Q. Doctor, I'm an office worker who eats frozen chicken breast every day for my diet. Does the way I defrost it actually make a difference in terms of health or weight loss? I’d love to hear your recommendation.

I can certainly empathize with your routine; when I was focusing on my own diet, I used to stock my freezer with boxes of chicken breast. I learned the hard way that rushing the defrosting process in a microwave often led to bloating and even lightheadedness. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the thawing process is considered vital for maintaining digestive harmony. Refrigerator thawing is the most effective way to reduce the burden on your stomach. We refer to a weakened digestive state as 'Spleen Qi Deficiency' (Bi-heo). By thawing the meat slowly, you minimize tissue damage and preserve the 'warm' nature of the chicken, which allows your Spleen and Stomach to process the nutrients more comfortably. On the other hand, rapid thawing via microwave or running water can cause a sudden change in protein structure, which may lead to the formation of 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum)—a type of metabolic waste that hinders circulation. Furthermore, if the meat becomes too tough and is swallowed without proper chewing, it can lead to 'Food Stagnation' (Sikjeok), making your body feel heavy and lethargic rather than energized. If you naturally have a 'cold' constitution or suffer from frequent indigestion, refrigerator thawing is a must. On days when you are in a rush, please ensure the meat is cooked very thoroughly and pair it with warm, cooked vegetables to offset the coldness. Remember, the goal of a diet is not just to lose weight, but to nourish your body without damaging your Spleen Qi.