Q. I’m currently on a diet eating only stir-fried chicken breast and vegetables. Are there any tips from Traditional Korean Medicine to make this more effective?

From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, 'how' you digest is just as important as 'what' you eat. If your digestive system cannot process high protein efficiently, it can lead to metabolic stagnation. Here is a four-step dietary guide based on TKM principles: 1. Address Spleen Qi Deficiency (Biheo): The Spleen is responsible for digestion and nutrient transport. Stress often weakens this function in modern individuals. Instead of raw vegetables, eat them lightly cooked, and add warming ingredients like garlic or black pepper to stimulate gastric metabolism. 2. Resolve Blood Stasis (Eohyeol): If metabolic waste is trapped in your body, adding heavy protein can further slow circulation. Incorporate vegetables like onions or chives, which help 'clear the blood.' Resolving Blood Stasis is essential for reducing edema (swelling) and facilitating smoother weight loss. 3. Eliminate Phlegm-fluid (Dameum): Dameum refers to undigested metabolic byproducts. When these accumulate, even healthy food can become 'toxic' to the system. Minimize oil during cooking and use water-rich vegetables to ease the burden on your stomach. A comfortable gut allows the brain to accurately perceive satiety. 4. Balance Qi and Blood: Drastically cutting calories can deplete your Vital Energy (Wongi), leading to burnout. Try mixing a small amount of brown rice with your chicken or drinking jujube tea to replenish energy and maintain a healthy balance. Everyone has a unique digestive constitution. If you feel persistently bloated despite a clean diet, it may be helpful to visit a clinic for a constitutional diagnosis to tailor your plan.