Healthy Eating Habits After Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure which removes unwanted fat in certain areas of the body so that body contours are improved. After liposuction, one should be careful about his or her diet so that healing from the procedure is maximized and unwanted fat will not come back.

So, what types of foods must one eat after liposuction? Here they are:

Vegetables

The best foods to consume after liposuction are fresh, organic vegetables. Vegetables are categorized according to their color because vegetable color often determines their effects on health. Red and pink vegetables such as tomatoes, beets, red bell peppers or radishes contain lycopene and ellagic acid which are important nutrients. These nutrients lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease and cancer. Green vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli and cabbage contain chlorphyll, fiber and other nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, folate, magnesium and beta carotenes.

Orange and yellow vegetables contain Vitamin C and bioflavonoids which are antioxidants that promote healing and regeneration of cells. Purple or blue vegetables such as eggplants and purple cabbage contain phytochemicals such as anthocyanins that also contain antioxidants to help burn fat and promote healing.

Fruits

The best fruits to consume after a liposuction include apples and peaches, apricots, avocados, bananas, oranges and citrus fruits, watermelons, strawberries and pomegranates. These fruits are low in calories yet rich in fiber and antioxidants that helps burn fat. Avocados can lower your cholesterol levels by as much as 9 to 43 percent. These fruits contain phytonutrients that not only help burn fat but also make you look and feel younger through their anti-aging effects.

Green Tea

Green tea is known to have various health benefits known to man since ancient times. Green tea is said to reduce the risk of heart disease because it lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol through the gut. Thus we can say that green tea fights bad fat. In one study, drinking one to three cups of green tea per day was able to lower high blood pressure by 46 percent. It is said that the nutrient responsible for green tea’s health benefits is EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), a polyphenol which can also fight against cancers and can reduce inflammation.

Aside from its heart healthy benefits, green tea can also help reduce body fat and excess weight. You can enjoy the health benefits of green tea by steeping it for two to three minutes in boiling water.

Vegetable Protein (Soy, Miso, Tofu)

There are two types of protein: animal proteins and vegetable proteins. Vegetable contains high quality protein such as soy protein which is excellent for recovery from illnesses and surgery. Other sources of vegetable proteins are rice and legumes such as beans; however these types of protein do not contain all essential amino acids. Soy protein is the only complete source of protein among the vegetable proteins.

Amino acids found in soy replace worn-out and damaged tissues after liposuction. These amino acids also help build muscles that burn excess fat additionally.

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood are best choices after liposuction because they are low in saturated fat while being rich sources of protein and iron which are essential in recovery from surgery and illness. They also contain B vitamins and promote the growth of new tissues after damage or stress. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish and seafood, and these substances prevent and treat heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, digestive disorders and cancer. Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon and tuna contain large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, so you may choose to eat these.

Lean Animal Protein

As previously mentioned, protein is essential in building and repairing body tissues and in burning excess fat. Your diet should contain 1-3 servings of lean animal protein per week. Lean meat is not only a good source of complete protein and iron; it also contains B vitamins and lesser saturated fat. You may opt to include lean animal protein sources in your diet such as chicken, turkey, flank steak, extra lean ground beef, sirloin tip, tenderloin, lamb chops and wild game meat. In general, choose lean meat which contains less than 3g of fat per 1 oz.

Low Fat Dairy Foods and Egg Whites

Low fat or non-fat dairy foods contain a lot of calcium which is essential for bones, teeth and cell function. You should opt to consume 1-3 servings of these foods per day. You can also take fermented or probiotic milk products such as yogurt or kefir because they contain a healthy type of bacteria that can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, convert dietary fiber into healthy fats, and increase good (HDL) cholesterol.

Low Glycemic Load Carbohydrates

Low glycemic carbs are composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. They have a GI index of 55 or less. They do not cause blood sugar levels to spike thus they promote better wound healing and make people lose excess weight. They also help reduce blood cholesterol levels, prolong endurance to exercise, and reduce risk of heart disease.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are composed of extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, nuts and seeds. You should have about 3-9 servings per day of these foods. These foods contain monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids that provide antioxidants such as selenium and Vitamin E and can lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. These healthy fats also help the body absorb important nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E and K and helps prevent diabetes, heart disease, cancer and inflammation.

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