Q. I'm told to eat only chicken breast when dieting, but why exactly is that? I'm wondering if it's simply because it's a protein.

To be honest, I remember struggling myself in the past by stubbornly sticking to only chicken breast until I grew completely sick of it. The dry texture can be quite overwhelming, can't it? (smiles) Let me explain the principle. When you diet, your body perceives an energy deficit and attempts to break down muscle for fuel. Sufficient protein intake is crucial during this time to prevent muscle loss and a subsequent drop in your basal metabolic rate. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), a deficiency in protein intake can easily lead to a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where you feel lethargic. This is a condition where the Spleen's function is weakened, hindering the proper absorption and transport of nutrients. High-quality proteins like chicken breast help supplement this Spleen function, maintaining your overall vital energy (Qi). However, there is a caveat. For those with weak digestive capacities, forcing yourself to eat only chicken breast can lead to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮). This refers to a state where metabolic waste products are not properly discharged and remain stagnant in the body, which can lead to increased bloating or a feeling of heaviness. Rather than obsessively sticking to chicken breast, it is important to adjust your cooking methods based on your digestion or use herbal medicine to first support your digestive functions. I invite you to consult with me to determine what a 'truly efficient diet' tailored to your specific body type would be.