Q. I can't avoid eating out entirely while on a diet; what menu choices does the clinic recommend?

Eating out is an inevitable part of social and professional life. The core of a successful diet is not simply reducing calories, but minimizing elements that obstruct the body's metabolic flow. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, we suggest the following guidelines: 1. Avoid flour and sugar that create 'Dameum' (痰飮): Dameum refers to a state where metabolic waste stagnates and becomes viscous. High-carbohydrate foods like noodles or tteokbokki exacerbate this condition, making the body feel heavy. Choose rice-based meals whenever possible. 2. Be cautious of excessive fats that cause 'Eohyeol' (瘀血): Eohyeol refers to blood stasis or stagnant circulation. Overly greasy fried foods or processed meats can cloud the blood and slow down metabolism. Grilled or steamed dishes are much safer alternatives. 3. Choose warm foods to support 'Bi-heo' (脾虛): Bi-heo describes a weakened state of the digestive system (Spleen deficiency). Consuming cold drinks or iced americanos with meals lowers digestive enzyme activity, creating an environment prone to weight gain. Accompany your meals with lukewarm or warm water. 4. Balance protein and vegetables: Choose menus where the original ingredients are visible, such as Shabu-shabu, Ssambap (rice wraps), or grilled fish sets. Boiled pork (Suyuk or Bossam) is more beneficial for metabolic efficiency than heavily seasoned spicy pork (Jeyuk-bokkeum). Ultimately, 'sustainability' is what matters most. Overly strict restrictions often lead to binge eating. The fastest and healthiest path is to make gradual adjustments tailored to your own body's condition.