Worst Diet Foods, Start by Avoiding Them

Hello, I am Chief Director Choi Yeon-seung of Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

"I tried to lose weight by starving myself, but it always led to binge eating. Then the yo-yo effect came, and I'm suffering. What foods should I absolutely avoid?"

Extreme food restriction not only harms your health but also leads to binge eating, creating a vicious cycle of further weight gain. Attempts to lose weight in the short term ultimately result in the yo-yo effect. Most importantly, foods that are detrimental to your health must be avoided.

First, beware of junk food.

Greasy convenience foods like donuts, cheeseburgers, and French fries are prime enemies of a diet. Their excessive trans fats and saturated fats make them major culprits of obesity. High sugar and flour content rapidly raises blood sugar and can stimulate appetite. Additives found in junk food increase the risk of various chronic diseases.

Second, alcohol is strictly prohibited.

"I tend to have frequent drinking gatherings, and when I get drunk on mixed drinks or beer, I tend to overeat. The next day, due to a hangover, I can't even exercise, let alone carry out daily activities."

Alcohol is not only high in calories, but it also promotes fat synthesis during the alcohol breakdown process. When intoxicated, it's easy to fall into binge eating, late-night snacking, and overeating. Excessive drinking brings hangovers and fatigue, even breaking one's will to exercise. Liver damage is fundamental, and the risk of various metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes increases.

Third, sweetened beverages are major culprits for weight gain.

Carbonated drinks, sweetened juices, and processed coffees contain enormous amounts of sugar. Indulging in sweetness makes it easy to overconsume, rapidly raising blood sugar and ultimately leading to fat accumulation. Furthermore, liquid calories provide little satiety and stay in the stomach for a long time, increasing the risk of obesity. Beverages high in caffeine can lower sleep quality, contributing to further weight gain.

"I like sweets, so I tend to drink a lot of juice or milk tea. Even though the quantity is large, I casually think that since it's a drink, it won't make me gain weight."

In addition, foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats such as egg yolks, butter, and heavy cream, foods high in sodium like instant soup dishes, and unhealthy fats abundant in processed meats and fast food should also be avoided. These are foods that raise red flags for both health and weight management.

Of course, simply enduring is not always the solution. It's wise to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation while calculating the caloric intake of meals and snacks. Furthermore, efforts to burn calories through exercise and increase basal metabolic rate must be combined. Korean traditional medicine treatments that harmonize Qi and blood according to one's constitution can also help in healthy weight loss.

Food is an energy source that gives our bodies strength and vitality. Rather than giving up the pleasure of eating, it's important to have the wisdom to choose foods beneficial to your health. Remember that picky eating, binge eating, and excessive drinking not only harm your health but also lead to further weight gain. A life of eating joyfully and wisely, moving pleasantly, and maintaining a healthy weight – that is the true success of weight management and the secret to happiness. If you need guidance for healthy diet management, please knock on the door of Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

I want to present you with bright and light days. Thank you.