The human body is remarkable. The fact that our bodies heal themselves so quickly after an injury or surgery is absolutely incredible. Having a surgery is never necessarily a “fun” experience, and while it might be dreaded, there are ways to make the process more enjoyable, and there are certain foods to eat pre and post-op that keep inflammation in the body low for the smoothest healing process of your body.

In Massy’s most recent YouTube video, she explains how she kept herself mentally and physically healthy during post-op weeks after her breast explant surgery. Juicing, having meals there were relatively high in carbs but also high in fiber and continuing to lightly move her body were among some of the ways she stayed strong after her surgery. 

Below is her go-to juice recipe to boost gut health and maintain an optimal microbiome.

Ingredients

• Turmeric and ginger: great for digestive health and lowering inflammation
• Cilantro and parsley: known for cleaning your blood
• Celery 
• Kale
• Lemon
• Apple: for sweetness

After surgery, Massy also stuck to these basic meals that might help you on your recovery journey. We hope this video provides insight on how to prioritize your health and keep these whole-foods-eating habits strong in everyday life.

Breakfast

• Oatmeal and boiled eggs
  • 3 eggs, 2 yolks plus egg whites
• ¾ cups to 1 cup of Organic rolled oats
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, all-spice almond milk, monk fruit sugar (0 calories and no carbs)

Protein shakes

• 2 scoops of protein, 40g of protein

Salmon + Quinoa with a Spinach and Strawberry Salad

• Salmon seasoned with black pepper, onion salt and Everything seasoning from Trader Joe’s
• Air fryer on broil setting at 450 degrees so that it’s crunchy on the outside but moist on the inside 
• It’s done when it’s crispy and brown on the outside
• Put some lemon juice on top

Spinach + Strawberry Salad

• Fat free feta because there’s already natural healthy fat in the salmon
• Raw beets
• Strawberries
• Kale
• Spinach 
• Cucumber 
• Red onion 
• 1 – 1 ½ tbsp of oil, adding more if needed
• Balsamic glaze
• Pinch of salt

Other tips for a smooth recovery process:

• Limit frozen foods and cook fresh foods as often as possible.
• Prioritize protein to maintain muscle mass.
• Fiber is how our guts stay healthy, so eat lots of fruits and veggies. It is recommended to consume up to 25g of fiber as a female and 30 grams as a male.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of water.