Q. I've seen a lot of trendy Starbucks diet recipes lately. As a TKM doctor, which drinks would you recommend?

To be honest, I used to follow every famous internet recipe in the book when I tried dieting. The result? I was hungry, yet felt bloated and completely drained of energy. It was a waste of effort. Diet drinks certainly have advantages: they reduce sugar intake, satisfy cravings, and provide psychological comfort. Specifically, teas with warm properties can aid overall circulation. However, the downsides are significant. Most commercial diet drinks are consumed cold. In Traditional Korean Medicine, if a person has 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo), consuming cold drinks continuously weakens digestive power and slows down metabolism. This creates an environment where 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention)—which refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste—can easily build up, making the body feel heavy. Furthermore, obsessing over bland tastes can lead to a psychological 'rebound effect,' resulting in binge eating. Having experienced this myself, I know how difficult that dizzy, unstable feeling can be. Ultimately, the answer is that 'it depends on the individual.' If you tend to experience swelling and feel sluggish, warm teas like Rooibos or Peppermint are recommended. Conversely, if you have a strong digestive system and a heat-dominant constitution, a light iced americano is perfectly fine. If your body's balance has been disrupted by repeated dieting, restoring your overall metabolic capacity is more important than picking a specific drink. If you would like to examine your current physical state together, please feel free to visit the clinic.