How Living in Korea and the U.S. Changed My Eating Habits
When I lived in Korea, I never really thought much about my eating habits. Korean food was simply a natural part of everyday life.
For lunch, I often ate at restaurants near my workplace, and dinner was usually enjoyed with family or friends. Meals frequently included soups or stews, along with dishes that were spicy, salty, or richly seasoned. At the time, I simply enjoyed the food because it was familiar, comforting, and delicious. I rarely stopped to think about whether it was healthy or not.
After moving to the United States, however, my eating habits gradually began to change.
Since Korean restaurants weren’t as convenient or as affordable for everyday meals, I naturally started cooking at home more often. At first, I missed Korean food a lot. But over time, I found myself appreciating meals that highlighted the natural flavors of fresh ingredients.
I began eating more grilled chicken, fish, broccoli, asparagus, fresh salads, and fruit. Many of my meals became much simpler, often seasoned with just a little salt and pepper. Instead of relying on heavy sauces or bold flavors, I learned to enjoy the taste of the ingredients themselves.
Looking back, I still believe Korean food is some of the most delicious food in the world. It’s still my favorite cuisine, and there are many Korean dishes I continue to love.
At the same time, I’ve realized that many everyday Korean meals include soups, stews, and foods that can be quite salty or spicy. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every meal, but it’s easy to consume more sodium than you realize when those foods are part of your daily routine.
Living in the United States unintentionally encouraged me to eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Over time, I became more aware of creating balanced meals, and I often noticed that I felt lighter and more energized.
Today, I don’t believe one country’s diet is necessarily healthier than the other’s.
Korean cuisine offers incredible variety, comforting flavors, and a wonderful culture of sharing meals. American grocery stores, on the other hand, have made it easier for me to prepare simple meals with fresh ingredients and focus on balance.
Living in both countries has taught me that healthy eating isn’t about choosing one culture over another. It’s about learning from both and creating a way of eating that works best for your own body and lifestyle.
I still crave kimchi stew and soybean paste stew from time to time. But I also genuinely enjoy a fresh salad, seasonal fruit, and a simple plate of grilled chicken.
Experiencing life in both Korea and the United States has changed the way I think about food. More than anything, it has taught me that the healthiest diet is one that combines enjoyment, balance, and habits you can maintain for the long term.