Q. I've been following low-calorie Starbucks recipes for my diet; what is the Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective on this approach?

Having experienced various trendy diets myself, I've found that obsessing over 'numbers' often leads to extreme fatigue and dizziness. From a TKM perspective, there are critical factors that low-calorie substitutes cannot address: 1. Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛): If your Spleen function is already weak, consuming cold drinks or alternative sugars can further decrease digestive efficiency. This state, known as Spleen Deficiency, slows down energy metabolism, making it harder for the body to shed weight. 2. Accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮): Artificial additives and processed sweeteners can contribute to the creation of metabolic waste called 'Dam-eum.' When this accumulates, it leads to a feeling of heaviness and stagnates overall circulation. 3. Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) and Circulation: Excessive intake of cold beverages can impede blood flow, potentially leading to Blood Stasis. Specifically, when the lower abdomen becomes cold, the basal metabolic rate drops significantly. Therefore, I recommend the following steps: First, switch the temperature of your drinks to 'lukewarm.' Maintaining the temperature of the gastrointestinal tract is the foundation of metabolism. Second, try to retrain your palate to enjoy the natural flavors of raw ingredients instead of relying on sugar substitutes. Restoring your sense of taste helps eliminate 'false hunger.' Third, assess the current state of your digestive energy (Spleen Qi). Ultimately, dieting is not about finding things to remove, but about creating an internal environment where your body can naturally burn energy. Let's take a closer look at your current bodily condition together.