Q. Will I really not gain weight if I follow those Starbucks diet recipes trending online? I'm curious about how they actually work.

From a modern nutritional perspective, removing syrups and switching to alternatives like almond milk significantly lowers calories and prevents blood sugar spikes, which is a rational way to manage insulin secretion. However, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) offers a different perspective. For those with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), characterized by a weak digestive system, consuming cold alternative milks or artificial sweeteners can be counterproductive. These can cool the interior of the body, creating an environment prone to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮). Phlegm-Fluid refers to metabolic waste and stagnant fluids; when these accumulate, metabolism slows down, potentially turning your body into a constitution where weight loss is difficult even with low caloric intake. Furthermore, if you are experiencing Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) due to chronic stress and poor circulation, prioritizing the restoration of bodily flow is more important than simply choosing a low-calorie beverage. Ultimately, the ability of your body to process what you consume is more important than the specific ingredients of the drink. I recommend checking your current metabolic state and constitution before strictly following these trending recipes.