Q. I eat a lot of convenient diet foods like chicken breast hot bars; from a TKM doctor's perspective, what would you recommend?

I have actually had a period where I relied exclusively on convenience store chicken breast products for my own diet. While it was convenient, I eventually noticed my body feeling heavy and my stomach feeling bloated. Speaking from that experience, the trap of convenience foods lies in the 'additives' and 'salt content.' On the positive side, the high protein content and zero preparation time are significant advantages, especially when your willpower is low and simply eating something is the priority. However, the drawbacks are clear. Food additives used during processing can easily lead to the formation of Dam-eum (痰飮), which in TKM refers to accumulated metabolic waste or phlegm-fluid caused by improper circulation of bodily fluids. Furthermore, the high sodium content can cause edema and hinder overall circulation. From a TKM perspective, everyone has a different level of Bi-heo (脾虛), a condition where the Spleen function is deficient, leading to impaired digestion and absorption. If those with severe Bi-heo consume only processed proteins, it can overburden the gastrointestinal tract and further deplete their energy, which is often why some people feel dizzy or fatigued during such diets. Ultimately, the answer is 'strategic mixing based on your situation.' When you are truly short on time, a hot bar is an option, but when you have a moment, try to incorporate natural foods like boiled eggs or grilled fish. The key to healthy, sustainable weight management without the yo-yo effect is adjusting your diet to match your body's current circulatory state and digestive capacity. Please feel free to let me know if you would like to discuss your current physical condition.