How can Korean medicine manage a cheat day so it does not become binge eating?
Follow a three-stage principle: keep about 70% of the usual meal amount beforehand and review weak digestion; choose warm food; then move lightly about 30 minutes after eating. Avoid extreme fasting and overeating.
A cheat day should adjust meal balance with digestion and metabolism in mind, not be a binge after prolonged restraint. Sudden overeating with weak digestion may cause phlegm-fluid retention.
First, keep about 70% of the usual meal amount through the prior day and avoid extreme fasting. Second, consider warm tea or cooked food before cold or raw items and observe the stomach and qi response.
Third, do not lie down immediately; move lightly for about 30 minutes after eating to support qi-blood circulation. If discomfort or swelling is severe, check current patterns including blood stasis.
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