Q. Doctor, I gave in and had Burger King on my way home last night. Is my diet ruined? Is there any way to stay on track even when eating fast food?

Stress often makes it difficult to resist fast food. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, you can manage these indulgences by following three principles. First, minimize the accumulation of 'Damp-Heat' (Seup-yeol). The grease and sugar in fast food create a heavy, stagnant energy that leads to weight gain. Try removing excess sauce, swapping fries for a salad, and drinking warm water instead of cold soda to help your body expel this Damp-Heat. Second, prevent 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo) by chewing twice as long as usual. When the Spleen function is weakened, it fails to convert food into energy and instead stores it as waste. Thoroughly masticating your food ensures the Spleen can process the meal without becoming overwhelmed. Finally, prevent 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum) and 'Food Stagnation' (Sikjeok). Avoid lying down immediately after eating; instead, take a 15-minute light walk to promote the circulation of 'Qi and Blood' (Gi-hyeol). This prevents 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol) and ensures that the food doesn't sit and rot in your digestive tract. One heavy meal isn't the end—just give your body the time and support it needs to clear itself out.