How to Adopt a Low Sodium Diet before and after Plastic Surgery

Committing to any kind of plastic surgery is no small endeavor. While the results of plastic surgery are pleasing, recovery can take up to two weeks. In order to speed up recovery time and reduce any potential swelling and inflammation, doctors recommend adopting a low sodium diet both before and after surgery. Here are just some quick tips on how to incorporate a low sodium diet into your life.

Cook at home - While fast food may be tempting due to its convenience, the sodium levels in fast food are off the charts. Now is the perfect time to avoid the fast food chains, take control over what you are eating, and make your meals at home. Think of all the delicious recipes you’ve been dying to try and plan enough time to make them on your own.

Use your freezer wisely - If you’re like any working individual or devoted family member, you may not have the time to cook all of your own meals. You may be used to eating frozen meals purchased from the grocery store, but these meals are also extremely high in sodium. Consider making your own freezer meals. Just make large amounts of your favorite foods on a lazy Saturday, seal them up in freezer bags, and you’ll have plenty of low-sodium meals on hand.

Avoid processed foods - Processed foods are another high-sodium culprit. Instead of opting for the processed version, consider the fresh version. For example, if you’re planning on making burritos for dinner, skip out on the canned beans, and buy fresh beans. Not only will you cut down on your sodium levels, but they will taste delicious.

Get creative with spices - Salt is an easy go-to spice that creates a lot of flavor. However, compared to the plethora of spices on the market, salt is a bit boring. Use this month to explore the wonderful world of spices. Try cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and pepper.

Eat a well-balanced, natural diet - We’ve all heard that we’re supposed to eat a well-balanced diet about a million times. This is often easier said than done, but the benefits to eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, natural dairy, and organic meats are astounding. By eating a well-balanced and more natural diet, you will cut down on your intake of sodium and other harmful ingredients, increase the flow of nutrients in your body, and feel better overall. Eating a well-balanced diet is a win-win.

Low-sodium options - Sometimes it’s impossible to control where you dine. You never know where a date, a boss, or a colleague may take you to dinner. When you don’t have the option of choosing where you go, you do have the option of choosing a low-sodium option. Peruse the menu real quick to see which menu items are lower in sodium, or ask the waiter for low sodium recommendations. Also, consider making smart decisions like choosing oil and vinegar on your salad instead of a processed salad dressing.

Pay attention to sodium intake - Another great way to adopt a low sodium diet is to track how much sodium you are consuming. Check your food and drink labels and keep a log of how much you are consuming.

These are just a few ways to better prepare for a quick and healthy recovery after plastic surgery. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Atlanta plastic surgeon Marcus Crawford, contact our practice today.