When it comes to cosmetic surgery recovery, what’s going on inside your body is as important as what’s going on outside. To give your body the tools it needs for an optimal recovery, a healthy diet and plenty of fluids is going to be key.
Whether you’re trimming down with a tummy tuck, or adding in some curves with a Brazilian Butt Lift, your body is going to need nourishment to help you heal. A good way to guarantee a balanced diet is by preparing your meals in advance – this is often referred to as ‘meal prepping’.
Here’s a few tips on meal prepping for your recovery:
- Lists are your Friend – Plan each week carefully in list/table form. This will take mealtimes off your mind and give you the time and freedom to relax when you need it most. Have Monday to Sunday set out and ready to go – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Keep Things Balanced – Make sure that each meal has a healthy balance of everything you need. You need the right quantity of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Try not to overdo things – moderation is key.
- Use your Freezer Wisely – When planning food for a week, finding foods that you can freeze is a good way to make sure your food keeps all the way through to Sunday. You can cook certain things from frozen and mix them in with fresh to maximize nutrition while remaining practical.
- Plenty of Fruit and Veg – Set out a good portion of fruit and vegetables with every meal as they will give your body the vitamins it needs to help decrease swelling and aid with the healing process. Dark leafy greens, apples and pineapples are all excellent choices.
- Omega-3 Fats – Beneficial fats like Omega-3 will work to reduce inflammation. The best source of these fats are fish, like salmon and mackerel, but you can also find these fats in walnuts and flaxseed.
- Lean Protein – It’s important to avoid sources of protein that can be fatty and generally unhealthy like fried or fatty meat. Lena proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or pulses are a much better way to provide your body with the proteins it needs.
- Avoid Sugar – As blood sugar levels can rise after surgery, it is best to avoid any foods that use refined sugar; sweetened drinks, cakes and chocolate are all foods to steer clear of.
In the end, meal prep is a fantastic way to take a load off your mind while your body is working hard to get you back into shape. Your recovery period should be sacred and you should be able to relax, safe in the knowledge that your nutrition is covered and all you have to do is focus on taking good care of yourself.
If you take into account the tips above and plan ahead, there is no reason that your downtime after your cosmetic treatment needs to be stressful. A good, balanced diet, planned in advance, can set you onto a more comfortable path to recovery.
