Nutrition

Overview

What you eat is truly what you are. Many research studies have shown the importance of eating a healthy diet in maintaining longevity. The risks of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and various cancers are all decreased when you eat a healthy diet. Not only are you healthier, you look better during the longer life you are expected to live on your new diet.

In preparation for your plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Sayah emphasizes beginning with diet modification. This does not mean that you should starve yourself or deprive yourself of the foods you enjoy. In fact the term “diet” has earned a negative reputation by being associated with eating less or even starving in order to lose weight. Many scientific researchers have shown that weight loss from starvation dieting alone is short-term and the dieters typically regain the weight. Diet means ‘what you eat on a daily routine.’ So it's not starving that we encourage, but a change in the daily routine of what you eat. This approach should hopefully dispel any negative feelings that we all have towards dieting.

Our dieticians highly recommend eating a diet which is high in protein, but low in carbohydrate and fat. The Atkins diet which dictates your diet should only consist of fat and proteins will definitely lead to weight loss through a process known as “ketosis.” A diet high in fat, however, will have devastating effects on all of your organs over time. Indeed the effects of the Atkins diet have been studied decades later, and will likely demonstrate that people who change their diet so dramatically will have a higher rate of heart disease and cancer. So moderation is recommended in your approach towards a healthier diet.

A healthy diet involves changing what you eat as well as the frequency of your meals. The overall amount of food you enjoy may not have to be changed based on the total number of calories you are taking in per day. So your diet is typically individualized by our staff dietician to your body’s needs and its current metabolic rate. Your current weight, height, percentage body fat, and metabolic rate are considered in determining your new diet. Keep in mind that as you exercise more in the overall approach to a healthier and more beautiful living, you will be able to consume more food because your metabolic rate is expected to increase. Please refer to the “Exercise” section of the website for further information on exercise regimens.

Other health related pages: Nutrition – Exercise – Clothing – Makeup