Q. I'm thinking of eating only chicken breast for my diet. What is your perspective on this as a practitioner of Traditional Korean Medicine?

In the past, I also tried eating only chicken breast for three meals a day while exercising, driven by pure motivation. However, at one point, I felt bloated and dizzy. I thought it was the 'correct' way because everyone else was doing it, but it simply didn't suit my body. Having experienced this trial and error myself, I deeply empathize with my patients' concerns. A chicken breast diet has clear advantages. It is low in fat and rich in protein, making it highly effective at preventing muscle loss during weight reduction. With high satiety relative to its calorie count, it is one of the most efficient ingredients for dietary management. However, the downsides must be considered. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), if individuals with weak digestive systems consume excessive protein, they are prone to 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛). When Spleen function weakens, the body fails to convert food into energy, leading to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-fluid' (痰飮)—a type of metabolic waste. This can make the body feel heavy and swollen. Furthermore, a lack of dietary fiber can obstruct the Qi of the intestines, significantly increasing the likelihood of constipation. Ultimately, the recommendation depends on your physical constitution. While it is a great choice for those with strong digestion and internal heat, it can be risky for those who have a 'cold' abdomen or suffer from frequent indigestion. It is wiser to pair it with warm-natured vegetables or incorporate other easily digestible protein sources. Listening to the signals your body sends and finding a balance that fits your unique constitution is the true beginning of a healthy diet.