Q. I've seen many people recommend sandwiches like Subway for dieting. Why is that? Does it actually help?

Many people fail their diets because they rely on restrictive menus, like chicken breast and sweet potatoes, which lead to fatigue and lack of energy. Sustainable eating is key. Sandwiches of this style allow you to reduce sugar intake compared to white rice or processed bread. When blood sugar rises rapidly, the body releases a surge of insulin, causing excess energy to be stored as fat. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), such unbalanced eating habits can lead to 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). The Spleen is responsible for transforming food into energy; when its function weakens, metabolic efficiency drops, and 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste products—accumulates in the body. This accumulation creates a vicious cycle where the body feels heavy and the metabolism slows down. Therefore, rather than fasting, a diet that utilizes vegetables to clear Phlegm-Fluid and provides protein to support Spleen function is essential. Please note that the ideal choice of vegetables varies by individual constitution. For those with weak digestive power, excessive raw vegetables may cause bloating. It is best to adjust your diet based on your personal digestive capacity.