I've been dieting lately, eating mostly chicken breast and ready-to-eat convenience meals. As a Korean Medicine doctor, what kind of diet do you recommend?

I remember a time when I tried to build muscle by eating nothing but chicken breast, only to end up feeling dizzy with a completely upset stomach. I understand how difficult diet management can be because I’ve experienced those same struggles myself. A protein-focused diet is very efficient for stripping body fat while preserving muscle mass, and modern convenience meals have made it much easier to maintain consistency. However, from a TKM perspective, there are clear precautions. If someone with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo)—meaning weak digestive function—consumes excessive protein, it often fails to transform into muscle and instead turns into 'Phlegm-rheum' (Dameum), which is a type of pathological metabolic waste. If you feel heavy and bloated rather than energized, Phlegm-rheum is likely the culprit. Furthermore, sticking to a single food group can lead to the stagnation of 'Qi and Blood' circulation. When metabolic waste isn't properly excreted, it can remain as toxins like 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol), leading to a frustrating situation where you lack energy but your body remains swollen. That is why I recommend a diet that your body can actually 'process.' If your stomach tends to be cold, you should pair protein with vegetables of a 'warm property' or include appropriate grains to aid digestion. The answer lies within your body—the first step is assessing whether your Spleen and Stomach (Bwi) have the capacity to handle that protein. Let’s work together to find a diet that is comfortable for your system.