Q. Many people use Subway for diet management these days. From a Korean Medicine doctor's perspective, which menus or methods would you recommend?

I have personal experience struggling with bloating and dizziness from blindly eating only salads while dieting. Based on that, I can tell you that simply seeking the 'lowest calorie' option is not always the right answer. First, I recommend a high intake of vegetables. Dietary fiber slows down the rise of blood sugar and provides satiety, which is very advantageous for diet management. Choosing lean protein sources such as chicken breast or turkey also helps maintain muscle mass. However, there are precautions. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), people with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛)—where digestive function is weakened—may experience a cold abdomen or diarrhea if they consume too many raw vegetables. Furthermore, restricting calories too severely can lead to a state of 'Qi Deficiency' (Gi-heo, 氣虛), which can actually lower your essential metabolic capacity. Ultimately, the answer lies in your body's reaction. Some may do well with whole-wheat bread, while others may find a salad (no bread) more comfortable. Recommended diets inevitably vary depending on your digestion, the degree of edema, and the presence of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮) or 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol, 瘀血). Rather than following a popular menu, I suggest we examine your current digestive health together to find a customized diet. Please feel free to visit the clinic for a detailed consultation.