They’ve made such delicious food, yet I can’t eat it… I hope the ramen industry undergoes a revolution so that I can finally enjoy a healthier version.”

The Impact of Ramen on Health

Instant ramen has long been a go-to meal for busy individuals due to its convenience and strong flavors. However, concerns about its health effects have persisted.

Experts cite high sodium content as the biggest drawback. According to a study by the Korea Consumer Agency, a single serving of ramen often exceeds the daily recommended sodium intake of 2,000 mg. Overconsumption of sodium is linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney issues.

Another major concern is excessive oil content. Most ramen noodles are deep-fried, leading to high levels of saturated and trans fats, which can increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Additionally, the high calorie count from the frying process makes it less ideal for those trying to maintain a healthy weight.

Ramen is also nutritionally imbalanced, consisting mostly of carbohydrates with minimal protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Relying on ramen without supplementing other nutrients can result in weakened immunity, digestive issues, and long-term health risks.

How to Enjoy Ramen in a ‘Healthier’ Way

Despite its drawbacks, there are ways to make ramen a bit healthier without giving it up entirely.

🔹 Reduce the amount of noodles – A full serving of ramen noodles contains around 300 kcal, but cutting the portion in half and replacing it with vegetables or other low-calorie ingredients can help lower calorie intake while keeping you full.

🔹 Use only half of the seasoning packet – Most of the sodium and calories in ramen come from the seasoning packet. By using half and adding extra water, you can still enjoy the taste while significantly reducing sodium and calorie intake.

🔹 Add vegetables – Boosting ramen with cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, bok choy, onions, or other fiber-rich veggies enhances the flavor and nutritional value. This also increases satiety, making it easier to control portion sizes.

🔹 Incorporate protein – Since ramen is carb-heavy, adding protein sources like eggs, tofu, or chicken breast helps balance the meal. Protein also promotes longer satiety, preventing overeating.

🔹 Drink water instead of sugary drinks – Many people pair ramen with soda or other high-calorie drinks, but opting for water or unsweetened tea is the better choice. This helps reduce unnecessary sugar and calorie intake while counteracting ramen’s high sodium content.

🔹 Modify cooking methods – To reduce oil intake, skim off excess oil from the surface of the broth after cooking. Removing this extra layer of fat lowers calorie and fat consumption, making the meal slightly healthier.

While Lee Jun-hyuk may have completely given up ramen, these tips could help fans enjoy their favorite comfort food in a more balanced way.