I'm exhausted from working late and rely on delivery food every day. How can I manage delivery meals while on a Traditional Korean Medicine diet?

It is incredibly difficult to resist the temptation of delivery food after a long night at the office. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), such greasy and spicy foods are seen as primary causes of 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Qi Deficiency). When the Spleen's transportive function is weakened, the body fails to convert nutrients into energy, leaving behind 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-rheum), or metabolic waste that leads to weight gain. Here are four realistic guidelines for managing delivery food during your diet: 1. Portion Control: Divide the portion in half as soon as it arrives. Delivery meals are typically oversized; setting half aside for the next day's lunch creates a psychological barrier against overeating. 2. Choose Better Cooking Methods: Prioritize boiled or steamed dishes like Bossam (boiled pork) or Jokbal (pork trotter, focusing on lean meat), grilled fish, or Bibimbap over fried items. It is also helpful to request sauces on the side to control sodium and sugar intake. 3. Drink Warm Water: Avoid cold beverages, which lower the stomach's temperature and hinder metabolic flow. A glass of warm water before and after meals supports digestive efficiency and keeps the 'Spleen Yang' active. 4. Herbal Support: Personalized TKM prescriptions can supplement your metabolism. These formulas help boost your metabolic rate and facilitate the discharge of 'Eo-hyeol' (Blood Stasis) and other accumulated toxins. Rather than relying on pure willpower, focusing on your body's internal balance while making manageable adjustments is key. We can work together to find a specific guide tailored to your unique body constitution.