Stephen Pasterino (his clients call him “P”), the New York trainer known for transforming bodies and owner of peach emoji-inspired slippers, spent months preparing two Victoria’s Secret Angels ahead of the annual runway show. These exceptional models are Blanca Padilla and Nadine Leopold.
"My nutrition philosophy is similar to my training—it focuses on sustainable care and long-term well-being," Pasterino explains. "Learning to consume natural, clean foods is essential for anyone aspiring to professional modeling. I emphasize foods that aid digestion and reduce inflammation and bloating, which is crucial for models before a big show."
How often should models eat?
"I'm not a fan of snacking," says P. "I prefer three main meals with a few occasional desserts during the week. Even a Victoria’s Secret model can enjoy a dessert, as long as it’s realistic!"
"From Monday to Friday, I recommend a light breakfast followed by a normal lunch and dinner," he continues. "This strengthens the immune system and supports digestive health. The interval between meals can range from three to six hours, and you should never eat three hours before sleeping."
Which foods to include in your diet?
According to Pasterino, it depends on the type of diet: vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. "For models, it’s always important to include green vegetables like spinach and asparagus, healthy fats like avocado and olive oil, quality carbs like quinoa and sweet potato, fiber like flax seeds, and lean proteins like fish."
Foods to avoid for a model before a show
"I personally eliminated dairy, opting for almond or coconut milk, which doesn’t cause bloating," P specifies. "I also recommend avoiding pre-packaged foods and limiting certain fruits and vegetables that are hard to digest before a show."
When preparing for a show like Victoria’s Secret, it’s crucial that models optimize their digestion. "We remove foods that cause bloating or inflammation, like cauliflower, broccoli, bananas, and nut butters. Even salt and some eggs can be limited. The goal is to allow the body to function at maximum capacity before stepping on the runway."
Example meal plan for VS models
"People think models don’t eat, but that’s false," Pasterino states. "For modeling, they need energy for training, to keep muscles firm, and to support endurance. Every calorie and nutrient counts for nourishing muscles, not storing fat or water."
A typical day might include a light breakfast with avocado and grapefruit or a bowl of quinoa with berries. Lunch consists of a green salad with protein, followed by a balanced dinner with healthy carbs, steamed vegetables, and lean protein. Meals are seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs to maximize flavor and nutritional benefits.
"This approach, combined with training, allows models to shine on the runway and showcase their muscular lines with strength and elegance," Pasterino concludes.
