Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I have frequent company dinners for work. Is there a way to maintain my diet while attending these drinking gatherings?
It's challenging to avoid these situations entirely, but with a strategic approach, you can significantly reduce the burden on your body. Try prioritizing protein and vegetables (such as sashimi or boiled pork) as side dishes, follow the 'one glass of water for every glass of alcohol' rule, consume a light protein snack before the event, and drink lukewarm water the next morning to support circulation.
The most critical factor during company dinners is not necessarily the alcohol itself, but the high-carbohydrate side dishes consumed with it. When alcohol enters the system, the body prioritizes breaking down alcohol, which means other nutrients are stored as fat rather than being used for energy.
From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this process can easily lead to the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), a state where metabolic waste products stagnate and become viscous. Those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛) type—characterized by weak digestive function—often experience a heavy feeling and significant bloating after such gatherings.
In these cases, it is crucial to focus on blood flow. The combination of alcohol and greasy foods can exacerbate 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, where blood becomes turbid and circulation is hindered. Therefore, drinking plenty of water during the gathering to flush out toxins and taking a light walk the next day to aid circulation is essential. Rather than absolute restriction, making 'less harmful choices' is the key to a sustainable diet. Please let me know if you would like a customized management plan based on your specific body constitution.