Q. I'm planning to eat mostly chicken breast, Vietnamese spring rolls, or diet kimbap for my meal plan. From a TKM practitioner's perspective, which one would be better?

To be honest, I once insisted on eating only chicken breast while managing my own diet, and I remember feeling quite lightheaded. I made a few mistakes by blindly following popular trends. Chicken breast and diet kimbap are great for ensuring protein intake and are convenient to prepare. However, eating them daily can lead to burnout, and for those with weak digestive systems, a protein-heavy diet can actually place a burden on the stomach. Vegetable-centered meals, like Vietnamese spring rolls, are rich in dietary fiber, which is excellent for expelling 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—the unnecessary metabolic waste and phlegm-like fluids that accumulate in the body. However, consuming too many 'cold-natured' vegetables may lead to 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a deficiency of the Spleen, which can result in a cold abdomen and diarrhea. Ultimately, rather than asking 'which menu is better,' you should first examine 'what is the current state of my body.' If you typically suffer from indigestion or have a cold constitution, incorporate ingredients with warming properties. If you have severe edema, pay closer attention to sodium control. Adjusting your diet according to your body's current 'Qi' (energy) state is the most efficient approach. I would be happy to help you determine which menu best suits your specific constitution and condition during your visit.