Broadcaster Pungja revealed the changes she experienced after successfully losing 27kg.
On the 27th, a video titled "Why is This Trendy?" was uploaded to Pungja's YouTube channel. In the video, Pungja made and tasted the spicy chicken seaweed noodle soup, which has recently gained popularity on social media. She poured water over store-bought seaweed soup, boiled it, and added spicy chicken noodle soup to complete the "spicy chicken seaweed noodle soup."
After tasting it, Pungja commented, "It is definitely tasty. It's not a completely new flavor, but it's a taste that Koreans would enjoy," adding, "However, it's spicy and salty. I think I need to add a bit more water than the known recipe."
She continued, "I ordered tomato juice because it was spicy," and said, "Even though I've reduced my portion sizes after dieting, I can't handle spicy food well. Eating salty food is also tough. For about a day or two, I feel really uncomfortable."
Pungja has recently succeeded in losing 27kg and shows a dramatically changed appearance. Her jawline has become more defined, and her figure has become slimmer. Initially, she lost weight using the diet injection drug Wegovy, but stopped due to side effects and has since managed her weight through intermittent fasting, walking, and gym workouts.
What could be the reason that Pungja, who has successfully lost weight, is now sensitive to spicy and salty foods and finds them difficult to eat?
"I Can't Eat Spicy and Salty Foods After Losing Weight"... What's the Reason?
When someone loses a significant amount of weight like Pungja, changes in body weight and eating habits can alter the stomach, hormones, and taste, making spicy and salty foods feel much more challenging than before. There are three main reasons why spicy and salty foods become difficult after weight loss.
First, there are changes in the stomach and digestive system. When the amount of food and intake of stimulating foods decrease due to dieting, the stomach lining is not accustomed to the previous intensity, making it easier to experience pain or diarrhea when spicy or salty foods are consumed. Medications like Wegovy and Saxenda or long-term calorie restriction can leave some individuals with nausea, indigestion, and changes in bowel movements, making them more sensitive to stimulating foods.
Second, there are changes in taste and the brain's reward system. Spicy, salty, sweet, and very stimulating flavors can create a taste addiction that stimulates the brain's reward circuits, leading to a constant search for "stronger flavors." If one eats bland foods for an extended period during dieting, the baseline resets, making previous levels of stimulation feel excessive. Conversely, cravings for stimulating flavors that were once appealing may be linked to stress and electrolyte imbalances, and improved lifestyle, sleep, and exercise after weight loss can reduce these cravings.
Third, there are changes in hormones, metabolism, and the autonomic nervous system. Significant weight loss affects appetite-related hormones like leptin and ghrelin, as well as stress and sympathetic nerves. During this process, individuals with heart palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations, or decreased stamina may experience a stronger sensation of rapid heartbeat or swelling after consuming spicy or salty foods, leading to the feeling that "it’s tough for two days after eating."
What Should One Eat After Weight Loss?
Spicy food can either help or hinder dieting. Capsaicin in chili peppers stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, slightly increasing energy expenditure and heat production, and some studies have shown a fat oxidation-promoting effect. However, very spicy and greasy foods can easily sabotage a diet due to their high calories, carbohydrates, and fats, which outweigh the effects of capsaicin. For those with gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, or if the stomach has become sensitive due to dieting, spicy foods can worsen pain, diarrhea, and heartburn.
Salty foods can stimulate the appetite, leading to increased consumption of rice, noodles, ramen, and bread, while excessive sodium intake can disrupt metabolism and cause swelling, making one appear heavier. Therefore, most diets in weight loss camps and obesity clinics are low-sodium, reducing sodium and increasing potassium-rich vegetables, fruits, and legumes to manage blood pressure and swelling simultaneously. Pungja feeling that "it’s tough for about two days after eating salty food" may indicate that her body's response to sodium (swelling, blood pressure, fatigue, etc.) has become more sensitive after changes in weight, muscle mass, and circulation.
After weight loss, it is advisable to reduce spicy and salty foods to "less than half the intensity and amount of previous standards" and monitor the body's responses such as swelling, heart palpitations, heartburn, and fatigue. If swelling, headaches, or severe fatigue persist for more than two days, it may indicate that the intensity and amount are too much for the body, and adjustments should be made to milder flavors.
If you crave spicy flavors, use low-fat proteins (chicken breast, lean meat) and vegetable-based dishes with a little chili powder or green chili to utilize "aroma and mild spiciness" only. It’s best to limit dishes that involve consuming broth, like tteokbokki, and to eat only small amounts while leaving the broth behind. Adding plenty of vegetables like cabbage to tteokbokki can neutralize the spiciness and also help with satiety and digestive health.
For salty foods, it’s good to focus on the solid ingredients in soups and stews, and for ramen or noodles, it’s better to use only half the seasoning or to develop a habit of finishing the noodles while leaving most of the broth. For salty side dishes like kimchi or pickles, rinsing them in water once before eating and filling up with fresh vegetables, salads, or seasoned vegetables can help reduce sodium while maintaining satiety.
