Q. Do those 'diet pastas' actually work? I'm curious about what exactly makes them different.

I have personally tried many 'diet-friendly' foods while managing my own meals in the past. I remember the confusion of seeing the scale go up even after switching to these options because I trusted the label and increased my portions. I completely understand that frustration. Medically, the refined carbohydrates in standard pasta are absorbed very quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood glucose. This triggers an excessive release of insulin, which stores the remaining energy as fat. Diet pastas utilize unrefined grains or alternative ingredients to slow this process down. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates easily leads to the formation of 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention). Dameum refers to a type of metabolic waste or residue that occurs when the body's fluid metabolism is impaired. When this accumulates, the body feels heavy and circulation slows, making you more prone to gaining weight. Furthermore, individuals with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen function (weak digestive capacity), may experience bloating or gas when suddenly introducing high-fiber diet pastas. The key is not simply changing the type of food, but tailoring your diet to your specific digestive capacity and metabolic state. I recommend we examine your current circulatory health and metabolic balance together to find the best approach for you.