The Role of Nutrition in Body Contouring: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration, and are important for healing and maintaining a healthy immune system. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables before and after body contouring. More information regarding which fruits and vegetables provide specific nutrients can be found throughout the sections below.

High-Protein Foods

Consuming protein is important for tissue repair and recovery after a body contouring procedure. Protein provides the building blocks your body needs to heal and regenerate. High-protein foods include lean meats, nuts, beans, legumes, eggs, grains, and seeds.

Natural Carbohydrates

Choose whole-grain bread (including whole-wheat, barley, or dark rye), quinoa, oats, vegetables, and brown rice. These carbohydrates steadily release energy, keeping you energised throughout the day.

Fibre-Rich Foods

Fibre aids digestion, ensuring your body absorbs nutrients efficiently and reducing constipation (a common side effect of pain medication and reduced mobility). Foods that are good sources of fibre include chia seeds, beans, hummus, oranges, berries, mangoes, bananas, apples, and darker vegetables (including green capsicum, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, corn, and avocados).

Healthy Fats

Include sources of healthy fats like olive oil, flaxseeds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish in your diet. These fats are important for normal cell function and the absorption of nutrients.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins, keep your skin hydrated, and support overall bodily functions. You should aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day.

ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS

After your body contouring procedure, it is crucial to integrate foods rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin A: Carrots, spinach, kale, oranges, milk, eggs, cheese, and sweet potatoes promote skin health, boost the immune system, and increase inflammatory response in wounds.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps to rebuild collagen and soft tissue, healing your incision site faster. Foods rich in vitamin C include berries, tomatoes, oranges, potatoes, kiwi, capsicums, and berries.

Vitamin K: Found in fish, leafy greens, and vegetable oils, vitamin K supports bone health and helps prevent excessive bruising.

Iron: Consume spinach, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, lentils, quinoa, potatoes, eggs, wholemeal bread, dried fruits, nuts, and red meat to prevent anaemia and support overall recovery.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in salmon and flaxseed oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the healing process and supporting skin health.