I’ve heard that a glass of wine is fine even when dieting. What do you recommend instead?
While the antioxidants in wine can support vascular health, alcohol hinders fat burning and increases appetite. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we focus on your specific constitution (Che-jil) and the circulation of Qi and Blood. Rather than relying on alcohol, it is better to restore your metabolism through herbal medicine and habit correction for long-term benefits.
I can relate—I used to love a glass of wine after work, but I struggled to lose weight during that time. Dieting and wine often have a 'love-hate' relationship. While resveratrol provides antioxidant benefits and helps smooth out stagnant Qi to relieve stress, alcohol forces the liver to prioritize detoxification over fat burning. From a TKM perspective, the 'dampness' of alcohol can create metabolic waste called 'Dampness-Phlegm' (Dam-eum) and may lead to impulsive overeating. If you find yourself constantly craving wine, you might be suffering from Spleen Qi Deficiency (Bi-heo), which increases the urge for sweets and alcohol. Instead, clearing Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) and toxins while boosting your metabolic rate is a much more effective long-term strategy. Above all, it is essential to receive a personalized guide based on an accurate assessment of your constitution and current health.
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