It’s a new year and that means a new beginning. For many people, a new year also means focusing on improving your health and your body, especially after several months of eating sweets and high fat, but very tasty, holiday meals. Perhaps it’s finally time to have the body you always wanted whether it’s by dieting and losing a few pounds or sculpting some resistant areas. Pick the right plan “If you are going to make changes to lose weight, know yourself and pick a plan that’s attractive to you,” said Jeannie Boyer, registered dietician at East Cooper Bariatric Surgery in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. “You’re going to have to maintain your weight loss, so don’t do things like cleanses because they are temporary.” To slow down any overeating, Boyer suggests drinking a glass of water before every meal. “You need it, drink it,” she said. “Then you’re more mindful of what you are going to eat.” Boyer also suggests an adequate amount of protein in your diet, especially if your weight loss decision comes after you have recently had reconstruction surgery. Protein is necessary for your body, helping it to build and repair muscles, skin and other body tissues. Use an online protein calculator to find out your daily requirement based on your age, height, weight and exercise level. Boyer also suggests bucking the diet trends, such as coconut water or following reality weight loss shows where contestants drop a large amount of weight in a short period of time. “You don’t need to spend money or get special water to drink enough,” she said. “When it comes to weight loss, one to two pounds per week is realistic and is able to be maintained. Some weeks you might lose three pounds and then zero, but on average you should lose one to two pounds per week.” Sculpt the look you want So maybe you have lost weight and have been working out but you still can’t seem to tighten some areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise. Thanks to modern technology, you can get rid of your love handles and sculpt the body you want. The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction utilizes truSculpt® ID, a non-surgical treatment that permanently eliminates fat cells in stubborn areas around your arms, thighs and abdomen in just a 15-minute treatment. Monopolar RF technology uses therapeutic heat and clinical studies have resulted in an average of 24 percent fat reduction. Maybe what you want to change about your body is to see less of your scars from any surgeries or even acne breakouts that you may have had. Secret RF is another in-office, non-surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of scars, skin tone and texture. It can help you achieve younger-looking skin with 3-4 easy treatments and little to no downtime. The Center’s Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners provide these services when they are not assisting in surgery or helping reconstruction patients with their pre- and post-operative needs. These non-invasive procedures are not covered by insurance but are much less expensive than the insurance deductibles and copays you will pay at the beginning of the calendar year. New Year, new you. To learn more about natural breast reconstruction, truSculpt® iD and Secret RF, contact The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction at NaturalBreastReconstruction.com or call toll-free at 1-866-374-2627. Or come to our event on January 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. you can learn more and access the lowest prices we offer on these procedures.  There will be goody bags and light refreshments provided.