Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Should I quit drinking alcohol completely while on a diet? I'm wondering if it's okay to drink occasionally.
Ideally, it is best to avoid alcohol, but the approach varies depending on your situation. Beyond the high calories in alcohol itself, the accompanying side dishes and the subsequent disruption of your meal plan are the primary issues. Rather than absolute deprivation, the key to a sustainable diet without yo-yo effects is finding a compromise tailored to your body's condition by managing the frequency and type of alcohol consumed.
I completely understand the struggle of avoiding social drinking. Many people find that 'just one glass' leads to overeating side dishes and subsequent regret the next day. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the impact of alcohol depends on your specific body constitution:
First, if you suffer from poor digestion and frequent swelling (a state of excessive 'Dameum' 痰飮, or phlegm-fluid retention), you should avoid alcohol as much as possible. Dameum represents a stagnation of metabolic waste, and alcohol further exacerbates this stagnation, slowing down your overall metabolism.
Second, if you feel chronically fatigued and lack energy (a state of 'Bi-heo' 脾虛, or Spleen deficiency), the choice of side dishes is more critical than the alcohol itself. With a weakened Spleen, digestive and absorptive capacity is reduced, making it easy for toxins to accumulate when alcohol is paired with greasy foods. I recommend compromising with light, vegetable-based accompaniments.
Third, if you have poor blood circulation and a cold body (a state of 'Eohyeol' 瘀血, or blood stasis), small amounts of alcohol paired with warm-natured foods are preferable to cold drinks like beer. Blood stasis refers to blood that has become viscous and stagnant; excessive drinking hinders blood flow and significantly reduces dieting efficiency.
Ultimately, it is not just the alcohol itself that is problematic, but the disruption of your body's internal balance. Based on clinical experience, adjusting your habits according to your constitution is far more sustainable than sheer willpower. Let's evaluate your current physical state together to create a personalized management plan.