Q. There are so many diet foods available at places like Costco. What is the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) on these kinds of diets?

Many people find that trendy diet foods initially seem helpful, but they may eventually experience dizziness or a sudden drop in energy. This is often not a fault of the food itself, but a mismatch between the product and the individual's body. From a TKM perspective, consider these four key factors when choosing diet foods: 1. Assess Digestive Status: Check for 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo). If you have weak digestion and consume too many meal replacements with 'cold' properties, your abdomen may become cold, which can actually stall your metabolism. 2. Prevent the Accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (Phlegm-Fluid): The additives found in processed diet foods can easily create 'Dam-eum,' or metabolic waste, in the body. This blocks circulation and makes the body feel heavy. It is better to choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. 3. Manage 'Eo-hyeol' (Blood Stasis) and Circulation: Extreme low-calorie diets can slow down blood circulation and lead to 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis). Proper nutrition is essential to keep the blood clear and ensure that body fat is burned efficiently. 4. Tailor to Your Constitution: Some individuals thrive on high-protein diets, while others require a certain amount of carbohydrates to maintain metabolic function. This is why a popular 'recommended item' from a store like Costco might be beneficial for one person but detrimental to another. Ultimately, the answer lies in 'adjusting according to your own body.' I recommend planning your diet based on a precise understanding of your current metabolic capacity.