Did you know?

“Incorporating more nutritious foods into your diet will help aid your body in the recovery process and help avoid gaining unhealthy weight.”

Some slight changes in your diet right after your liposuction procedure can aid in your recovery. Moreover, if you don’t already follow a healthy diet, consider incorporating some healthier options to optimize and maintain your long-term results. 

Getting enough protein can help in post-surgical healing by assisting the recovery of skin and muscle tissue. Protein can also reduce swelling. For vegetarian options, there are also a number of ways that you can ensure you have enough protein intake. Micronutrients and vitamins like magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron are also essential in recovery  Some foods include:

• Eggs
• Lean meat such as chicken breast
• Fish
• Nuts, seeds
• Beans and legumes
• Leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits

You will also want to stay hydrated to reduce post-operative swelling, reducing inflammation. You may drink plenty of water and add a slice of lemon or lime for flavor. Sports drinks may be consumed but be careful not to overdo them as they can contain a high amount of sugar.

Avoid taking in spicy or fatty food. It is also recommended to gradually increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating.

Following the first few days of your recovery, a bland diet is recommended to avoid stressing your digestive system. This may also help you get the nutrients you need while allowing your digestive to rest so that your body has more energy to direct towards healing.

A bland diet includes:

• Well-cooked vegetables without skin or seeds
• Cooked or pureed fruits and vegetables with skin and seeds removed
• Roasted or baked chicken without skin
• Smooth peanut butter
• Smooth hot cereal
• Caffeine-free beverages
• Low-fat milk and dairy

Here’s a good recipe that you can do at your home as your recovery diet.

INGREDIENTS

• Quinoa and chicken:
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 18 oz.)
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Dressing and assembly:

• 1 cup vegan or regular mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. culinary-grade matcha
• 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. agave nectar
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
• 1/2 cup basil leaves
• 1/4 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
• 12 cups baby greens (such as kale, spinach, or arugula)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 Persian cucumbers, cut into 1″ pieces (about 2 cups)
• 2 avocado, cut into 3/4″ pieces
• 1 1/3 cups crumbled feta

Food to avoid to maintain the liposuction result

It’s a misconception that liposuction is a permanent solution to excess body fat. For this reason, many people think they can eat whatever they want after the procedure without putting back those kilos. While liposuction has removed fat cells from your body, the ones remaining can still grow in size if you consume more calories than your body burns.

Some food to avoid for a healthier diet include, but are not limited to:

• Fried foods, including fried chicken, French fries, and potato chips

• Candy

• Baked goods, such as cookies, cakes and pastries

• Desserts, including ice cream, pudding and mousse

• Sodas and other sweetened beverages

• Fast food

• Refined grains and refined grain products such as white rice, white pasta, white bread, crackers, and pizza crust

• Fatty and processed meats, including sausage, bacon and salami

• Sugary cereals

Beware of “healthy” foods that have hidden sources of fat and sugar. Some of these foods can have just as much sugar and fat as the foods in the list above, such as:

• Flavored yogurt

• Fruit juices

• Whole-grain cereals and granola

• Granola bars

• Pasta sauce

• Barbecue sauce

• Store-bought dressing

It is also great to start learning how to read nutritional labels.

Foods to Enjoy for Life 

Your post-liposuction diet maybe a 180 turn from your pre-liposuction diet. But if you really want to make your investment pay off, change is necessary. Don’t worry — it’s not going to be as bad as you think. Making small changes every day will help accustom your body to these changes and overcome cravings. 

So as a rule of thumb, increasing your intake of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help you feel full and satisfied without adding unnecessary calories. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give you the energy your body needs while keeping the fat away. Keep your health and aesthetic goals in mind and be conscious when making food choices and reap the benefits in the long run!