Q. What is the difference between diet recipes like chicken breast spring roll kimbap and general dieting methods such as calorie restriction and exercise? Which approach do you recommend at the clinic?

To elaborate, chicken breast spring roll kimbap is excellent for preserving muscle mass due to high protein and providing essential fiber from vegetables. However, from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, while chicken is generally neutral in nature, preparing it by boiling or steaming to remove fat can accentuate its 'cooling' properties. For patients with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo)—a state where the Spleen's function is weakened, leading to poor digestion and absorption—long-term consumption may cause bloating or a sensation of coldness in the stomach. Conversely, common general dieting methods like strict calorie restriction or intermittent fasting often lead to rapid initial weight loss. Yet, over time, these can deplete the body's Qi and Blood, resulting in metabolic slowdown and chronic fatigue. Specifically, those with an accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum)—unnecessary metabolic byproducts in the body—are more susceptible to the 'yo-yo effect.' Ultimately, no single method is perfect. TKM focuses on personalized dietary therapy by analyzing the patient's constitution, digestive capacity, and current state of Qi and Blood. For instance, if you have Spleen Deficiency, we may recommend proteins with warming properties (such as beef or eggs) combined with herbal medicine to tonify the gastrointestinal tract. We invite you to visit the clinic for a personalized consultation to find the most effective approach for your specific body type.