Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Does the timing of my meals really matter when dieting? I'm curious what time I should eat to avoid gaining weight.
In short, aligning your meals with your body's natural rhythm is more important than strict timing. Rather than fasting or rigid schedules, focus on whether your digestive capacity is sufficient, if the intervals prevent binge eating, and if your stomach has enough time to rest before sleep.
I have personally tried intermittent fasting when it was a trend, but trying to follow a strict schedule without considering my own physical condition led to dizziness and a lack of focus. In a sense, it was an inefficient approach.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we prioritize the rhythm of Qi circulation over simple calories or timing. For those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), digestive power is weakened; thus, indiscriminate fasting can lead to the accumulation of Dam-eum (痰飮)—phlegm-fluid retention. These metabolic wastes make the body feel heavy and further slow down metabolism.
Furthermore, stressed professionals often suffer from blood stasis (瘀血) due to stagnant Qi and blood circulation. If you restrict eating windows too aggressively in this state, the body enters a 'survival mode' and clings to fat more stubbornly.
Therefore, instead of absolute time restrictions, I recommend finding a 'customized rhythm' that suits your digestive capacity and lifestyle. It is essential to first determine if your body is in a state to digest well or if you need to supplement your energy. When you visit the clinic, I will analyze your constitution and digestive health to help you design the most comfortable and effective dietary guide.