17 october 2024 : American actor Sebastian Stan stars in the controversial film The Apprentice, where he portrays former US President Donald Trump during his early years as a real estate mogul in New York City. To transform for the role, Sebastian consulted a nutritionist to modify his diet for weight gain.
Ramen for Gains?
Sebastian and director Ali Abbasi were concerned that the actor didn’t quite resemble Trump, but they wanted to avoid using extensive makeup and prosthetics. In a recent interview, Sebastian shared that the project faced multiple funding setbacks, making him skeptical about its completion. Just as he was preparing for his Marvel role, the film suddenly gained momentum. He recalled, “We tried these prosthetic tests, but they were terrible. Then the director asked, ‘We have a month and a half; how much weight can you gain?’”
To help with his transformation, Sebastian contacted a nutritionist, who suggested that he could gain weight by incorporating ramen into his diet. “They advised me to start drinking beer, but since I don’t drink, I asked for alternatives. They recommended eating ramen with soy sauce every day to achieve a bloated look.”
Is Ramen the Secret to a Healthy Diet?
Ramen is a beloved comfort food for many, particularly among K-drama enthusiasts, but health experts caution against its potential health risks. The nutritionist’s advice to consume ramen with soy sauce was a unique approach, as Sebastian sought a way to gain weight without alcohol.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Prachi Chandra, Lead Clinical Nutritionist at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, explained, “Ramen is an immensely popular Asian dish and is often considered comfort food for today’s generation. It’s an instant meal that contains carbohydrates (maltodextrin and refined wheat flour), unhealthy fats, and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). The MSG and its additives enhance the savory flavor. A single serving of ramen (43g) contains 380 to 400 calories.”
Chandra elaborated, “These wheat-based noodles are made from flour that includes salt and kansui, which gives them a springy texture. The refined carbohydrates in both the noodles and seasoning can spike blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin levels that promote fat storage. Ramen typically contains palm oil, contributing to its high fat content of 15g, making it calorie-dense. The consumption of refined carbohydrates and palm oil is associated with increased visceral fat around internal organs.”
Furthermore, she noted, “Ramen has low fiber content, which doesn’t promote a feeling of fullness, leading to increased hunger shortly after eating. This poor satiety can cause individuals to consume larger portions. A high intake of refined carbs and fats can also result in bloating. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid ramen. A single serving contains about 67g of carbohydrates, roughly 30% of the daily recommended intake. Additionally, soy sauce is very high in sodium—around 1740mg per serving, which is about half a teaspoon. Excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention, making one appear puffier and heavier around the face and abdomen.”