Actor Park Ha-sun shows off swimsuit figure — but does her favorite cypress steam dish actually help with weight loss?

Actor Park Ha-sun recently shared photos showing off her lean, toned figure in a swimsuit, drawing attention not only to her physique but also to the dish she says she regularly eats: pyeonbaek jjim, a steam-cooked meal of meat, seafood and vegetables prepared without oil. The dish is widely regarded as a weight-management-friendly option because it delivers protein and vegetables in a single meal — though the actual calorie count can vary considerably depending on the ingredients used, portion sizes, and what sauces or desserts accompany it.

Park posted several photos taken at a swimming pool on her SNS, writing that it was "probably the last time this year." The images showed her relaxing in a swimsuit, her toned physique on full display.

Earlier, Park had also shared details of a diet she prepares at home. "I love shabu-shabu and make it often at home, but I've heard that pyeonbaek jjim is better for dieting and health," she said, showing herself layering beef, shrimp, napa cabbage, mushrooms and perilla leaves before steaming them together.

The main advantage of pyeonbaek jjim is that it cooks meat and vegetables together without added oil. Unlike stir-frying or deep-frying, steaming makes it easy to cut down on extra fat, so the total calorie count is relatively manageable even when using the same ingredients.

The beef Park used is a well-known protein source. Protein supports muscle maintenance and recovery, and it keeps you feeling full longer than carbohydrates or fat. When trying to lose weight, securing an adequate amount of protein at each meal is important to prevent muscle loss from eating too little.

Beef also contains iron and vitamin B12. Fat content varies significantly by cut, however, so those watching their weight are better off choosing leaner cuts such as rump or eye of round rather than fattier options like galbi or brisket.

Shrimp is another good choice — low in fat and high in protein. It also contains antioxidants such as astaxanthin, the pigment responsible for its reddish color. That said, what matters more for the overall nutritional profile is how much butter, oil or salty seasoning is added, rather than the shrimp itself.

Loading the dish with vegetables — napa cabbage, mushrooms and perilla leaves — is another plus. Vegetables are high in water and dietary fiber, which add bulk to a meal and promote fullness. Napa cabbage provides vitamin C and potassium, mushrooms are low in calories yet rich in dietary fiber and various micronutrients, and perilla leaves contain beta-carotene, calcium and other nutrients.

Eating vegetables alongside meat, rather than following a high-protein meat-only diet, lowers the energy density of a meal without drastically cutting portion sizes. For those trying to sustain a diet over the long term, a more realistic approach is to meet nutritional needs without letting hunger build too sharply — rather than simply eating less.

The cypress wood aroma itself produces no special weight-loss effect. The reason pyeonbaek jjim is considered favorable for weight management ultimately comes down to its composition: meat and vegetables eaten together, cooked by steaming with minimal added oil.

Although Park singled out pyeonbaek jjim over shabu-shabu for weight management, shabu-shabu can also work well as a diet-friendly meal if ingredients are chosen carefully.

Sticking to beef, seafood, tofu and vegetables provides a good balance of protein and dietary fiber. The problem arises when diners follow the meat and vegetables with knife-cut noodles, udon or porridge. Adding noodles and porridge on top of an already complete meal significantly increases carbohydrate intake and total calories.

The broth also warrants caution. Shabu-shabu stock typically contains soy sauce, salt and various seasonings, so drinking large amounts can push sodium intake higher. Weight gain or facial puffiness the morning after a salty meal is more likely the result of changes in the body's water retention than a sudden increase in body fat.

With pyeonbaek jjim, the easiest thing to overlook is the dipping sauce. Even if the meat and vegetables themselves are eaten plainly, dipping generously into sesame or peanut sauce — which contains fat and sugar — can push calories up faster than expected. Soy-based sauces may be relatively lower in calories, but consuming large amounts still raises sodium intake.

For those managing their weight, it is better to use sauces sparingly — just enough to add flavor — rather than dunking food deeply. Lemon juice, vinegar, or aromatic vegetables such as green onions and chili peppers can enhance the taste without relying on large amounts of sauce.

When eating pyeonbaek jjim as a full meal, there is no need to cut out carbohydrates entirely. Adding a moderate serving of brown rice or multigrain rice, calibrated to one's activity level, can replenish the energy needed for exercise and daily activities while keeping the meal balanced.