We know that recovering from surgery can be stressful and let’s face it, it’s TOUGH? Just like many things in life, focusing on nutrition after surgery can help you bounce back faster than ever! Today, we break down how you can optimize your recovery through nutrition.
Tip #1 Eat Enough Calories- especially from Protein
Surgery puts your body under a TON of stress. Your main priority after surgery should be adequate nutrition and calories- NOT weight loss. Some people fear that due to inactivity, recovery may cause weight gain. This is a valid fear, but decreasing calories after surgery is not recommended. In actuality, your caloric needs are actually higher because your body needs extra fuel during the healing process. Protein becomes especially important to help your body heal and for tissue repair and growth. If you undereat during the healing process, your recovery time may be prolonged. If you are unsure of how many calories and how much protein you need after surgery, it is best to speak to your healthcare professional.
Tip #2 Hydrate!
Equally as important as getting adequate calories from food comes HYDRATION! Typically, it is recommended to drink at least 8 cups of water per day. During recovery, adequate hydration is crucial! If you are not already in the habit of keeping your water intake up, then now is the time to start. In order for your body to heal, maintaining adequate hydration is key. In addition, certain medications may require you to consume more fluid than normal, so check with your doctor.
CF Nutrition offers two amazing hydration products that will come in handy during recovery. CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ and CF(Rehydrate)® are excellent choices for optimal hydration after surgery. Each drink has key vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to effectively replenish and hydrate. Order these products now to accelerate post surgery recovery.
Tip #3 Eat Balanced Meals
As we pointed out above, now is not the time to diet, but it is the time to focus on nutrient dense meals. Post surgery, eating well balanced meals and a variety of foods helps your body get the nutrients it needs for tissue repair. Try to get all three macronutrients in to help accelerate your recovery. This means, you want to include protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is also important to include fruits and veggies to get in your micronutrients.
Here are some examples of great post surgery meals:
- Salmon with Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts
- Chicken Breast with Brown Rice, Broccoli and Avocado
- Black Beans and Brown Rice with Bell Peppers and Onions
- Avocado Toast With a Hard Boiled Egg and Fruit
- Mahi Mahi on a Whole Wheat Tortilla with Avocado Slices
- Greek Yogurt with Sliced Almonds and Blueberries
Recovering from surgery is no joke- but with the proper nutrition, you CAN accelerate your recovery. Take control of your nutrition and follow these tips to feel your best after surgery. Visit our website for more post surgery tips and tricks.