Foods to Avoid While on GLP-1 Medications
Many people don’t realize they may need to change their diet while taking GLP-1 medication to lose weight. Changes in diet can be important for weight loss, and they can also help limit or avoid nausea and other digestive side effects of GLP-1 medication.
Why Change Your Diet While Taking GLP-1 Medication?
There are two main reasons to make changes to your diet when you begin GLP-1 medications, also known by their generic names as semaglutides, liraglutides, and tirzepatides. While first starting any new medicine, there is always a chance of experiencing side effects. The most common side effects of GLP-1 are gastrointestinal issues, and some foods may be more likely to increase nausea and stomach discomfort than others while using these meds.
Taking semaglutides or other GLP-1 medications will also affect how hungry you feel. When you feel fuller for longer, you may be eating food less frequently and in smaller portions. Changing your diet will help ensure you’re still receiving the nutrients you need.
While GLP-1 medications promote weight loss, they work best when paired with a balanced, healthy diet. By avoiding or limiting certain foods, you can both reduce the risk of side effects and improve your long-term health goals.
Foods to Avoid on GLP-1 Medication
Changing your diet doesn’t have to be difficult. You can still enjoy some of your favorite foods in moderation while supporting your weight loss goals. However, it’s important to understand how different foods may affect your medication and your reaction to it. Let’s take a look at the foods you might want to avoid while on semaglutides or other GLP-1medications.
1. High-fat foods
High-fat foods such as fried foods, fatty meats, and rich desserts can make digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation worse. Fatty foods slow down stomach emptying, which may worsen nausea or cause bloating and discomfort when combined with GLP-1 medications. High-fat diets can also slow the absorption of the drug, making it less effective. Choosing lower-fat foods can help limit these side effects.
2. Sugary foods and drinks
Eating foods high in sugar such as pastries, candy, and soda can counteract the benefits of GLP-1 medications. These foods spike blood sugar, which the drug works to control. Consuming sugary foods can affect the medication's ability to manage blood sugar levels, as well as add to nausea symptoms.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is high in empty calories and sugar, which can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and slow down your digestion. Also, because alcohol can cause nausea and dizziness, drinking it while on GLP-1 medication can make these symptoms even worse.
4. Foods known to cause gas and bloating
Certain foods, such as beans, cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower), and carbonated beverages, are known to cause gas and bloating. Because GLP-1 medications already slow down the digestive process, limiting these foods and drinks can help avoid more stomach discomfort. One way to reduce the extra gas when eating vegetables is by cooking them to make them easier to digest instead of eating vegetables raw.
5. Refined carbohydrates
While carbohydrates are essential to our diets, refined carbohydrates lose fiber and nutrients as they are processed. Foods like white bread, pasta, and white rice may cause spikes in blood sugar levels and end up causing constipation and nausea. Try swapping these pantry staples with whole grain options and you may still be able to enjoy some of your favorite meals without upsetting your stomach.
6. Spicy or acidic foods
While flavorful foods may satisfy your taste buds, they can often irritate your stomach. Side effects of GLP-1 medications often are worse in the first few weeks, and spicy or acidic foods can increase gastrointestinal side effects. You don’t have to give up spicy foods entirely, but it might help to limit them and then gradually reintroduce them as you get used to your medication.
Foods to Eat While Taking GLP-1
So, what can you eat while on semaglutides to avoid nausea? Look for foods that provide nutrients, are easy to digest, and align with your weight loss goals. Consider options that are rich in:
- Protein – eggs, lean meats, nuts and seeds
- Nutrients – Greek yogurt, overnight oats, protein shakes
- Fiber – peas, apples, quinoa, brown rice
- Antioxidants – blueberries, strawberries, leafy greens
- Healthy fats – avocados, olive oil, salmon
Remember, you will still need to be careful with how much food you consume, especially when starting your GLP-1 meds, to help avoid nausea and other digestive symptoms.
Be patient with yourself, consider working with a nutritionist to help you through your GLP-1 weight loss journey, and be sure to contact your doctor if your nausea, digestive discomfort, or other side effects feel severe.