I've been eating Subway sandwiches without any sauce at all to lose weight. Which combinations do you recommend from a Korean medicine perspective?
Rather than absolute restriction, 'delicious moderation' tailored to your body's condition is key. Natural seasonings like salt, pepper, and olive oil can actually support metabolism. Eating food that is too dry often leads to giving up on the diet; the secret is choosing a combination that aligns with your digestive capacity and daily condition.
I have also experienced dizziness from eating nothing but chicken breast and raw vegetables during my own dieting days. Unconditional restriction often leads to binge eating in the end.
Natural seasonings like olive oil and pepper are actually beneficial. They assist in lipid metabolism and satisfy psychological hunger by enhancing flavor. Combining the dietary fiber from vegetables with a moderate amount of healthy fats also helps slow down the rise of blood glucose levels.
However, there are things to be cautious about. Strong, irritating sauces can easily lead to the accumulation of 'Dameum' (痰飮)—a state where metabolic waste and fluids stagnate in the body. Excessive salt intake can also prevent water from draining, leaving the body feeling heavy and bloated. In particular, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛)—a deficiency in Spleen function and digestive capacity—may experience bloating and a cold sensation in the lower abdomen when consuming large amounts of raw vegetables at once.
Ultimately, the answer lies in your current physiological state. The recommended seasonings vary depending on whether you have strong digestion or a constitution prone to edema. If you are struggling with your diet, I suggest visiting the clinic so we can analyze your constitution and find the foods that best suit your body.
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