Q. Many people recommend the Subway Rotisserie Chicken combo for dieting. What is your professional opinion as an Oriental Medicine doctor?

To be honest, I also eat at Subway when I'm busy. As a practitioner of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), I can't always eat formal, traditional Korean meals! (laughs) First, let's look at the benefits: Rotisserie chicken is low in fat and rich in protein. When paired with plenty of vegetables, it helps the body efficiently discharge 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), which refers to accumulated metabolic waste or phlegm-fluid. Dietary fiber also plays a crucial role in managing 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, which can hinder smooth blood circulation. However, there are a few precautions. Those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in the Spleen and Stomach functions, may experience bloating or diarrhea if they consume too many raw vegetables, which possess a 'cold' nature. I actually went through a phase of struggling with my own digestion while stubbornly insisting on raw vegetables in the name of health. Then there are the sauces. Regardless of how healthy the main ingredients are, using heavy, sweet, or salty sauces can cause blood sugar fluctuations, leading to increased cravings. I recommend lighter combinations, such as olive oil or red wine vinegar. Ultimately, the answer depends on your body's specific digestive state. If you often feel cold in your abdomen or have slow digestion, lightly steamed vegetables are better. Otherwise, the Rotisserie Chicken combo is a very reasonable and healthy choice.