Q. I've been removing the patty or one of the buns from my burger to diet; from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, what combinations would you recommend?

To be honest, I also rely on burgers when I'm busy. I once tried the 'shortcut' of removing the buns and eating only the patties, but I found myself feeling bloated and lightheaded. From a nutritional standpoint, reducing carbohydrates by cutting the buns while maintaining protein via the patty is an efficient way to prevent rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. However, from a TKM perspective, we must consider 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). If you consume cold raw vegetables or ice-cold cola while your Spleen function is weak, your digestive fire diminishes. This leads to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste that actually slows down your metabolism. We also cannot overlook 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血). The saturated fats in processed meats can obstruct blood circulation, causing water retention and a sensation of heaviness in the body. Ultimately, the answer depends on your current digestive state. If you typically have a cold abdomen and slow digestion, pair your meal with a warm drink and opt for grilled meats over highly processed patties. By understanding your body's unique constitution, you can transform a simple burger into a meal that works for you. Please visit us if you'd like to analyze your specific constitution together.