I'm currently on a diet. Is it okay to eat fast food like McDonald's? What menu options would a Korean medicine clinic recommend?
While fast food is convenient and makes calorie counting simple, its high sodium and low fiber content can be detrimental to weight loss, particularly for those prone to edema. Rather than practicing total deprivation, the first step toward healthy weight loss is a 'wise compromise'—selecting menu items that consider your metabolic state and digestive capacity.
Even as a practitioner, I sometimes find the aroma of french fries hard to resist. Brands like McDonald's are actually quite practical for diet management because they provide transparent nutritional information, and items like high-protein patties or chicken wraps can serve as decent protein sources for busy professionals. However, from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, processed oils and refined salts create 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum), a form of metabolic waste. When this accumulates, it obstructs the circulation of 'Qi and Blood,' potentially shifting your constitution into one that resists weight loss. Furthermore, excessive salt can lead to 'Blood stasis' (Eohyeol), which triggers edema. For those with 'Spleen deficiency' (Biheo) who already struggle with digestion, high-calorie foods will significantly slow down the metabolism. I don't suggest absolute abstinence, as that often leads to binge eating. Instead, if you must eat fast food, opt for burgers with minimal sauce to prioritize protein. The essence of a healthy diet is enhancing your body’s detoxification capacity first and then finding a sustainable compromise with your lifestyle.
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