The No. 1 Eating Mistake That May Slow Your Progress on Ozempic, According to a Weight Loss NP
You've taken the first step and decided to start Ozempic to achieve weight loss. Kudos to you! But before you get started, it's essential to learn everything you should do—and shouldn't do—in order to achieve the best results.
As with any weight-loss journey, there will always be advice-givers along the path offering their input—whether or not you asked for it. Don't misunderstand—learning the "tricks of the trade" is smart—but it's important to hear it directly from medical professionals.
That's why we checked in with Katie Sorensen, Nurse Practitioner, Weight Loss NP, LLC, so we can learn some beneficial feedback. There's one eating mistake at the top of the list that can slow down your progress when taking GLP-1s. Here's what to know.
The No. 1 Eating Mistake To Avoid While on a GLP-1
Taking weight-loss medication is only part of the journey. It's essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits—like performing regular strength training and consuming a nutritious, protein-packed diet—if you want real results, especially in the long-term.
The number one eating mistake to avoid?
"It all boils down to not being open to improving your food choices and eating habits while on a GLP-1," Sorensen tells us.
How This Mistake Interferes With Ozempic's Effectiveness
According to Sorensen, even with Ozempic as an aid, you still need to establish a calorie deficit to see progress.
"If a person is eating past the point of fullness Ozempic helps them have, they are less likely to be in a caloric deficit, and less likely to lose weight," she tells us. "General healthy eating principles still apply even when on a GLP-1, like Ozempic. Focusing on protein, produce, and minimally processed healthy carbs will help you see weight-loss success on a GLP-1."
These Simple Habits Help You Stay in a Calorie Deficit
If you want to lose unwanted pounds, keep the below calorie deficit tips in mind:
- Make protein a top priority in your diet.
- Emphasize high-volume, low-calorie foods, like cucumbers, leafy greens, and fresh berries.
- Eat more fiber—ultimately, 25 grams a day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Track your calories.
- When snack time rolls around, opt for low-calorie fruits.
- Move daily, making sure to perform both strength training and cardio.
Having Expert Guidance Makes a Real Difference
Having professional support at your fingertips can make all the difference in the world during your GLP-1 journey.
"I believe there is a healthy (and not so healthy) way to see weight loss with a GLP-1, and setting down healthy, sustainable habits is what will help you gain long term health. Having the support of a practice, like Weight Loss NP, helps you make the changes you need for long-term weight maintenance and health," Sorensen tells us.
The Medication Alone Won't Do All the Work
Having healthy eating habits and a solid workout routine in place are both essential.
"The medication works best when paired with a healthy lifestyle. If a person makes no changes to their food choices or portion sizes, the weight loss potential goes down significantly," Sorensen says.
If you're curious about what else to steer clear of, check out these 5 GLP-1 Medication Mistakes You Need to Avoid, According to an Obesity Expert.
