Q. What is the difference between extreme dieting, like fasting or eating only chicken breast, versus managing my diet while allowing for occasional dining out? Which approach is better?

I have personally experienced the cycle of over-ambitious dieting—sticking strictly to chicken breast and sweet potatoes—only to end up in a binge-eating episode followed by deep frustration and physical dizziness. Through that experience, I realized that absolute restriction is not the answer. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), overly restrictive diets can easily lead to Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo), where the digestive function is weakened. When absorption and digestion decline, vitality drops and 'phlegm-fluid' (痰飮, Dam-eum)—metabolic waste products—accumulates, making the body feel heavy. If blood circulation becomes stagnant, leading to 'blood stasis' (瘀血, Eo-hyeol), edema increases, often making patients feel as though they have hit a weight-loss plateau. Therefore, I recommend a 'sustainable balance.' Even when dining out, small changes make a big difference—such as choosing whole-grain pasta over refined flour or simply adjusting the order of consumption to Vegetables → Protein → Carbohydrates. | Category | Extreme Diet (Fasting/Single Food) | Flexible Diet (Including Dining Out) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Psychological State** | High pressure, prone to binge-eating due to deprivation | Relatively relaxed, lower stress levels | | **Metabolic Response** | High risk of decreased basal metabolic rate | Favorable for maintaining metabolism | | **Sustainability** | Short-term (high likelihood of quitting) | Long-term (establishes as a lifestyle habit) | | **Physical Impact** | Nutrient deficiencies (hair loss, menstrual irregularities) | Risk of nutritional imbalance (requires management) | | **TKM Perspective** | Induces Spleen Deficiency and loss of vital energy (Qi) | Efficient when adjusted to individual constitution | Ultimately, rather than asking 'which is better,' it is more important to understand your current digestive status and metabolic capacity. If you visit the clinic, I will carefully examine your condition and help you find the optimal balance that allows you to enjoy eating out without straining your body.