I've been eating mainly salads, like from Subway, to lose weight. What is the perspective of a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic on this kind of diet?
Rather than focusing solely on reducing calories, you must first examine your 'digestive capacity.' Diets centered on cold vegetables and cheese can actually be detrimental to those with weak digestion. Lowering calories is not the only solution; you must ensure your internal organs can process these foods and adjust your diet accordingly.
I have personally experienced bloating and dizziness from overconsuming salads while dieting, so I speak from experience: a diet that works for others may be harmful to you. Here is how to approach a 'Subway-style' diet from a TKM perspective:
1. Assess Your Digestive State: Determine if you are in a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo). If your Spleen is weak and digestive power is low, consuming large amounts of cold or raw vegetables can cool the abdomen and cause severe bloating.
2. Balance Temperature: Instead of only eating cold sandwiches, add ingredients with warming properties or pair your meal with a warm tea. To prevent the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum)—metabolic waste in the body—the digestive organs must remain warm.
3. Choose Cheeses and Sauces Wisely: High milk fats in cheese and irritating sauces can contribute to 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol), which thickens the blood. I recommend switching to lighter options like olive oil or pepper.
4. Balance Your Proteins: Relying solely on vegetables can lead to a drop in your basal metabolic rate due to lack of energy. The key is to select protein sources that suit your specific body constitution to prevent fatigue.
Ultimately, 'how your body processes' what you eat is more important than 'what' you eat. Dieting becomes much easier once you align your meals with your specific constitution and digestive strength. Please visit our clinic for a detailed consultation.
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