Reviewed by최연승대표원장
It's so hard to manage my diet while traveling or on business trips. Is there a way to minimize weight gain?
Overeating during travel is often caused by decreased digestive function due to environmental changes, rather than a lack of willpower. The key is to regulate your energy before and after the trip and adopt habits that enhance digestion. Instead of extreme fasting, I recommend a three-step management approach focused on 'efficiently clearing out' wastes.
Many people experience a heavy, sluggish feeling after returning from trips due to indiscriminate eating in new environments. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, sudden environmental changes combined with high-calorie foods accelerate the formation of 'Dameum' (痰飮), which refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste and phlegm-fluid in the body.
Here is a step-by-step guide to minimizing weight gain during travel:
1. Pre-trip 'Clearing Preparation': For 2-3 days before departure, eat light meals to reduce the burden on your gastrointestinal tract. If you overeat while in a state of 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency), undigested food can easily turn into toxins.
2. During the Trip 'Maintaining Digestive Power': Drink a glass of warm water before meals. Raising the temperature of the stomach ensures that food does not stagnate and is metabolized smoothly.
3. Post-meal 'Light Movement': A gentle 15-minute walk after eating promotes blood circulation and prevents the accumulation of 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) and waste products.
4. Post-trip 'Restoring Circulation': After returning, drink warm teas and induce light perspiration for a few days. This process is essential to quickly remove the water retention and edema accumulated during the trip.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your travels while preventing that heavy feeling in your body. If you are interested in a personalized management plan based on your specific Sasang Constitution, please visit the clinic for a consultation.