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한의사 추천 가이드
한의사 추천 가이드

Q. I have to eat out while on a diet. Which menu items would you recommend, Doctor?

A.

The best choice is 'boiled or grilled' foods where the natural form of the ingredients is preserved, such as shabu-shabu, boiled pork (suyuk), or grilled fish. The key is to maintain a reasonable level of seasoning while ensuring sufficient protein intake to prevent the cycle of extreme restriction followed by binge eating.

📝 Detailed Answer

Choosing a menu when eating out can be a genuine struggle; eating only salads can feel joyless, yet indulgent options often lead to guilt. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the goal of a diet-friendly meal is to avoid the creation of 'Dameum' (痰飮)—a state where metabolic waste and fluids accumulate in the body due to the consumption of excessive sugars, refined carbohydrates, and greasy foods. I recommend specific menus for a reason: Shabu-shabu and ssam-bap (vegetable wraps) provide ample vegetables to improve the gut environment, while boiled pork or grilled fish provide high-quality protein to prevent muscle loss. However, please be cautious of the 'health food obsession.' If you insist on completely bland meals, you may quickly grow tired of the diet, triggering a psychological reward mechanism that leads to weekend bingeing. Similarly, salads drenched in heavy dressings can actually increase sugar intake despite appearing healthy. Ultimately, balance is the answer. For those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛)—a deficiency in Spleen function resulting in poor digestion—I recommend choosing warm, cooked vegetables over cold raw foods. If you find it difficult to choose, I can provide a personalized dietary guide tailored to your specific constitution and physical condition during your next visit.
#recommendation #pros-cons
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

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