Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I'm planning to focus my diet on things like chicken breast spring rolls or kimbap for weight loss. What kind of diet would you recommend as an Oriental Medical Doctor?
While focusing on chicken breast and vegetables can be effective in the short term, many people experience a significant drop in digestive capacity depending on their constitution. Rather than simply restricting calories, you should design a meal plan based on your body's current digestive and metabolic rate to prevent the yo-yo effect.
I once had a similar experience where I focused solely on chicken breast out of sheer willpower, only to suffer from chronic bloating and dizziness for quite some time. The diet you mentioned certainly has advantages: being rich in protein and dietary fiber, it provides prolonged satiety and prevents blood sugar spikes, which is beneficial for managing body fat.
However, there is a critical point to consider. If you have a 'Bi-Heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency) constitution—characterized by weak digestive power—consuming excessive amounts of raw vegetables or foods with 'cold' properties can lead to abdominal bloating and frequent diarrhea. Furthermore, an unbalanced nutritional intake can cause the accumulation of 'Dam-Eum' (痰飮, stagnant metabolic waste), which may actually slow down your overall metabolism.
Ultimately, there is no single 'perfect diet' for everyone. A diet that acts as a restorative tonic for one person may be detrimental to another. It is essential to first determine if your body has an accumulation of 'Eo-Hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) or if your general Qi (vital energy) is depleted.
I suggest using your current plan as a general framework, but try adjusting it by incorporating foods with 'warm' properties or slightly altering your cooking methods. If you visit the clinic, I can accurately assess your current physiological state and help you design a customized diet that your body can comfortably accept, rather than one you have to force yourself to endure.