Q. Doctor, I'm thinking about trying some of the diet menus at Subway. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, do you have any recommendations?

Many people attempting diet menus at Subway often ask, 'I'm eating light, so why am I not losing weight?' I have encountered similar concerns in the past. Relying heavily on sandwiches can lead to the consumption of cold vegetables and dressings, which chills the gastrointestinal tract, impairs digestive function, and allows 'Dampness' (濕) to accumulate in the intestines. In TKM, this state is referred to as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). When the Spleen is weakened, fluid metabolism becomes inefficient, which can paradoxically lead to bloating, edema, or the 'yo-yo' effect. Regarding the benefits, Subway allows for relatively flexible control over calories and portions while providing ample dietary fiber. Choosing whole-grain bread and plenty of vegetables helps reduce blood sugar spikes. However, the drawbacks are clear: first, the predominantly cold ingredients chill the interior of the body and decrease the activity of digestive enzymes. Second, since protein options are often limited to chicken breast or turkey, it may be insufficient for those whose constitution is prone to muscle loss. Third, obsessing over a 'diet' menu can lead to accumulated hunger and stress, which may eventually trigger binge eating. Therefore, my recommendation varies by individual. If you have a constitution with high internal heat and good digestion, utilizing Subway along with warm tea is perfectly fine. However, for those who typically have cold hands and feet, a cold stomach, or experience diarrhea and abdominal bloating, I advise against strictly adhering to the lightest menus. Instead, try to compensate by having the bread toasted warm or pairing the meal with ginger tea. The key is not just 'what to remove,' but 'how to fill your nutritional needs while keeping the body warm.' Combining this approach with herbal medicine or acupuncture can help regulate Spleen Deficiency and Damp-Phlegm (濕痰). Please remember that dieting is not about a short-term menu choice, but about long-term constitutional improvement.