Doctor, I have to eat out while on a diet, but it's so hard to choose the right menu. What kind of food would be best?
Opt for menus where the raw ingredients are clearly visible, such as Shabu-shabu or Ssambap (leaf wraps). Consuming plenty of vegetables with warm properties helps supplement Spleen Deficiency (Biheo), a state of weak digestion, which is very beneficial for weight loss. However, please avoid the excessive sodium in broths and refined carbohydrates like noodles or porridge served at the end, as they are the biggest enemies of weight reduction.
Even as a practitioner, I sometimes struggle with the menu when dining out after work. Choosing the right food while dieting is a common challenge for everyone. In Traditional Korean Medicine, a weakened digestive state is referred to as Spleen Deficiency (Biheo). When the Spleen is weak, energy flags and metabolic waste known as Phlegm-fluid (Dameum) easily accumulates in the body. Choosing menus like Shabu-shabu or Ssambap, which focus on cooked vegetables and clean protein, reduces the digestive burden and facilitates the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood.
However, there are pitfalls to watch out for. High sodium levels in broths can cause swelling and contribute to Blood Stasis (Eohyeol), which hinders circulation. Additionally, the typical 'K-dessert'—fried rice or noodles served at the end of the meal—consists of refined carbohydrates that you must resist. Ultimately, the best menu depends on your constitution. Those with a 'cold' constitution benefit from warm, cooked vegetables, while those with a 'hot' constitution may find raw vegetables more refreshing. Rather than following general advice, I recommend choosing foods that match your current condition and body type. Feel free to visit the clinic so we can discuss which specific dining-out options are best suited for your unique constitution.
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