Q. I'm only eating chicken breast and sweet potatoes to lose weight. What is the recommended approach to dieting from a Traditional Korean Medicine perspective?

Many people believe that eating less is the only way to lose weight, but the body is intelligent; if you starve yourself suddenly, it may shut down your metabolic switch to conserve energy. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is often viewed as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where the spleen's function is weakened, leading to impaired nutrient absorption. If you force yourself to eat dry chicken breast while in this state, it puts excessive strain on the stomach. This can lead to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste products that cause the body to feel heavy or bloated, paradoxically hindering weight loss. Therefore, we suggest the following systematic approach to dieting: 1. Digestive Capacity Check: Evaluate how much protein and fiber your gastrointestinal tract can currently handle. 2. Removal of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum): Clear internal waste products to create an environment where metabolism can function smoothly. 3. Personalized Nutrient Supplementation: If Spleen Deficiency is present, we prioritize strengthening the digestive system with foods of a 'warm' nature. 4. Gradual Dietary Transition: Adjust the preparation and portion size of high-protein foods, like chicken breast, so your body accepts them comfortably. 5. Circulation Management: Resolve Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) to ensure nutrients are efficiently delivered throughout the entire body. The ultimate answer is not a 'one-size-fits-all diet' but a 'diet your body can actually absorb.' Let's work together to determine exactly what your body needs right now.