Q. What do you think about diet chocolates or products with sugar substitutes? Do you recommend them?

I also find myself relying on a piece of chocolate when my energy dips during work, and in those moments, sugar substitutes seem like a lifesaver. However, from a practitioner's perspective, I suggest a cautious approach. The advantages are clear: they don't cause rapid blood glucose spikes, which reduces concerns about diabetes, and their low calories provide temporary psychological satisfaction. They can serve as an excellent bridge when cravings become unbearable. There are, however, drawbacks. When the brain perceives sweetness but no actual energy enters the system, the body may send signals of deficiency, leading you to seek more food. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is viewed as a process where cravings increase due to Spleen Deficiency (脾虛)—a state where the function of the Spleen is weakened, disrupting the balance of digestion, absorption, and energy metabolism. Frequent consumption can also alter the gut environment, making the body prone to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮), which are metabolic waste products. Ultimately, the question of which product is better is less important than understanding 'why my body is craving sweets right now.' For instance, when there is an accumulation of Blood Stasis (瘀血) blocking circulation, 'false hunger' often occurs. Therefore, treat sugar substitute products as a 'medicine' rather than a 'staple' and use them very sparingly. The fastest path to health is approaching your diet with a precise understanding of your body's metabolic state. Let's work together to find the method that best suits your unique constitution.