TWICE's Nayeon Keeps This Popular Snack To Maintain Her Strict Diet as K-Pop Star Nears Comeback
K-pop star Nayeon from girl group TWICE relies on protein snacks to control food cravings ahead of her solo comeback. The 30-year-old singer uses the functional treats to manage hunger while preparing for her upcoming single album NA-sty.
Speaking on the YouTube channel '117,' Nayeon shared her simple self-care strategy, according to an AI-translated Korean report. 'I keep protein snacks on hand for days when I really want to eat snacks,' she said.
Nayeon's dietary routine reflects a wider wellness trend replacing sugary sweets with protein-rich alternatives.
Protein Snacks Maintain Fullness and Protect Lean Muscle
Nutrition scientists explain that protein digests far more slowly than simple carbohydrates. This slower breakdown provides lasting satiety, helping dieters avoid impulsive eating between meals.
Crucially, adequate protein shields lean muscle tissue from wasting away during calorie-controlled diets. When slimmers cut calories excessively, the body breaks down muscle alongside fat to generate energy. Losing muscle reduces the body's basal metabolic rate, which sharply increases the risk of weight regain.
A joint study by Tokushima University and Aichi Medical University confirmed this protective effect. Researchers observed that consuming at least 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily significantly prevented muscle loss. Conversely, participants consuming less than 1.0 gram faced a much higher risk of muscle wasting.
Protein also aids workout recovery by repairing tiny microtears in muscle fibres caused by demanding dance routines.
Nutritionists Explain How Protein Regulates Blood Sugar
Clinical dietitians note that protein naturally boosts calorie expenditure during digestion. William Stallings Jr., a clinical dietitian specialist at Temple University Hospital, highlighted this metabolic benefit.
'Our bodies use more calories to metabolise protein, compared to other nutrients like fat and carbohydrates,' Stallings said via HealthCentral. 'Protein can also keep you feeling full longer so that you eat less calories overall during a 24-hour period.'
Stallings noted that increasing protein intake to 25% of daily energy needs can cut late-night snacking cravings by half. Dietitians also advise combining protein with dietary fibre to keep daily blood glucose levels remarkably stable.
'When carbohydrates are eaten alone, glucose can enter the bloodstream more quickly,' said registered dietitian Caroline West Passerrello. 'Pairing them with protein helps create a slower, steadier rise in blood sugar while also improving satiety.'
Distributing protein intake evenly across the day can stimulate muscle repair up to 25% more effectively than eating one large evening meal.
Hidden Sugars and Processed Fats Create Dietary Traps
However, health professionals caution that not all commercial protein snacks promote wellness. Many packaged bars, biscuits, and chips contain heavy quantities of added sugar, butter, and palm oil. These rich ingredients push total calorie counts up to levels matching conventional chocolate bars.
Nutrition experts urge shoppers to inspect labels carefully, favouring snacks with complete amino acid profiles and under five grams of sugar. Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian with VNutrition based in Texas, recommended manageable nutrient targets.
'A helpful starting point is aiming for about 7 to 10 grams of protein at minimum for a snack, preferably paired with some fibre,' Benson said. Dietitians agree that natural whole foods, such as boiled eggs and Greek yoghurt, remain the best foundation for everyday health.
Nayeon returns on 20 November 2026 with her single album NA-sty. The project marks her first solo release in over two years, led by title track BABY ANGEL.