Q. I'm thinking of eating only chicken breast and cabbage for my diet. As a TKM doctor, do you think this is okay? Would you recommend it?

To be honest, when I was younger and overly ambitious, I once tried replacing my meals with only chicken breast and salads. After a few days, I felt depleted of energy and suffered from bloating, realizing that this approach was a mistake. The advantages of this diet are clear: it is rich in protein and dietary fiber, which prevents blood sugar spikes and provides long-lasting satiety. From a standard weight-management perspective, it is a textbook composition. However, there are significant precautions. In Traditional Korean Medicine, those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛)—meaning a weak digestive system—can easily experience indigestion when consuming excessive amounts of lean, high-protein foods like chicken breast and raw cabbage. When undigested food accumulates in the body, it forms 'phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮), which can make the body feel heavy and hinder overall metabolism. Furthermore, consuming too many foods with 'cold' properties can slow down blood circulation, potentially leading to 'blood stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血). This can cause cold extremities and a feeling of stagnation in areas where you actually want to lose weight. This is why you might feel dizzy or lack energy. Ultimately, the answer is 'it depends on the individual.' While this is a great diet for those with a strong digestive system and a heat-dominant constitution, it may be like 'wearing the wrong size clothes' for those who typically have a cold abdomen and slow digestion. I recommend adjusting your diet after first examining your body's current state.