Semaglutide works best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes. Regular physical activity and portion control are essential for managing your weight. Additionally, it is important to consume healthy foods to support Semaglutide’s effectiveness.
If you are taking Semaglutide, certain foods can cause undesirable side effects. Additionally, some foods may make controlling blood sugar levels more challenging and achieving the best possible results.
While taking Semaglutide helps decrease how much food you eat, it is important to monitor your diet to get the best possible weight loss results. If you are taking Semaglutide or are thinking about taking it, keep reading to learn what to eat and what to avoid so you can have successful results with Semaglutide.
Understanding Semaglutide
Semaglutide is made up of amino acids that decrease blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. The injectable drug also mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 that we naturally produce in our intestines. When you inject it, it suppresses your appetite and makes you feel fuller faster. As a result, Semaglutide increases your metabolism and reduces cravings.
Ozempic and Wegovy are two versions of Semaglutide treatments currently available. Ozempic and Wegovy are both non-stimulating and non-habit-forming. Ozempic is FDA-approved for individuals with Type 2 diabetes to improve their blood sugar control. Wegovy, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for weight management for individuals with obesity or excess weight and at least one weight-related condition.
What to Eat While on Semaglutide
When taking Semaglutide for Type 2 diabetes or weight loss, it is important to modify your diet and lifestyle to get the most out of Semaglutide and stay healthy. While taking Semaglutide, side effects like bloating, stomach pain, and nausea are possible. Therefore, choosing nutrient-rich foods is key to preventing side effects of Semaglutide.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your appetite and refrain from overeating when you feel full. By following a balanced, whole-food diet and incorporating the foods below, you are more likely to maximize your results with Semaglutide.
Eat Lean Protein at Every Meal
Adding protein to a meal will help reduce blood sugar spikes post-meal and enhance your feeling of fullness, which prevents overeating. Protein should make up 10 to 35% of your total daily calorie intake for the day. A good guideline is to fill ¼ of your plate with protein. Incorporating lean proteins such as skinless chicken breast, white fish, lean meat, or plant proteins is a good way to get your protein in and feel fuller longer. These types of foods are low in saturated fat and calories, which can help you lose weight.
Prioritize Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta, are high in fiber, digested, and absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream than refined carbohydrates. As a result, this produces a slower, lower rise in blood sugar levels and can help you feel full for longer. Aim to fill ¼ of your plate with complex carbohydrates. Doing so is a great way to maximize your results when taking Semaglutide.
Consume More Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you consume fewer calories and get more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber helps slow the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates in your bloodstream. Nutrient-rich fruits and veggies can boost satiety, making you feel fuller. Try to fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits. Opt for low-glycemic fruits and veggies like greens, lentils, chickpeas, grapefruit, and berries.
Snack on Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Snacking on pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or hemp seeds while taking Semaglutide can help you feel satiated, which can help with your weight loss efforts. Nuts and seeds are also high in essential minerals like zinc and magnesium, which boost energy and support a strong immune system.
Stay Well Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important when taking Semaglutide. Your small and large intestines help absorb water from your food. Therefore, the longer gastric emptying takes, the drier your solid waste will be. Dry, hard stools are uncomfortable and difficult to pass. Drinking plenty of water is a great way to prevent constipation while taking Semaglutide. A general guideline is to consume 30 mL of fluids per kilogram of body weight, or about 0.5 oz/lbs of your body weight.
What Not to Eat While on Semaglutide
No foods are completely prohibited when taking Semaglutide. However, some foods should be reduced or avoided altogether if possible. This is because certain foods can increase Semaglutide side effects such as bloating, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Additionally, fatty, or saturated foods can contribute to weight gain. Limiting the following foods below reduces the chances of increasing side effects that you experience with Semaglutide.
High-Glycemic Fruits and Veggies
Some fruits and veggies have a higher glycemic index than others. Therefore, this can lead to spikes in blood sugar. High-glycemic fruits such as pineapple, mango, bananas, and watermelon should be avoided if possible. High-glycemic veggies like starchy potatoes and sweet corn should also be reduced if not completely avoided, when taking Semaglutide. Limiting your intake of these foods and going for low-glycemic fruits and veggies reduces your chances of uncomfortable, painful gastrointestinal symptoms.
Sugary Foods
If you’re taking Semaglutide, being mindful of your sugar intake is a good idea. You should limit sugary foods like candy, soda, and baked goods from your diet. These types of sweets can cause your blood sugar to spike, which makes losing weight even harder. Sugar can also be very addictive and lead to overeating. Therefore, consuming sugary sweets can also get in the way of achieving a leaner figure.
Highly Processed Foods
Highly processed foods like white bread, pasta, and processed cereals are packed with unhealthy saturated fats, blood-sugar-spiking refined sugar, and excess amounts of salt.
As a result, these types of food are high in calories, highly inflammatory, and should be avoided. They lack nutrients and have a high glycemic index. This means that your body quickly converts them into glucose. As a result, your blood sugar levels rapidly spike. Consuming a diet high in salt can also raise your blood pressure, and if you have diabetes, a diet high in saturated fat can worsen symptoms.
Fried Foods
Fried foods like fast food are high in calories and unhealthy fats like saturated fat and trans-fat. These types of foods are hard on your digestive system as they are tough to digest. French fries, fried chicken, and battered burgers contribute to inflammation. These foods can also cause indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Aim to swap fried food for grilled or fresh alternatives to cut down on excess calories, fats, and sodium.
Soda and Carbonated Drinks
It is also a good idea to avoid drinking soda and carbonated beverages when taking Semaglutide. Like sugary sweets, sodas are high in sugar and calories and will spike your blood sugar levels. Soda lacks nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain.
Additionally, carbonated drinks like soda, seltzer water and beer contain carbon dioxide. This may exacerbate some of the side effects of Semaglutide, including bloating or indigestion.
Alcohol and Caffeine
It is important to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake while taking Semaglutide. Alcohol can contribute to weight gain because it is full of excess, empty calories. Drinking alcohol can also lead to dehydration and disrupt sleep, making losing weight more challenging. Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking Semaglutide may increase your risk of experiencing nausea and vomiting and can lower your blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is wise to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption to get the most out of Semaglutide.
Try Semaglutide in McLean, Virginia
If you are tired of struggling with your weight, Semaglutide is a safe and effective option to jumpstart your weight loss journey so you can look and feel your very best. Learn more about how Semaglutide will help you achieve optimal weight loss by contacting Evexia Medspa. We are the top provider of Semaglutide injections in McLean, Virginia.
Give us a call at (571) 554-5418 to schedule a complimentary consultation or reach out to us online to find out if you are a good candidate for Semaglutide. We can’t wait to share more about the benefits of Semaglutide and create a treatment plan that helps you achieve the body of your dreams.
