Q. Are there any tips for choosing diet-friendly drinks at Starbucks? I'm curious about the Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective.

Even as a practitioner, I sometimes find myself scanning the Starbucks menu wondering what to drink to avoid weight gain. However, relying solely on black americanos without syrup for the sake of dieting often leads to burnout. From a TKM perspective, we consider three key factors when choosing a beverage: 1. Checking for Dameum (痰飮 - Phlegm-Fluid Retention): If your body feels heavy due to the accumulation of waste products, clean teas are preferable over syrup-laden lattes. Dameum refers to 'stagnant fluids' in the body; adding high amounts of sugar to this state can make the body feel even heavier. 2. Considering Bi-heo (脾虛 - Spleen Deficiency): For those with weak digestion and low energy (Spleen Deficiency), warm drinks are recommended over iced beverages. When Spleen function declines, body temperature and metabolic rates drop. In this state, cold drinks further impair digestive power, which can hinder weight loss progress. 3. Managing Eo-hyeol (瘀血 - Blood Stasis): For individuals with poor circulation and cold extremities, warm-natured Rooibos or herbal teas are a great fit. In the presence of Blood Stasis—where blood flow is sluggish—warm teas help resolve stagnation and boost overall metabolism. Ultimately, the answer lies in 'what your body needs right now.' Rather than the futile effort of simply cutting calories, it is far more efficient to support your metabolism with beverages that suit your constitution. I encourage you to visit the clinic so we can determine your specific constitution together.