Q. I'm planning to stick with sautéed chicken breast and vegetables for my diet. As an Oriental Medicine practitioner, would you recommend this?

To be honest, even as a practitioner of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), I've had moments of feeling dizzy after blindly following trendy diets; it seems we all struggle with diet plans regardless of our studies. Generally, this meal is highly recommended because it provides high-quality protein and dietary fiber simultaneously, which helps minimize blood sugar fluctuations. The prolonged satiety makes it ideal for overcoming 'false hunger.' However, there are a few TKM considerations. Chicken breast has a relatively cool nature, and consuming excessive raw or undercooked vegetables can be taxing for those with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When Spleen function is weakened, digestive power drops, which can paradoxically lead to edema (swelling) or a sudden loss of energy. Furthermore, those with an accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste products—often suffer from bloating and gas during digestion. In such cases, I recommend blanching the vegetables first or sautéing them with warming ingredients like ginger and garlic. Ultimately, the answer depends on how your body responds. While the menu itself is great, observe whether you feel bloated or light after eating. Small adjustments to the ingredients based on your body's reaction can make a significant difference. If you are curious about the optimal combination tailored specifically to your constitution, let's figure it out together.