Q. I eat out often for work; what kind of menu options do Korean medicine clinics recommend for dieting while dining out?

Here is a step-by-step guideline for choosing dining-out menus based on Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) principles: 1. Prioritize 'warm-natured' foods. Cold foods can further weaken the function of the Spleen (Bi-heo, 脾虛), hindering digestion. Warm broth dishes like shabu-shabu or Gomtang (ox bone soup) help raise body temperature and boost metabolism. 2. Avoid flour and sugar, which create 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention). Dam-eum is like metabolic waste accumulating in the body, making you feel heavy and dizzy. Choosing rice-based Korean meals over noodle dishes is much more beneficial. 3. Reduce pungent seasonings to prevent 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis). Blood stasis occurs when blood circulation is impaired. Excessively spicy and salty foods hinder circulation and cause swelling; I recommend asking for sauces on the side to control the amount you consume. 4. Balance proteins with vegetables. Pairing meat with plenty of wrap vegetables (Ssam) helps slow down the rise of blood glucose levels. In my experience, trying to survive on only salads can lead to a loss of vitality and burnout. The secret to a sustainable diet is choosing menus that align with your body's current state rather than following overly strict rules. If you are interested in a personalized diet tailored to your specific constitution (Sasang typology), please visit the clinic for a detailed consultation.