Q. Are the popular Costco diet foods actually effective? I'm curious why they are said to help with weight loss.

Many of these trending foods work by preventing blood sugar spikes and regulating insulin secretion, which is theoretically sound. However, TKM suggests that the ability to 'process' these nutrients varies by individual. This relates to a condition called Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where the digestive system lacks the strength to transform food into energy. For those with weak digestion, a sudden shift to high-protein or artificial sweetener-heavy diets can lead to poor absorption and the accumulation of metabolic waste. In TKM, this accumulated waste is referred to as Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—a state where bodily fluids stagnate and thicken. If this is coupled with Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血), caused by poor circulation, you may feel heavy and experience swelling regardless of how strictly you follow the diet. The key is not just 'what you eat,' but whether your body can effectively process it. Even the best diet food can be counterproductive if it clashes with your constitution. The healthiest approach is to first assess your internal physiological state and then tailor your diet accordingly.