How to Burn Stomach Fat After a Hysterectomy

How to Burn Stomach Fat After a Hysterectomy
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Concentrate on making dietary improvements, and then slowly increase your physical activity to burn stomach fat after a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus. An abdominal or vaginal approach may be used; however, both approaches require time to recover. During your recovery period, begin cutting calories, and then begin incorporating exercise into your schedule as your doctor allows.

Step 1

Cut calories immediately after your hysterectomy to burn stomach fat. Reduce your caloric intake by 500 calories per day to lose 1 lb. of fat per week. Avoid high-calorie foods and beverages to meet your 500-calorie per day deficit. Avoid cookies, cakes, fried foods, sodas, juices and sweet teas.

Step 2

Improve your overall diet as you recover from your hysterectomy surgery. A well-balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low-fat dairy products. Specifically, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating 1/2 a plate of fruits and vegetables, 1/4 a plate of whole grains and 1/4 a plate of a lean meat. Further, a 2010 article on MSNBC.com states that eating more whole grains can help you burn belly fat. Adults who ate three or more servings per day of whole grains and avoided refined grains, such as white rice, had a 10 percent reduction in belly fat.

Step 3

Increase your physical activity levels, as your doctor allows, to lose stomach fat after a hysterectomy. According to MayoClinic.com, you should not lift heavy weight for at least six weeks following your surgery. Once approved by your doctor, begin walking five to 10 minutes per day to start. Gradually increase the distance and time you walk as your build endurance. Set a goal to walk for at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week to lose stomach fat.

Step 4

Perform abdominal-sculpting exercises at least three times per week to tone your abs. Although you cannot burn stomach fat with abdominal exercises, you can increase the muscle mass in your abdomen, which will give your stomach a more toned look. Check with your doctor to determine when performing abdominal exercises are safe after surgery.

Tips and Warnings

  • Measure your waist circumference at least once per week to make sure you are burning stomach fat.
  • Do not hesitate to see your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or begin to experience abnormal bleeding.

References

Article reviewed by Lauren Fritsky Last updated on: Aug 25, 2011

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