Cho Yeo-jeong: 'When I crave jajangmyeon, ramen, or pizza, I eat them'

Actress Cho Yeo-jeong has revealed the disciplined dietary habits she maintains through rigorous self-management. She confessed that she used to regulate even her favorite foods by setting strict limits on how often she consumed them, but recently began to wonder, “Why do I have to live this strictly?” leading her to increase her jajangmyeon and ramen intake from once a year to twice a year.

On the episode of JTBC’s 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator since 2014' aired on the 16th, Cho and Ha Seok-jin appeared as guests to reveal their refrigerators and daily eating habits.

Before revealing her refrigerator, Cho shared the reactions of her acquaintances. She noted that friends who know her eating habits well joked, “Is there even a dish you can make with just sparkling water?” upon hearing she was appearing on the show.

Indeed, her refrigerator prominently featured ingredients she regularly consumes, such as buckwheat and mung bean. In contrast, common staples like meat, dairy, garlic, or onions were nowhere to be found.

Cho expressed her apologies to the chefs, stating that while she loves meat, eating it frequently makes her body feel strained.

However, strict dietary management does not mean a total lack of interest in food. Cho revealed that she also loves sweets like cake and donuts, and eats jajangmyeon, ramen, and pizza when cravings strike.

She maintains her own unique 'consumption rules' for different foods.

Cho stated that she had originally set a rule to eat jajangmyeon and ramen only once a year. By not cutting out her favorite foods entirely but limiting their frequency, she maintained a balance between her appetite and self-discipline.

But since last year, her perspective has begun to shift.

Cho confessed that she eventually increased the frequency of eating jajangmyeon and ramen from once a year to twice a year, as she began to question the necessity of such extreme strictness.

While it may seem like a minor adjustment, it represents a significant relaxation of standards for someone as disciplined as Cho. The cast members expressed surprise, reacting with, “I couldn't live that strictly.”

Even with the increased frequency, she does not enjoy jajangmyeon casually.

Cho described her hands trembling when she eats jajangmyeon. Because it is a food she endures for so long, the process of the food disappearing from the plate feels bittersweet.

She admitted to feeling sad while eating because she hates to see the food vanish. For Cho, even a normal meal featuring a favorite dish is akin to an 'annual event.'

She is relatively more flexible with pizza.

Stating that she does not strictly limit pizza as she does with jajangmyeon or ramen, she revealed that she enjoys various types, noting it would be too upsetting if she had to endure pizza as well.

She also maintains a consistent exercise routine alongside her diet.

Cho stated that she regularly engages in dance, jogging, and swimming. Rather than completely excluding specific foods, she regulates her physical condition by balancing both diet and exercise.

The beer found in her refrigerator was not for her. Explaining that the beer was for guests, she revealed that when she craves a drink, she mixes omija syrup with sparkling water.

While her usual lifestyle is highly disciplined, she allowed herself an exception for the show.

Since she is appearing on 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator since 2014', Cho expressed her intention to eat as deliciously as possible, indicating she is willing to enjoy high-calorie foods she wouldn't normally choose. She also showed anticipation for enjoying desserts.

Ultimately, the most interesting aspect of Cho's lifestyle is not simple restriction or fasting. Instead, it lies in how she creates her own rules, follows them, and then periodically re-evaluates them, asking herself, “Why do I have to do this?”

The shift from eating jajangmyeon once a year to twice may seem trivial, but for someone who has long controlled her body and desires, it is a choice to embrace a slightly more relaxed way of life. On this day, Cho prepared to step away from her strict numbers and fully enjoy the joy that food provides.