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A body-sculpting procedure such as liposuction or a tummy tuck is an investment. After recovery you may look and feel like the person you’ve always wanted to be, but plastic surgery is not as permanent as some people may think. To maintain your best-ever body, you have to do what any healthy, fit person does: adopt lifestyle habits of nutritious eating and regular exercise.

Eat Like a Fit Person

A healthy diet is non-negotiable when creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dedication to nutritious meals and snacks helps promote overall wellness and lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic and fatal medical conditions. And yes, it also helps you preserve the shape of your post-surgery body.

If you have food allergies, vitamin/mineral deficiencies or other dietary challenges, consult with your doctor or nutritionist for help creating a plan that meets your needs. The following tips make for a solid starting point to most weight-maintenance regimens:

• Drink water.

Rather than sugary sodas, energy drinks and juices, drink water. It’s hands down the most effective method for staying hydrated and preserving skin health…and at zero calories won’t cause any problems with your post-sculpting body.

• Portion control.

Stay mindful of restaurant food. Oftentimes, an order will contain multiple servings, which ups the calorie count. Careful portion control allows you to know how much of what goes into your body, and make adjustments accordingly. Ask for a to-go box at the beginning of the meal.

• Fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

While not the only foods that need to be consumed in order to maintain a healthy weight, a diet heavy with fruits, veggies and lean meats is ideal. When cooking or eating out, substitute poultry or bison for beef and pork, fruit cups for chocolate mousse, or steamed carrots over fries. You’ll be surprised at the difference these swaps can make.

• Only eat when you’re hungry.

Tackle hunger with smaller, pre-planned meals and snacks throughout the day. This helps control not only portions, but appetite as well. Rather than three square meals and the occasional snack, spread your intake out to four or five smaller dining sessions throughout the day – just make sure you keep track of how much you’re eating.

Although they may seem tempting, fad diets will not allow you to preserve the shape of your post-surgery body. They emphasize rapid weight loss and don’t include instructions for maintenance once complete.

Find Ways to Make Exercise a Habit

In addition, regular exercise encourages a sustainably healthy weight. The following habits should help you launch a new, improved lifestyle, and are well-suited for most exercise regimens:

• Drink water.

Such an important tip, it’s included here twice. Proper hydration boosts your metabolism to help you burn calories off faster and more effectively. So when you’re hitting the gym or heading out for a jog, replenish lost electrolytes with plenty of water rather than sugar-laden energy drinks.

• Walk whenever possible.

Small contributions like walking every day or taking the stairs instead of the escalator do make a difference in your metabolism, and every time you choose the longer walk or the staircase, you reinforce healthy thought patterns.

• Don’t deviate.

You can’t just exercise occasionally and expect weight maintenance to take care of itself. It has to become routine, so set a schedule and stick with it. Plan other obligations with your fitness schedule in mind.

• Have a workout buddy.

Ask a friend or family member to go for a walk, bike ride, gym session or fitness class with you regularly. Such a support system can be a great motivator to keep you going, even when you’re starting to feel sluggish or defeated.

Most importantly, find exercises you actually enjoy doing. It’s much easier to maintain your weight and shape post-surgery if your activities bring you joy.

Consult the Experts

We want you to get the most out of the body sculpting procedures you receive from Livingston Plastic Surgery. Our doctors will provide you with the advice necessary to continue looking and feeling your best once you’re back on your feet. Contact us today and schedule an appointment.