Eating after plastic surgery becomes an important ally to help the body recover quickly [6] and not dilute the results of the intervention. Therefore, preparing healthy recipes at home is essential to preserve the figure.
Experts recommend the consumption of foods rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins [5], and leave aside those with a high concentration of sugar, salt, and refined carbohydrates [3]. So read on to learn some of the best recipes for your postoperative period.
Recipes to prepare at home after plastic surgery
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A must-try basic that will solve your lunch or dinner. Based on Good Food Team’s explanation [1], here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 chopped onions
3 medium carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon of chopped thyme leaves
1.4 l chicken broth
300 g leftover roasted chicken, shredded and skinned
200 g frozen peas
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 crushed garlic clove
a dash of lemon juice
Preparation time: 45 minutes approx.
Preparation:
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan. Add the onions, carrots, thyme leaves, and sauté for 15 minutes. Then add 1.4 liters of chicken stock, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for a further 10 minutes.
Step 2
Add the shredded chicken. To shred it, you can use a fork or a stick blender. Then add the peas and seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 3
Mix in the Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with the garlic yogurt and then serve.
Green Smoothie
Recharge your mornings with a smoothie high in fiber and nutrients. For this, you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups milk, or any other plant-based milk
2 cups of spinach
1 banana (frozen would be better)
1 green apple cut in pieces
1/4 avocado
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation:
Just add all the above ingredients to a blender for about 30 seconds and you’re done. In the end, you will have a creamy and healthy smoothie.
Author’s tip: According to some food bloggers like Lisa [2], it is suggested to use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes. This is to give it the cold sensation without the smoothie getting watered down/watered down over time. Also, if you want to save calories, you can swap the milk for water.
Hamburger without bun
Enjoy the best way to eat a gluten-free and healthy burger to prepare at home [4]. For this, you will need:
Ingredients:
1 lb Grass-fed ground beef.
3-6 romaine leaves
3 slices of red onion
3 slices of tomato
Ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of sea salt
Olive oil
Optional – (be creative and add other condiments or other veggies like some avocado slices, pickles, etc.)
Dipping sauce options: hummus, unsweetened Greek yogurt with garlic and parsley
Prep time: 30 min approx.
Preparation:
Step 1
Sprinkle the pepper and salt over the minced meat. Using your hands, work the meat slices to distribute them evenly. Separate into three sections, then roll and pat each section into a hamburger shape. It should be neither too round nor too flat, but somewhere in between.
Step 2
Spray a large skillet with olive oil, add the meat to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the desired doneness is reached. For a medium-rare burger, cook each side for about 2 minutes.
Step 3
Rinse the romaine leaves well and pat dry. On a plate, place one or two of the romaine lettuce leaves, place the grilled hamburger meat on top, add sauces, then add a slice of tomato, the onion slices, and any other condiments/vegetables you like. Finish with another lettuce leaf.
Author’s tip: you can change the meat for falafel or breaded chicken.
You may also be interested in reading: What foods to eat after plastic surgery?
In summary
Taking care of what you eat after a surgical procedure is important for your recovery, but sometimes, it becomes tedious to think of a tasty and healthy recipe to prepare. So within your daily menu, you may add a chicken soup, green smoothie, or bunless hamburger that will allow you to enjoy your meal without regrets.
However, follow the recommendations of your doctor or nutritionist to know what recipes or ingredients you can add to your diet or not. They will know better than anyone what is best for you, and if necessary, they will prescribe a dietary supplement to complement your needs.
At BetterMe, we will make sure your postoperative diet is exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Enjoy excellent accommodations and healthy meals while you spend your recovery period under the supervision of expert hands.
You can review our list of procedures and start your pre-consultation process with us here.
You might also want to read about: how to choose the best post-op bra?
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References
[1] Bbcgoodfood.com. 2022. Chicken soup recipe | BBC Good Food. [online] Available at: <https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/roast-chicken-soup> [Accessed 22 April 2022].
[2] Bryan, L., 2022. BEST Green Smoothie Recipe (5 Ingredients) – Downshiftology. [online] Downshiftology. Available at: <https://downshiftology.com/recipes/green-smoothie/> [Accessed 22 April 2022].
[3] Cara Downey, M., 2022. Post-Tummy Tuck Diet: Maintaining the Results of Your Surgery. [online] Downey Plastic Surgery. Available at: <https://www.houstonplasticsurgery.pro/post-tummy-tuck-diet/> [Accessed 22 April 2022].
[4] Leanmeankitchen. 2022. Lettuce Bun Burger | LeanMeanKitchen, A Healthy Recipe Blog LeanMeanKitchen. [online] Available at: <https://leanmeankitchen.com/lettuce-bun-burger/> [Accessed 22 April 2022].
[5] Theportlandclinic.com. 2022. Nutrition Guidelines Following Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.theportlandclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/nutritionalguidelines.108131.pdf> [Accessed 22 April 2022].
[6] Whitlock, J., 2022. What to Eat After Surgery and What to Avoid. [online] Verywell Health. Available at: <https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-eat-during-your-recovery-after-surgery-3156923> [Accessed 22 April 2022].
