Q. I'm managing my diet; why do I specifically need to eat proteins like chicken breast? Can't I just eat less overall?

It is tempting to simply starve oneself to see quick results, but this often leads to a plateau and rapid weight regain. This happens because the body enters an 'energy-saving mode' to survive. From a biomedical perspective, fasting without adequate protein intake forces the body to break down muscle tissue for energy. As muscle mass decreases, your basal metabolic rate (BMR) drops, meaning you will gain weight more easily even while eating less than before. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is referred to as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). The 'Spleen' in TKM encompasses the entire digestive system; when its function is impaired, the body cannot efficiently absorb or transport nutrients. This creates an environment where 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) accumulates. Dam-eum acts like 'sludge' in the body, leading to feelings of heaviness, bloating, and sluggishness. Therefore, consuming adequate protein is not just about building muscle, but about providing the necessary fuel to keep your metabolic engine running. However, for those with naturally weak digestion, forcing high amounts of chicken breast may strain the stomach. It is essential to find a type and amount of protein that aligns with your specific digestive capacity.