BRD Clinic
Only people currently living in Korea with their own Korean 010 mobile number can apply. Overseas residents are not eligible.

I have to eat out while on my diet. Which menus would you recommend, Doctor?

While there is no single correct answer, I recommend choosing 'whole foods' that retain their original form. Menus with a high proportion of vegetables and minimal seasoning, such as Shabu-shabu or Ssambap (vegetable wraps), are excellent. Simply avoiding fried foods or those high in sugar will make weight management much easier.

As someone active in social life, I understand that eating out is frequent and that eating salads every time isn't always practical. The core principle is to choose 'less processed foods.' Recommended menus like Shabu-shabu or Ssambap are rich in dietary fiber, providing a quicker sense of satiety. Because they raise blood glucose levels slowly, they help prevent 'false hunger.' In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), warm soups are particularly beneficial as they raise the body's internal temperature, thereby promoting a smoother metabolism. Conversely, there are menus to be cautious of. Foods centered on refined carbohydrates, such as Tteokbokki or Jajangmyeon, create an environment prone to the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), which refers to metabolic waste or phlegm-fluid retention in the body. Overly spicy or salty foods can also impair gastrointestinal function, which is particularly taxing for those in a state of 'Pi-heo' (脾虛), or Spleen Deficiency, where digestive and absorptive capacities are weakened. Ultimately, it is difficult to say one specific menu is absolutely correct for everyone, as recommendations vary based on your digestion and degree of edema. For instance, if your body tends to swell and feel heavy, there is a high probability of 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, which requires more meticulous dietary control. The priority is to accurately understand your current physiological state. I encourage you to visit the clinic to assess your constitution and metabolic capacity, and together we can develop a 'personalized dining guide' tailored specifically to your needs.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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I have to eat out while on my diet. Which menus…. While there is no single correct answer, I recommend choosing 'whole foods' that retain their original form. M

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