6 Foods A Clinical Nutrition Expert Recommends When Taking Semaglutide

Medicine bottle of semaglutide with clear liquid
Medically Reviewed
May 8, 2024

Hi everyone, I’m Stephanie, your friendly neighborhood clinical nutritionist! Today, we’re diving into the world of GLP-1 weight loss medications like semaglutide. Now, these meds are a powerful tool, but to truly unlock their potential, we need to talk food! 

While semaglutide and similar GLP-1 medications are very effective for weight loss, they work best alongside a functional nutrition strategy 

A personalized approach, like the Nava Method, ensures your body is provided with the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally. It also helps manage potential side effects like nausea and sluggish digestion, often caused by GLP-1’s impact on gut motility 

By focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods and considering how they interact with the medication’s effects, you’ll maximize GLP-1’s benefits and fuel your body for long-term success. 

Here are 6 superstar ingredients to fuel your body and maximize your results, all with a functional twist: 

  1. Leafy Green Power: Think spinach, kale, and collard greens. Functional Reason: These leafy wonders are champions of fiber, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and aiding digestion, which can be sluggish on GLP-1 meds.
  2. Lean Protein Party: Chicken, fish, and lentils, all get an invite! Functional Reason: Protein is your satiety BFF. It helps regulate blood sugar and keeps cravings at bay, perfect for GLP-1’s appetite-suppressing effects.
  3. Berry Bonanza: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are your low-glycemic sweet treats. Functional Reason: GLP-1 can affect how your body processes sugar. Berries satisfy your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar.
  4. Fermented Frenzy: Kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha (in moderation if tolerated) join the party! Functional Reason: These fermented superstars are loaded with gut-friendly probiotics, essential for a healthy digestive system, which can be impacted by GLP-1 meds.
  5. Healthy Fat Fantastic: Avocados, nuts, and seeds are your heart-healthy fat crew. Functional Reason: Healthy fats slow down digestion, promoting satiety and aiding nutrient absorption, which is even more crucial with GLP-1’s influence on gut motility.
  6. Hydrate Like a Hydra: Water is your ultimate weapon! Functional Reason: GLP-1 can sometimes lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water keeps you feeling full, flushes toxins, and aids digestion.

But wait, there’s more!  

These amazing foods are just one piece of the puzzle. For true, sustainable weight loss success, consider an integrative medical weight loss program.

Why? Because it goes beyond the scale, focusing on: 

  • Functional medicine: Identifying and addressing any underlying health imbalances that may be contributing to weight gain. 
  • Mind-body connection: Exploring the emotional and behavioral aspects of food to develop healthy, long-term habits. 
  • Optimal Health Roadmap: Creating a fully integrated plan around your health goals ensures that your weight loss is one piece in a larger plan of optimizing your health for the long-term benefits.  

By combining GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide, with a functional food strategy and an integrative approach, you’re setting yourself up for a weight loss journey that’s not just about the number on the scale but about creating a healthier, happier you! 

Remember, I’m here to support you on this journey. Feel free to reach out for personalized guidance!

Learn more about our NavaRX medical weight loss program or call to get started today (800) 762-6282

StephanieM Headshot Doctor - Nava Health
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Stephanie is an autoimmune advocate and Functional Nutritionist who blends science, humor, and herbalism to create personalized nutrition and integrative health strategies. With over five years of clinical experience, Stephanie has helped numerous clients overcome various health issues, from weight management to autoimmunity and hormonal balance.