Q. Is it okay to eat frozen chicken breast without thawing it properly while dieting? Are there any health risks?

Hello, I am Dr. Choi Yeon-seung from Baekrokdam Clinic. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the way you prepare your food is just as important as the calories it contains. When you ingest cold or partially frozen meat, your body must first raise its temperature to match your core body heat before digestive enzymes can even begin to work. This process exhausts your 'Spleen Qi'—the vital energy responsible for digestion and metabolism. If the Spleen, which acts as the body's metabolic factory, becomes cold and weakened (a state called Spleen Deficiency or 脾虛), your basal metabolic rate drops. Consequently, the body fails to burn energy efficiently, leading to the buildup of metabolic dregs known as Phlegm-fluid (痰飮) and Water Toxins (水毒). These toxins cause the heavy, sluggish feeling and persistent swelling that many dieters mistake for fat. Furthermore, the tough texture of improperly thawed protein can hinder smooth blood flow, potentially leading to Blood Stasis (瘀血). For a truly effective diet, you must keep your 'internal fire' alive. I recommend thawing your chicken slowly in the refrigerator overnight and cooking it thoroughly. Adding warming ingredients like ginger or garlic can further support your Spleen Qi and ensure your body is in the optimal state to shed weight.