Can I eat processed foods like chicken breast hot bars while managing my diet? What kind of diet do Korean medicine clinics typically recommend?

To be honest, I've also had those days when I grabbed a quick meal from a convenience store because I was too busy. We all know that feeling of bloating and dizziness that follows, right? As a practitioner of Korean medicine, I've experienced those pitfalls myself. Processed foods like chicken breast hot bars certainly have advantages: they are easy to prepare and high in protein. They can be helpful tools to lower the barrier to entry when you feel overwhelmed by diet management. However, there are clear downsides. The additives used in processing easily create 'Dam-eum' (痰飮) in the body. In Traditional Korean Medicine, Dam-eum refers to a state where metabolic waste accumulates, hindering the proper circulation of bodily fluids. When this happens, your metabolism slows down, creating an environment where it becomes harder to lose weight. This is particularly burdensome for those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or deficiency of the Spleen. When Spleen function is weak, the body's ability to break down chemical additives decreases, leading to rapid fatigue and edema (swelling). Ultimately, the answer depends on your situation. If you are truly pressed for time, it is fine to stave off hunger with a hot bar. But on days when you feel well, I encourage you to eat whole, unprocessed foods. Recommended diets vary completely depending on your digestive state and energy levels. If you are curious about which foods are right for your body right now, please feel free to visit the clinic so we can figure it out together.