Q. I'm thinking of eating only chicken breast to manage my diet. What kind of diet do you recommend, Doctor?

I completely understand the enthusiasm for starting a strict chicken breast diet. In fact, I once tried restricting my diet too aggressively in an effort to get healthy, only to find myself dizzy and completely depleted of energy. I learned the hard way that extremes aren't always the answer. The benefits of a chicken breast diet are clear: it is rich in protein, which minimizes muscle loss and provides long-lasting satiety. Since it doesn't cause sharp spikes in blood glucose, it is also advantageous for insulin management. However, there are distinct drawbacks. Relying solely on dense proteins can strain the digestive system. In Traditional Korean Medicine, those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛)—meaning impaired digestive and transformative functions—often struggle to break down proteins, leading to bloating and excessive gas. Over-emphasizing a single nutrient quickly disrupts the body's overall equilibrium. From a TKM perspective, weight loss is most effective when 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste and stagnant fluids—is properly cleared from the body. Rather than eating chicken breast exclusively, it is crucial to pair it with vegetables of a 'warm nature' to facilitate smoother digestion. Ultimately, the answer is that 'it depends on the individual.' The dietary plan I recommend differs entirely depending on whether you have a robust digestive system or one that feels uncomfortable after even a small meal. The fastest route to success is to first assess your current physical state and then find a nutritional approach tailored to your specific constitution.