Q. Diet lunch boxes and chicken breast products from convenience stores are very popular these days. From a TKM doctor's perspective, would you recommend these kinds of diets?

To be honest, I also occasionally grab a quick meal from a convenience store when I am busy. However, I've noticed that doing so often leaves me feeling bloated or lightheaded. Based on this experience, convenience store diets have two distinct sides. The advantages are clear: calorie counting is simple, and they are accessible anywhere. For those starting a diet for the first time, these products serve as an excellent tool to lower the 'psychological barrier' to dietary management. However, from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, there are several shortcomings. Additives in processed foods tend to accumulate 'Dameum' (痰飮)—essentially metabolic waste or phlegm-fluid—within the body. Furthermore, because these meals are often consumed cold, individuals with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in the Spleen, may experience indigestion or abdominal pain. Ultimately, the answer is 'adjusting according to the situation.' Do not stress yourself out by sticking strictly to chicken breast; instead, use convenience meals occasionally and pair them with a cup of warm tea or heated vegetables. The key is to first determine whether your body is effectively eliminating waste or if your digestive capacity has diminished. If you adjust your diet based on this internal state, you will be able to manage your health much more comfortably.