Q. How does Traditional Korean Medicine view diet substitutes like diet pasta? What is the most effective way to consume them?

I have personally tried many trending diet foods in the past, only to find myself feeling dizzy and bloated. Through that experience, I realized that simply cutting calories is not the solution. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, certain ingredients in substitute foods can increase 'Dameum' (痰飮), which refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste and fluid in the body. In particular, those with a 'Bi-heo' (脾虛) constitution—meaning a deficiency in the Spleen/digestive function—may find that processed substitutes block their metabolism, leading to edema and a feeling of heaviness. Here is the healthy approach I recommend: 1. Assess your digestive capacity: If you feel bloated or gassy after eating substitute foods, your body is not yet ready to process them. 2. Increase the proportion of 'real food': Instead of switching entirely to substitutes, start by increasing your intake of unprocessed, natural ingredients. 3. Boost your metabolism: By using herbal medicine to replenish Qi and resolve 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis), you can improve your body's ability to burn energy, even when eating the same foods. 4. Transition gradually: Once your digestive power is restored, incorporate diet pasta or similar substitutes occasionally. This is the most sustainable way to avoid the yo-yo effect. Ultimately, you must repair your body's 'engine' (metabolic capacity) before changing the 'fuel' (food). I suggest we first examine whether your body is currently capable of handling these substitute foods.