Q. Many people recommend Subway for diet meals. How does a Korean medicine clinic suggest eating there?

I have personal experience relying solely on salads, only to find myself dizzy and exhausted during work—a classic example of an unbalanced approach. From a TKM perspective, here are the key points for customizing your Subway order: First, choose your bread based on your digestive strength. While whole-grain bread (Wheat) is generally healthier, if you suffer from Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛) and experience frequent indigestion, a refined bread may actually be easier on your stomach. Second, ensure you reinforce your energy with proteins. Opt for lean ingredients like chicken breast or turkey. A severe lack of protein leads to muscle loss, which significantly drops your basal metabolic rate. Third, the vegetables are effective in discharging Dam-eum (痰飮, abnormal fluid accumulation/phlegm) from the body. However, those with a chronically 'cold' constitution should moderate their intake of raw vegetables to avoid chilling the digestive system. Finally, consider the sauces and sodium. Excessively salty sauces can contribute to the formation of Eo-hyeol (瘀血, blood stasis), leading to edema and bloating. I recommend lighter options like olive oil and black pepper. The most important thing is not choosing a menu that others call 'healthy,' but choosing what your specific body needs. By understanding your unique constitution and digestive state, you can create a far more efficient diet. Please visit our clinic so we can identify your constitution and tailor a plan together.