Q. I've heard people use calorie calculators to plan their diets; what approach do you recommend at the clinic?

Many people start by obsessing over exact grams of chicken breast or sweet potatoes, but this often leads to mental exhaustion. The fundamental issue is that digestive capacity and metabolic rates vary significantly from person to person. Calorie counting provides objective data and a psychological sense of control, but it has a major drawback: it often leads you to ignore your body's natural hunger or fatigue signals, which frequently results in binge eating or the 'yo-yo effect.' In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we prioritize the 'flow of Qi' over simple caloric numbers. For instance, those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) may struggle to absorb energy efficiently even if they eat, leading to chronic fatigue. Similarly, the accumulation of Phlegm-fluid (痰飮) can hinder circulation and reduce exercise efficiency. If Blood Stasis (瘀血) is present, poor circulation can cause persistent swelling and lethargy despite a strict diet. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the individual. If numerical tracking gives you peace of mind, feel free to use a calculator. However, these numbers should never take precedence over your body's actual condition. The most effective method is to ensure your body's 'metabolic switch' is properly turned on and then find supplementary treatments tailored to your specific constitution.