An accurate definition of tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss treatment. Abdominoplasty is designed to improve the shape and firmness of your tummy by removing stubborn fat and excess skin while repairing the abdominal muscles stretched out by pregnancy or weight fluctuation.
The procedure is major surgery, so when considering a tummy tuck, there are certain steps you must take to prepare properly. One very important step is reaching your ideal weight. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Nutrition is Key
You can’t out exercise a bad diet. Eating right and practicing portion control will set you on the right path to losing the weight you need for surgery.
Limit yourself to three healthy meals a day with an emphasis on breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast will set the tone for the entire day. Protein-rich foods like eggs, natural bacon, and homemade protein shakes will help build muscle and burn fat. Avoid sugary foods like muffins, croissants, or pastries. Also, keep your carbs low, forcing your body to draw energy from excessive fat stored in your body.
For lunch and dinner, try to limit your portions to one cup protein and one cup leafy greens or vegetables. If you must have carbohydrates, limit them to half a cup per meal. However, you’ll notice better results by eliminating all carbs while you are trying to lose weight.
Cheat meals are okay if you don’t make them a habit. Try and limit them to two per month. When you cheat, cheat in a restaurant that uses fresh ingredients. For example, if your cheat meal is a cheeseburger with fries, go to a full-service restaurant, not a fast food outlet. Restaurants use fresher ingredients and will cause less damage to your diet plan.
It Starts with Shopping Right
Eating right starts at the grocery store. You’re more likely to eat what you buy, so keep the unhealthy stuff on the shelves and focus on foods which will provide proper nutrition with the fewest processed ingredients and empty calories possible.
When you make healthier choices in the grocery store, it will show on your waistline and energy levels.
Kick it Up with Exercise
Exercise will help you burn fat and lose weight if it is done concurrently with a good diet plan. Another thing to remember is that you don’t need a gym membership to get a proper workout. Although working out in a gym helps motivate many fitness-minded people, you can get as good results at home.
Here are some examples of what you can do outside the gym:
Walking
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, especially for seniors. Walking briskly through the neighborhood will burn calories and keep joints active. Some like to bring weighted wrist or ankle bands or carry light dumbbells. Whatever you decide, walking is a great form of exercise and requires no equipment.
Bodyweight Exercises
These are exercises designed to build muscle, increase endurance, and burn fat without equipment. Individual exercises like pushups, sit ups, squats, and burpees are great ways to improve your health, muscle growth, and endurance.
You can combine multiple exercises to design a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or Tabata session. These workout regiments are fully explained on sites such as YouTube.
Weight Training
Weight training can kick up your heart rate and burn fat while building muscle. Your body exerts energy to maintain muscle and you will be burning calories even after your workout is long done. You can use dumbbells, kettlebells, or free weights to perform these exercises and they do not need to be overly heavy. You can also incorporate weight resistance training before a HIIT session to maximize your results.
Spin It
Cycling is one of the best ways to lose weight. It is low impact, high intensity, and fun. Riding a bike will keep you working out longer because it’s entertaining and you’ll be out in the elements. The more you enjoy your workout, the more likely you are to stick with it.
For more information about Suitable Tummy Tuck weight and the tips to get there call Dr. Waltzman at (562) 448-6100 or schedule a consultation here.
