Q. As a TKM doctor, would you recommend the popular steamed vegetable diet for weight loss?

I have actually tried eating mostly steamed vegetables myself to lose weight healthily, but I eventually felt drained and dizzy. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, steamed vegetable diets have distinct advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the high fiber content improves the intestinal environment and helps eliminate 'Dameum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of unnecessary fluids and metabolic waste in the body. The high satiety also naturally helps in controlling portion sizes. However, caution is necessary. Specifically, for those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a condition where the spleen function is deficient and digestive power is low, steamed vegetables are better than raw ones, but excessive consumption of vegetables with 'cold' properties can cool the abdomen and lead to indigestion. Furthermore, a lack of protein can lower your basal metabolic rate, potentially making future weight loss more difficult. Ultimately, 'how your body receives the food' is more important than 'what you eat.' I recommend this diet for those with a strong digestive system and high internal heat. However, if you typically have cold hands and feet or lack energy, it is better to incorporate ingredients with 'warm' properties. If you would like to design a diet based on your exact constitutional state, please feel free to visit the clinic for a consultation.