Q. I'm thinking of incorporating a lot of tofu dishes into my weight loss plan. As a practitioner of Traditional Korean Medicine, do you recommend a tofu-based diet?

I once tried a tofu-only diet myself out of pure ambition, but I quickly ended up feeling dizzy and overwhelmed by the smell of beans. It was a futile effort that taught me a lot. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), tofu is highly recommended for individuals with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), as it is easily digested and absorbed, helping to boost vitality. It is also an excellent ingredient for clearing 'Phlegm-fluid' (痰飮), which refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the body. However, tofu has a distinct drawback: it possesses a 'Cold' nature (寒性). If someone with a naturally cold abdomen or sensitive bowels consumes it excessively, they may suffer from stomach aches or diarrhea, which can undermine their overall health. Furthermore, relying on a 'one-food' diet inevitably leads to nutritional imbalances. Therefore, I suggest neutralizing tofu’s cold property by pairing it with 'warm' ingredients like chives or ginger. The secret to sustainable weight loss without the yo-yo effect is prioritizing your body’s Qi (vital energy) and internal balance rather than just caloric restriction. If you find meal planning difficult, we can look into your specific constitution to find a tailored solution together.