Q. How should I manage fasting days or 'cheating days' during my diet?

Many people attempt extreme fasting out of enthusiasm, only to experience dizziness and decreased productivity. When the body perceives sudden, extreme changes as stress, it enters 'survival mode,' which actually encourages the body to store energy more aggressively. To lose weight healthily from a TKM perspective, consider the following steps: First, we must check for Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). If your digestive function is weakened, sudden fasting or overeating puts excessive strain on the gastrointestinal tract. Next, it is essential to clear Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮) and Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—the body's metabolic waste. Clearing these pathways allows your body to respond more efficiently to dietary changes. Regarding your diet, balance is key. Instead of absolute fasting, opt for 'light meals,' and instead of bingeing, enjoy 'moderate portions of your favorite foods.' Maintaining a consistent flow of Qi is the best way to prevent the yo-yo effect. Finally, you must replenish depleted energy. When your vital energy (Qi) drops during a diet, your ability to control appetite also decreases. Using appropriate herbal prescriptions to boost your energy will make the process far more efficient. The core principle is to lose weight while soothing your body so it doesn't react with stress. Rather than struggling alone, I recommend visiting the clinic to assess your current energy levels and digestive health.