Q. What exactly is a tofu diet recipe? I'm curious why it's said to be helpful for losing weight.

From a Western medical perspective, tofu has a high protein density relative to its calories, ensuring long-lasting satiety. The digestion and absorption process increases diet-induced thermogenesis, and its ability to maintain stable insulin levels positively regulates appetite-control hormones, which is why it is frequently recommended in general diet plans. In Traditional Korean Medicine, the perspective differs. Tofu is characterized by a cool nature (凉), a sweet taste (甘), and enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. While soybeans themselves can promote the formation of dampness (濕), the processing into tofu further cools its nature. Consequently, individuals with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛)—characterized by poor digestion—may experience a further decline in Spleen Yang (脾陽) and the formation of phlegm-fluid retention (痰飮), which can paradoxically lead to weight gain or a feeling of heaviness. Conversely, for those with Heat Patterns (熱證)—marked by frequent facial flushing, constipation, and excessive appetite—tofu helps cool stomach heat (胃熱) and soothe the intestines, effectively suppressing overeating. Ultimately, the key is not the tofu itself, but how your body responds to it. Many people attempt tofu-only diets only to find their internal temperature drops, leading to metabolic slowdown and weight gain. Therefore, I advise patients to first assess their constitution and digestive health, then adjust the intake amount and preparation method (e.g., grilling or steaming to warm the tofu rather than eating it cold) to align with their specific body type.