Special Diet Topics
Q. I've been packing diet lunch boxes for work, but why am I still hitting a weight-loss plateau? Could you recommend some menus?
A.
It can be frustrating when your hard work doesn't show results. Often, we focus solely on 'weight-loss foods' while overlooking our body's actual digestive capacity and metabolic rate. For those with weak digestion, cooked vegetables are better than raw ones, and those with a cold constitution should opt for warm steamed dishes over cold salads. The key is finding the right 'temperature' and 'cooking method' tailored to your specific constitution.
📝 Detailed Answer
Many office workers make the mistake of blindly following 'trendy' diets. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), some individuals suffer from Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), meaning their digestive and absorptive functions are impaired. For these individuals, consuming cold salads can further inhibit gastrointestinal function, actually slowing down the metabolism and contributing to a plateau.
Furthermore, if your body is struggling with Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste—or Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—impaired blood circulation—simply reducing calories will not solve the problem. In these cases, you must warm the body to stimulate circulation to break through the plateau.
I recommend a combination of 'cooked vegetables' and 'warm proteins.' For example, steamed cabbage, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled fish reduce the digestive burden while boosting metabolism. Since every individual's constitution is unique, it is essential to first assess your current digestive state and the level of internal waste accumulation. Visiting the clinic for a personalized consultation will help you establish a more efficient and effective dietary plan.
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Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director