Q. I'm eating salad meals like Subway for my diet; what kind of dressings should I choose, and what is the Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective on this kind of diet?

Many people focus solely on calorie counts, but TKM prioritizes 'digestive efficiency.' Many patients, particularly office workers in their 30s to 50s, suffer from Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛) due to chronic stress. When the Spleen is weak, even a healthy salad can cool down the body excessively and cause bloating. Baekrokdam Clinic recommends the following dietary approach: 1. Check Your Body Temperature: If you typically have cold hands and feet or feel heavy in the stomach in the morning, try lightly blanched vegetables instead of raw greens. Cold foods can lead to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮), which are metabolic waste products in the body. 2. Choose Dressings Wisely: Natural fats and acids, such as olive oil and lemon juice, help resolve Phlegm-Fluid. Conversely, avoid high-sugar dressings, as they cause blood glucose spikes that trigger 'false hunger.' 3. Pair Proteins with Warming Spices: Try adding ginger or garlic to chicken breast or turkey. These ingredients help resolve Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) and boost overall metabolism. The goal is not 'low calorie,' but 'optimal energy efficiency' for your specific body. If you have experienced dizziness from excessive calorie restriction, please prioritize assessing your metabolic state over calculating numbers.