Q. I'm feeling completely exhausted and want to give up on my diet; do you think I can actually keep going?

I can empathize with you; during my own studies, I once pushed my diet too far, leading to a mental breakdown and binge eating. I felt dizzy and overwhelmed. This proves that dieting is not merely a matter of willpower, but a complex interaction of hormones and energy levels. First, we must identify your specific condition. First, if you feel psychologically exhausted and lethargic, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) views this as 'Qi Deficiency' (氣虛), a state where systemic energy is depleted. In this case, instead of further restricting calories, we incorporate medicinal herbs that replenish Qi to reduce the stress perceived by the brain. Second, if you are struggling with uncontrollable 'false hunger,' it may be due to 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste and fluid retention. When metabolism stagnates, the brain continuously craves sugar. In such cases, treatment focusing on discharging waste and improving metabolic efficiency is the priority. Third, if your body feels heavy and swollen, leading to a lack of motivation, it may be caused by 'Blood Stasis' (瘀血). Poor circulation makes the body feel heavy and causes rapid fatigue. Improving blood flow to enhance your overall condition is essential to regain the strength needed to sustain your diet. Ultimately, wanting to give up is not a personal failure, but a signal that your body's internal balance has been disrupted. Having experienced these struggles myself, I know that anyone would want to quit if they are trying to fit into a 'suit' (a regimen) that doesn't fit their body. By adjusting the pace to match your physiological state, you can definitely start again.