다이어트 기초·원인 이해
Q. Costco diet foods seem to be trending lately; how exactly do they work to help with weight loss?
A.
These foods typically utilize low-calorie formulas with reduced sugars and high protein to lower overall caloric intake. The mechanism follows a cycle of [Caloric Restriction → Lower Insulin Levels → Body Fat Burning]. While Western medicine focuses on stabilizing blood glucose to prevent fat accumulation, from a TKM perspective, consuming cold foods or specific ingredients that clash with your constitution can impair digestive function and lead to metabolic stagnation.
📝 Detailed Answer
I enjoy trying out trendy diet foods myself, so I've experienced a bit of trial and error, and I completely understand the appeal. Many people find that these foods can be bland or tiring to eat over time.
Fundamentally, these products work by limiting carbohydrates to suppress insulin secretion. However, weight loss isn't as simple as just 'eating less.' For those with a Spleen Deficiency (Bi-Heo, 脾虛)—a TKM constitution characterized by weakened digestive power—switching abruptly to high-protein diets or unfamiliar artificial sweeteners can be problematic.
In such cases, you may feel hungry yet bloated, or experience a lack of energy accompanied by systemic swelling. In TKM, this is viewed as the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-Eum, 痰飮), where abnormal fluids and metabolic waste stagnate in the body. When the circulation of Qi and Blood is blocked, the body enters a 'survival mode,' actually slowing down the metabolic rate regardless of how few calories you consume.
Ultimately, the key is not just 'what you eat,' but 'how well your body processes it.' Rather than blindly following a trend, it is far more efficient to first assess your current digestive health and overall energy levels. If you feel unusually fatigued or experience indigestion after changing your diet, please let me know so we can find a solution together.
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Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director