맛있게 먹으면 0칼로리

Mah-sheet-geh muh-goo-myun young kahl-loh-ree (맛있게 먹으면 0칼로리)

This meme originated and gained popularity from a remark made by broadcaster Choi Hwa-jung on the JTBC entertainment program 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,' which aired on August 10, 2015. It subsequently spread widely among the public and was quoted in various media. In Japan, a similar '0-calorie theory' was also popularized by comedian Date Mikio on 'Ametalk,' which aired on October 15, 2017.

'If it tastes good, it's 0 calories' is an expression primarily used to alleviate guilt and enjoy high-calorie, delicious food. This phrase doesn't literally mean the food has no calories, but rather conveys psychological comfort, encouraging people to enjoy the moment of eating without worrying about calories. Choi Hwa-jung, the original speaker, clarified that her intention was not to spread misinformation like pseudoscience. She meant that if you're going to eat anyway, doing so without stress and in a good mood is beneficial for mental health and can prevent overeating. In other words, it's used more as a motto to focus on the joy of eating rather than a diet slogan.

This meme is not limited to a specific age or gender; it is widely used by people of all generations and genders who are interested in dieting or enjoy delicious food.

• The Seoul Dessert Fair used "If it tastes good, it's 0 calories" as its official slogan.
• It was used in a JoongAng Ilbo article title: "[ONE SHOT] Seollal Food: If it tastes good, it's 0 calories?… If you know, it's low calorie."
• In 'King of Mask Singer,' a contestant appeared with the name 'Delicious Food Has 0 Calories MC Hamburger.'
• In Episode 62 of the webtoon 'The Legendary Cook,' the character Bae Yoon-ah says this phrase while eating 'menbosha' (shrimp toast).
• In the 2021 SNL Korea 'Close-up PT' segment with Ok Joo-hyun and Lee Su-ji, Lee Su-ji mentioned this phrase

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The phrase 'If it tastes good, it's 0 calories' is not a scientific fact, and positive thinking about food does not reduce its actual calorie content. This expression should only be used as psychological comfort to reduce stress and enhance enjoyment during meals. It should not be used to justify overeating or as an excuse for neglecting a diet. It is important to minimize calories where possible, and this meme should be understood as a tool to help maintain a positive mindset for continuing a normal diet.