The mantra 'eat less, move more' is theoretically correct, but the challenge lies in the fact that every individual's physiological state is different. Some people lack the energy to even start exercising, while others struggle with persistent edema that keeps the scale from moving. In Traditional Korean Medicine, these conditions are often viewed as a decline in metabolism caused by the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid/metabolic waste) or 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis/stagnant blood). Specifically, if you have 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency/weak digestive function) and resort to extreme fasting, it often backfires by reducing muscle mass and lowering your basal metabolic rate. Therefore, I do not recommend blind fasting. Instead, I focus on using herbal medicine to awaken the metabolism, suppress excessive hunger, and clear out internal dampness (습담) to create an 'optimal bodily environment' where a standard diet can actually work. | Category | Standard Diet (Food/Exercise) | TKM Diet (Custom Prescription) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Core Principle** | Caloric restriction & increased expenditure | Metabolic recovery & constitutional improvement | | **Approach** | Application of standardized guidelines | Reflection of individual physical symptoms | | **Psychological Aspect** | Requires strong willpower and endurance | Supports hunger control and emotional stability | | **Physical Response** | Risk of plateaus after initial weight loss | Improved circulation via removal of edema/waste | | **Sustainability** | Varies greatly depending on individual will | Progresses while managing overall body condition | Rather than choosing which is 'better,' it is crucial to understand your current physical state and use the right tools. Based on my own experience with trial and error, I believe the fastest path to success is the one that does not torture your body.