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Liposuction is one of the most powerful body contouring options available. This procedure can remove fat in common trouble spots and produce a more sculpted shape.
Once you’ve attained your ideal figure after liposuction, it’s important to make some lifestyle changes to keep your body looking great. With the following tips, you can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy your results for years to come.
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your liposuction results is keep to a healthy diet. It’s often said that abs are made in the kitchen, and for good reason: even if you put in hours at the gym, it’s pretty hard to outrun a bad diet. But this doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself to stay slim.
Instead of crash diets and restrictive eating, focus on taking small steps toward a healthy lifestyle. This is a much more sustainable approach, especially if you’re new to eating healthy. If you’ve always struggled to get more greens in your diet, consider making a green smoothie every day. This is a convenient way to pack in a day’s worth of veggies (or at least a couple servings) without much prep work.
Don’t like raw leafy greens? No problem. Don’t force yourself to eat certain veggies just for the sake of it. If you prefer more savory tastes, toss some chopped veggies (like sweet potato, broccoli, or asparagus) with olive oil, season with garlic, and pop them in the oven. Roasted veggies are a quick, easy meal any day of the week.
If satiety is your main concern, don’t be afraid of adding fat to your diet. Healthy fats – like avocado, nuts, and salmon – pack in tons of nutrients and are perfect for helping you feel full.
With a little trial and error, you can slowly start to discover healthy foods that you like and then incorporate them into your diet. The point is to create a healthy lifestyle that works for you, rather than against you.
Exercise is another important part of staying slim after a body contouring procedure. For most people who work full time, it can be hard avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. While you might not be able to go for a mid-afternoon workout session, there are some things you can do to alleviate the effects of a sedentary day.
During your work day, try to get up every 30 minutes or so for a quick walk. Sitting for hours at a time can be detrimental to your health, but it can also cause certain areas of your body to sag and atrophy. Even if you just do a quick lap or two around your building, it’s enough to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. If your office is located a few floors up, consider taking the stairs instead of using the elevator.
It’s generally recommended that people take at least 10,000 steps per day for good health. This may seem like a daunting goal, but with a little effort, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to hit that goal each day. By regularly getting up every 30 minutes or so during your workday, you can probably clock in about 2500-3000 steps. After work, an hour or two of jogging or walking through your neighborhood can easily bring you to 10,000 steps.
It’s also a good idea to take up a new active hobby, like bicycling, swimming, or dance classes. If you can find an activity that you actually enjoy, it will naturally become part of your regular routine and help you stay active long term.
Stress affects you in more ways than you realize. High levels of stress have been associated with increased levels of the hormone cortisol. This stress hormone appears during tense times when your body goes into survival mode, sometimes referred to as a “fight-or-flight” response. Cortisol often raises insulin levels, which makes people crave sugary, carb-heavy foods. This is why stress frequently leads to constant snacking and overeating.
While stress is just a part of modern life, there are some ways you can make it more manageable. Instead of reaching for the chips during stressful times, channel that energy into a workout instead. Cardio exercise is especially helpful for combatting stress. Mindfulness practices like breathing exercises and meditation can also work wonders for coping during stressful situations.
If you’ve been considering a body contouring procedure like liposuction, contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule your personal consultation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman would be happy to discuss your full range of surgical options.