How does your clinic approach a diet consisting only of chicken breast and salads?
Simply eating less is not always the solution. In Traditional Korean Medicine, we first assess your digestive health and metabolic capacity rather than just cutting calories, ensuring your body is actually capable of absorbing and burning nutrients effectively before tailoring your diet.
Many people immediately think of the 'chicken, sweet potato, and vegetable' routine when starting a diet. However, forcing such a regimen without considering your physical condition often leads to premature burnout.
At Baekrokdam Clinic, we approach dietary planning in these stages:
1. Assessing Digestive Absorption: We check for 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo). If your spleen function is weak, consuming excessive raw vegetables or cold foods can cause bloating and further slow down your metabolism.
2. Clearing Waste Pathways: If there is an accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum)—metabolic waste caused by impaired fluid metabolism—your body will respond slowly to dietary changes. We prioritize clearing these obstructions first.
3. Improving Blood Circulation: When there is 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol), nutrients cannot reach the peripheral cells. Improving circulation is essential to maximize the efficiency of your diet.
4. Customized Energy Supplementation: Instead of indiscriminate fasting, we adjust the ratio of carbohydrates and proteins based on your current energy levels.
I once made the mistake of thinking that eating as little as possible was the only way. But the human body is not a machine. If you force a strict diet while your 'digestion-absorption-elimination' rhythm is broken, you are more likely to suffer from lethargy or experience a yo-yo effect. It is crucial to first understand what your body specifically needs.
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