Q. I usually just pick salads or light options at burger joints when I'm dieting. What combinations would you recommend from a TKM perspective?

I once insisted on eating only salads to 'lose weight healthily,' only to struggle with chronic bloating and indigestion. Dieting with burger chain menus has clear pros and cons. On the positive side, you can consume far more vegetables than usual, and by avoiding processed sauces, you significantly reduce your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates. This is often the most realistic alternative for busy professionals. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consuming too many raw vegetables can be problematic for those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), leading to a cold abdomen and diarrhea. Furthermore, chasing only low-calorie options can trigger 'psychological hunger,' often leading to binge eating after a few days due to a sense of deprivation. Ultimately, the answer depends on your body's current state. Depending on whether you are suffering from 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮) stagnation or if your metabolism has dropped due to exhausted Qi and energy, my recommendations would differ completely. Finding a nutritional combination that suits your specific constitution is a much more sustainable shortcut to avoid the yo-yo effect than blindly cutting calories. If you are unsure which combination is right for you, I invite you to visit the clinic to assess your body's current balance. Let's work together to find a sustainable diet that you can maintain long-term.