Q. I'm focusing my diet almost exclusively on chicken breast and proteins to lose weight. From a TKM perspective, is this a good approach?

A high-protein diet has clear advantages: it provides long-lasting satiety and prevents muscle loss, which helps preserve your basal metabolic rate during weight loss. However, there are significant cautions from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective. In TKM, struggling to digest heavy proteins can be seen as a sign of Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the digestive organs lack sufficient energy but are continuously tasked with processing dense proteins, the gastrointestinal system becomes overloaded. This can lead to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮), a metabolic waste product that can make the body feel heavy or cause skin breakouts. For individuals who already suffer from poor digestion or irregular bowel movements, an excessive protein diet can become detrimental. Furthermore, those with Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) caused by poor circulation should prioritize improving overall systemic flow first to ensure that weight loss occurs efficiently. The key is your body's individual digestive capacity. If you digest protein well, you may continue; however, if you experience discomfort, try incorporating vegetables and moderate amounts of whole grains. To determine your specific constitution and the best dietary path for your body, I recommend a clinical consultation for a personalized diagnosis.