Q. I’m on a diet, but I absolutely cannot resist fried chicken. Is there a 'lesser evil' option from a Korean Medicine practitioner's perspective?

I truly understand how difficult it is to ignore the smell of chicken after a long day; even as a doctor, it’s hard for me to just tell you to abstain. Roasted chicken is a practical alternative because it strips away the carbohydrates from the batter, allowing you to focus on protein, which helps maintain satiety and prevents overeating later. However, the high sodium content and sugar in sauces can still cause swelling or interfere with insulin regulation. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, greasy foods lead to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), a pathological waste product that stagnates Qi and Blood circulation, potentially turning your body into a constitution that resists weight loss. Particularly for those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo), greasy food can immediately cause abdominal bloating and a sense of heavy lethargy. I suggest enjoying roasted chicken during the day paired with plenty of vegetables. If fried chicken is your only option, even the small effort of removing the skin helps. The goal is to balance your cravings with your digestive capacity to stay healthy without excessive stress.