Q. I'm currently eating a diet focused on chicken breast, Vietnamese spring rolls, and diet kimbap. From a TKM doctor's perspective, what kind of diet would you recommend?

I have also experienced a period where I relied solely on chicken breast and salads out of sheer enthusiasm, only to find my energy plummeting and feeling dizzy. It was a classic case of 'inefficient dieting.' The diet you are following has clear advantages: focusing on proteins and vegetables prevents blood sugar spikes and maintains satiety. Specifically, incorporating a variety of vegetables, as seen in Vietnamese spring rolls, promotes smooth bowel movements thanks to the dietary fiber. However, there are caveats from a TKM perspective. For those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where digestive function is weak, a diet centered on raw vegetables can actually be counterproductive. You might experience a feeling of fullness accompanied by bloating and gas. Furthermore, an over-reliance on protein can lead to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste in the body—which makes the body feel heavy. Ultimately, the answer depends on your current physiological state. If your digestion is strong, fresh raw vegetables are great; if you have a 'cold' interior, I recommend cooked vegetables and proteins with warming properties. For those with 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血), where blood circulation is stagnant, combining the diet with circulation management is essential for efficiency. Rather than asking what food is 'good,' the starting point for healthy weight loss is asking, 'Can my body digest this right now?' When you visit the clinic, I will carefully examine your current digestive state and constitution to provide a personalized guide.