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How to Maintain a Healthy Diet After Body Surgery

woman with smooth skin and red lipstick

Body contouring procedures can offer long-lasting, incredible results – but only if you do your part. After your surgery, maintaining a healthy, stable weight is essential to avoid reversing the improvements your surgeon made and creating new trouble areas. Nutrition offers the best solution.

Creating and sticking to a balanced diet can be challenging, but we have some tips to help you succeed. Discuss options with your doctor or a nutritionist for personalized advice about lifestyle changes that will benefit your specific body type and health goals. Read on to learn more about body contouring procedures offered at Paydar Plastic Surgery in Southern California and the tips we recommend for a healthy diet after surgery.

Body Contouring Procedures

Body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck, liposuction, and a body lift, remove unwanted fat and excess skin from hard-to-target areas to form a sleeker, more contoured physique. At Paydar Plastic Surgery, these surgeries are highly customizable to help you reach your ideal figure – whether you’ve recently had a baby, lost a significant amount of weight, or have fat pockets that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Healthy Changes to Make to Your Diet After Body Surgery

1. Eat a Rainbow

As you choose foods to eat – especially when making salads or side dishes – look for lots of colors. We’re not talking about artificial dyes, but fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables are the building blocks of a healthy diet. Enjoy them in abundance and include at least three to five servings daily. They’re full of essential vitamins and antioxidants to help your body heal after surgery and maintain a healthy weight.

2. Avoid Added Sugars and Salts

Before you add anything to your grocery cart, read the label. Canned and packaged foods are notorious for containing hidden sugar, sweeteners, fats, and salts. Instead, search for lower-sodium options and no-sugar-added items to include in your diet.

3. Avoid Drinking Your Calories

Many people who feel the need for a midafternoon pick-me-up end up reaching for coffee or soda, but these sugary beverages are often calorie-dense and only provide momentary energy before a crash. Instead, if you feel tired and need a boost, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, unsweetened tea, or flavored water. This dietary improvement will not only help you maintain a healthy weight, but it will also keep your body hydrated and give your skin a healthy glow.

4. Choose Your Favorite Lean Proteins

A protein-dense diet is key to losing and keeping weight off. Your body uses protein like a car uses fuel. It builds up your muscles so they can perform at their best. Lean proteins include skinless chicken breasts, white fish like tilapia and cod, pork loin, lean beef, tuna, and shrimp. If you’re a vegetarian, plain Greek yogurt, beans, and tofu are excellent options to include in your diet. These lean proteins will help sustain you throughout the day and keep your body running efficiently.

5. Include Healthy Fats

For years, the diet industry has vilified fats, but unsaturated fat is another essential fuel for your body. Avoid trans and saturated fats, which can be harmful. Healthy fats to include in your diet are olive oil, nuts and seeds like almonds and cashews, avocados, cheese, eggs, and even dark chocolate.

Schedule Your Body Surgery Consultation With Dr. Paydar

Achieve your dream physique with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Keyian Paydar. Schedule your Orange County consultation online or by calling (949) 755-0575 today!