Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I have frequent business dinners and eat out often. How should I choose my menu and manage my diet when dining out?
The issue isn't eating out itself, but rather how sudden high-calorie intake disrupts your metabolic rhythm. Instead of fasting, focus on adjusting the 'order' and 'type' of food to prevent shocking your system. By following a strategic 4-step approach, you can significantly reduce post-meal bloating and guilt.
I have personally experienced the cycle of overly restrictive dieting followed by binge-eating at company dinners, which often leads to dizziness and fatigue. The key to overcoming this is preventing 'blood sugar spikes' and reducing the burden on your digestive system.
1. Eat in the order of Vegetables → Protein → Carbohydrates. Consuming dietary fiber first slows glucose absorption. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this helps prevent the accumulation of 'Dameum' (痰飮), which refers to metabolic waste and phlegm-fluid retention.
2. Choose menus where the 'whole ingredients' are visible. Opt for steamed, grilled, or wrap-style dishes rather than fried foods or heavy stews. Additives in processed foods can induce 'Eohyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, which thickens the blood and slows down overall metabolism.
3. Chew slowly—at least 20 times per bite. Those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen function, are prone to indigestion and bloating when eating too quickly. Increasing digestive efficiency ensures that energy is utilized rather than stored as fat.
4. Finish with a light walk. Moving immediately after a meal stabilizes blood sugar levels and promotes the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood (氣血).
It is unrealistic to be perfect while maintaining a social life. However, developing the habit of adjusting your intake based on your body's condition creates a sustainable change without the 'yo-yo' effect. If you find it difficult to manage alone, I recommend visiting the clinic to assess your current digestive health and metabolic capacity.