Q. I'm on a diet, but I keep craving ice cream. From a TKM doctor's perspective, are there any diet-friendly ice creams you would recommend?

To be honest, I have also tried 'diet ice cream' in the past. While the cold sweetness feels rewarding, cold foods weaken the Spleen (脾臟) in TKM. When Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) occurs, digestion slows down and 'Dampness' (濕) accumulates in the body, leading to increased swelling and chronic fatigue. There is a psychological benefit, as it can provide a mental release that helps maintain a long-term diet. However, even products labeled as 'diet' often contain hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners, and the cold temperature itself slows down the basal metabolic rate. For those with a cold constitution or weak digestion, even one serving can cause bloating or diarrhea, which TKM views as a pathway to the formation of Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮). Therefore, the answer is 'it depends.' A few bites occasionally won't cause major issues, but as a habit, it impairs the Spleen and Stomach and lowers metabolism, making you prone to the yo-yo effect. I instead recommend warm-natured snacks such as pumpkin porridge, ginger tea, or roasted sweet potatoes. Since constitutions and daily conditions vary by individual, the most accurate advice can be provided through a professional pulse diagnosis.