Q. People say I should only eat chicken breast when dieting. What kind of diet do you recommend as a TKM doctor?

To be honest, I’ve had my own struggles following trendy diets in the past. When I relied solely on chicken breast, I experienced bloating and dizzy spells. At the time, I mistakenly believed that was the only 'correct' way to lose weight. The chicken breast diet has clear advantages: it is low in calories and high in protein, which helps prevent muscle loss. Its convenience also makes it an attractive option for busy professionals. However, the drawbacks are significant. It is easy to get tired of, leading to high rates of failure and intense psychological cravings. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, forcing a high-protein diet when digestive function is low can lead to 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a deficiency of the Spleen. In this state, the body fails to absorb nutrients properly, leaving you feeling heavy and lethargic. TKM warns against the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—phlegm-fluid or metabolic waste that doesn't drain properly. For those with weak digestion, a strict high-protein diet can actually worsen this accumulation. In such cases, it is much more efficient to incorporate warm foods and vegetables that help resolve 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, to improve overall circulation. Ultimately, the answer is that it depends on your unique constitution. If you have strong digestion and high activity levels, a chicken-breast-centered diet may work well. Conversely, if you feel bloated easily, you should diversify your ingredients or change your cooking methods. I recommend first assessing your current digestive health. Let's work together to find the most comfortable and sustainable dietary approach for your body.