Nutrition

As soon as you are able, eat well-balanced meals to help you recover more quickly and to help you feel your best. What you eat after your surgery affects your well-being. You need to eat healthful meals and drink lots of liquids.

If you don't eat enough of the right foods, you will become tired and less able to take care of yourself. Be sure you make time to eat—even if you don't feel hungry.

Eating three balanced meals is essential to maintain your health. It may be helpful to eat six small meals each day instead of three large ones.

Healthful meals don't have to be expensive or time-consuming to make. You can make sandwiches, soups and frozen foods in advance. Have healthful snacks available (such as cheese, crackers, peanut butter, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and milk).

What to put on your plate

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a healthful diet is one that:

• focuses on fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk
• includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
• is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars

For complete information, go to choosemyplate.gov. The website contains tips and resources, foods to eat more and less of, and nutrition information for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, and people who want to lose weight.

In general, you should:

• Eat smaller portion sizes.
• Make half of your grains whole.
• Make half of your plate vegetables and fruits.
• Drink fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Eat lean proteins.