BRD Clinic
Only people currently living in Korea with their own Korean 010 mobile number can apply. Overseas residents are not eligible.

I'm currently managing my diet with convenience foods like chicken breast bars. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine, are there any precautions I should take or more effective methods?

While chicken breast bars are a convenient protein source, Traditional Korean Medicine warns that processed additives and their cold nature can lead to Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), which weakens digestive function. Instead of focusing solely on calorie counting, you should focus on boosting 'warm energy' to help your digestive system metabolize food effectively. It is better to take a phased approach by first checking your body's metabolic state rather than just restricting intake.

It is very common to grab a quick chicken breast bar when busy, but this can often lead to a heavy stomach or lightheadedness. From a TKM perspective, here are four pieces of advice for maintaining a healthier diet: 1. **Check for Spleen Deficiency (脾虛):** If your Spleen—the body's primary energy factory—is weak, simply fueling it with processed chicken won't generate vitality; it will only exhaust you further. If you feel unusually sleepy or bloated after eating, restoring your digestive transport function is the first priority. 2. **Facilitate the Discharge of Phlegm-fluid (痰飮):** Additives found in processed convenience foods easily create 'Dam-eum' (metabolic waste). If you feel swollen or heavy, drink warm water or tea with your meals to support circulation and help flush out these impurities. 3. **Prevent Blood Stasis (瘀血) with Vegetables:** A diet skewed too heavily toward protein can 'cloud' the blood, leading to a state of Blood Stasis. To counter this, always pair your protein with leafy greens or blanched vegetables. Smooth blood circulation is essential for the effective metabolism of body fat. 4. **Transition to Whole Natural Foods:** The gold standard is eating unprocessed ingredients. Even if you start with convenience bars, try to gradually increase the proportion of natural ingredients like home-boiled chicken, tofu, and fish. This transition is the ultimate secret to preventing the 'yo-yo effect.' Dieting according to your specific constitution (體質) removes the guesswork. If you are unsure if your current method fits your body type, a professional consultation can help you find a shortcut to health while avoiding unnecessary metabolic strain.

Meet the clinician

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

View clinician profile

Clinician review

Page summary and review information

Page summary

I'm currently managing my diet with convenience…. While chicken breast bars are a convenient protein source, Traditional Korean Medicine warns that processed ad

A reviewed summary isn't ready yet, so the page description or a general note is shown instead.

The clinic is outside telephone hours

You can leave your inquiry now.

Leave an inquiry Call anyway