Q. Doctor, I see stir-fried tofu being recommended a lot for diet plans. What exactly is it, and why does it help with weight loss?

Many people try to lose weight by blindly fasting, but this often leads to dizziness and extreme fatigue because the body creates 'false hunger' when energy is severely depleted. A high-protein meal like stir-fried tofu signals the brain that nutrition is being supplied, which suppresses excessive food cravings. In biomedical terms, this is an efficient way to prevent blood sugar spikes and stabilize insulin levels. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this process is seen as improving a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-Heo). When the Spleen's function is weakened, nutrient absorption fails, and 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dameum)—a sticky metabolic byproduct—accumulates in the body. An excess of Phlegm-Fluid makes the body feel heavy and slows down metabolism, making one more prone to weight gain. The warming properties of tofu, combined with the heat from the stir-frying process, warm the Spleen and Stomach (Bi-Wei), which facilitates the circulation of stagnant fluids. This creates a virtuous cycle: [Protein Supplementation $ ightarrow$ Recovery of Spleen/Stomach Function $ ightarrow$ Removal of Phlegm-Fluid]. Of course, since digestive capacities vary by individual, tofu may not suit everyone. It is important to adjust the portion size according to your specific constitution. When you visit the clinic, I will provide a personalized dietary guide tailored to your current physical condition.