Q. It’s so hard to choose what to eat when dining out while dieting. Why is it that I seem to gain weight much faster whenever I eat out?

Most restaurant meals are highly stimulating to satisfy the palate. From a Western medical perspective, the excessive sodium and refined sugars in these menus are key factors that increase insulin resistance. When blood sugar fluctuates wildly, the body treats it as an emergency and stores nutrients as fat. Traditional Korean Medicine explains this through 'Biheo' (Spleen Deficiency), a state where the Spleen's digestive and transformative functions are weakened. If the Spleen fails to function properly, food isn't converted into clean energy, leaving behind a sticky waste called 'Dameum' (Phlegm-fluid). This 'Dameum' accumulates throughout the body, blocking the circulation of Qi and Blood, which leads to bloating and weight gain even with small portions. Furthermore, pungent seasonings can cloud the blood and cause 'Eohyeol' (Blood Stasis), a state where blood stagnates and impairs metabolism. If you must eat out, try to choose dishes with minimal seasoning where the original ingredients are visible. Minimally processed foods reduce the burden on your digestive organs and leave significantly less metabolic waste.