Q. Can I succeed on a Subway diet just by picking the right sauce? I'd like to know the Traditional Korean Medicine approach to this.

I once comforted myself thinking 'Subway won't make me gain weight' while dieting. But simply eating lots of raw vegetables isn't always the answer. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), weight gain is viewed as the accumulation of waste from the body failing to 'burn' nutrients efficiently. Here are four TKM steps for a successful approach: 1. Protect your stomach temperature to prevent Spleen Deficiency (Biheo): Raw vegetables are 'cold' in nature. Overconsumption can weaken the Spleen's transportative function. Always ask for your bread to be toasted and pair your meal with lukewarm water instead of cold drinks to maintain digestive warmth. 2. Sauces are the primary culprits of Dameum (Phlegm-fluid): Stimulating sauces that are too sweet or salty hinder internal circulation and create Dameum. Opt for olive oil, pepper, and vinegar. The sour taste of vinegar supports Liver Qi, which aids metabolism. 3. Choose whole proteins over processed meats: Processed meats like ham or bacon can cause Blood Stasis (Eohyeol) by stagnating blood flow. Choosing whole proteins like roasted chicken or steak keeps the blood clean and reduces bloating. 4. Chew slowly to reduce the burden on the Spleen and Stomach (Biwi): It's easy to swallow sandwiches quickly, but if food isn't broken down in the mouth, the stomach becomes overloaded. Thorough chewing is the best exercise to strengthen Biwi function, ensuring metabolic energy isn't wasted solely on digestion. Ultimately, the key is your body's ability to digest and metabolize what you eat. Combining these dietary habits with TKM treatments to boost metabolic function will make your weight loss journey much easier.