Q. Is it better to just focus on protein shakes or chicken breast when dieting? What kind of meal plan do you recommend?

I personally experienced bloating and constipation by over-consuming chicken breast out of pure ambition, so I understand the struggle. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, a protein-focused diet has very clear pros and cons. On the positive side, protein is a vital nutrient that prevents muscle loss, maintains basal metabolism, and effectively manages 'false hunger' by stimulating satiety hormones. It can be a strong ally in the early stages of weight loss when appetite control is difficult. However, the downsides must be considered: protein metabolism creates significant nitrogenous waste. For those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo—a state of weakened digestive function), excessive protein that isn't properly broken down transforms into Phlegm-rheum (痰飮, Dam-eum) or Food Stagnation (食積, Sik-jeok), which are toxic accumulations in the stomach and intestines. I remember stopping my own 'protein obsession' after seeing skin breakouts caused by this internal stagnation. Ultimately, the core issue isn't just what you eat, but whether your body can actually digest and move it. If your digestion is weak, 'warm' proteins like chicken or fermented soy proteins are much better than cold, processed shakes. Instead of blindly following trends, it is crucial to find a balance that keeps your gut comfortable. I suggest we thoroughly examine your current gastrointestinal health together to find a personalized plan that works for your constitution.