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We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

#1 Trick to Feel Full While Eating Food You Love, According to a Nutritionist

It has to do with balance, she says.

Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

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Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Steph Grasso, MS, RD (@stephgrassdietician) is a nutritionist with 2.2 million followers on TikTok. She regularly shares content about how to stay healthy, lose weight, and build muscle without depriving your body of what it needs. In one of her viral videos, she explains why having a balanced diet and not seriously restricting yourself from certain types of food is key not only for losing weight but your mental health. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in.


Why You Need to Eat Carbs and Protein

@stephgrassodietitian

How I established a healthy relationship with food. Why restrict your favorite foods when you can just add more nutrients?! Best of both worlds 🫶🏼 #dietitian #nutrition #healthyrelationshipwithfood #add #macncheese #healthtips

Steph starts by explaining how carbs and protein are important. “If you eat carbs, you'll feel energized. If you eat protein, you'll feel satisfied. If you eat protein and carbs, you'll feel satisfied and energized,” she starts off the video by saying.

Why You Should Add Fiber

Fresh spinach in a bowl on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

Next, she illustrates the importance of adding fiber to the mix. “If you eat fiber, you'll feel full. If you eat fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll feel full, satisfied, and energized,” she continues.

Related: 5 Cardio Workouts That Are Better Than Running

Fats Are Also Important, She Says

Homemade,Sausages,Turkey,chicken,Fried,Frying,PanShutterstock

Don’t overlook the benefits of fat, she stresses. “If you eat fats, you'll have stable energy levels. If you eat fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll have stable energy levels, feel full, feel satisfied, and feel energized,” she adds.

Here Is Why You Should Eat What You Are Craving

Steph_Grasso4stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

“If you eat what you're craving, you'll feel happy. If you're eating what you're craving, fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, then you'll feel happy, you'll have stable energy levels, you'll feel full, you'll feel satisfied, and you'll feel energized,” she says.

Start Adding, Stop Restricting

Steph_Grasso3stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

The bottom line and moral of the story? “Start adding. Stop restricting,” she concludes.

Related:12 Tips to Maintain Weight Loss After Using Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications

RDN Agrees

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

Collingwood is completely on board with her advice. “I love this,” she says. “Every part of it is absolutely true. Carbs are energy, fat and protein sustain and provide stability and fiber fills. Depriving leaves you unhappy so eat what you’re craving but just stick to moderation.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Instead of restricting yourself from carbs, protein, fiber, fats, and foods you are craving, think about how each of them can benefit your health and choose accordingly.

More For You

Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Steph Grasso, MS, RD (@stephgrassdietician) is a nutritionist with 2.2 million followers on TikTok. She regularly shares content about how to stay healthy, lose weight, and build muscle without depriving your body of what it needs. In one of her viral videos, she explains why having a balanced diet and not seriously restricting yourself from certain types of food is key not only for losing weight but your mental health. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, to weigh in.


Why You Need to Eat Carbs and Protein

@stephgrassodietitian

How I established a healthy relationship with food. Why restrict your favorite foods when you can just add more nutrients?! Best of both worlds 🫶🏼 #dietitian #nutrition #healthyrelationshipwithfood #add #macncheese #healthtips

Steph starts by explaining how carbs and protein are important. “If you eat carbs, you'll feel energized. If you eat protein, you'll feel satisfied. If you eat protein and carbs, you'll feel satisfied and energized,” she starts off the video by saying.

Why You Should Add Fiber

Fresh spinach in a bowl on rustic wooden backgroundShutterstock

Next, she illustrates the importance of adding fiber to the mix. “If you eat fiber, you'll feel full. If you eat fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll feel full, satisfied, and energized,” she continues.

Related: 5 Cardio Workouts That Are Better Than Running

Fats Are Also Important, She Says

Homemade,Sausages,Turkey,chicken,Fried,Frying,PanShutterstock

Don’t overlook the benefits of fat, she stresses. “If you eat fats, you'll have stable energy levels. If you eat fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, you'll have stable energy levels, feel full, feel satisfied, and feel energized,” she adds.

Here Is Why You Should Eat What You Are Craving

Steph_Grasso4stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

“If you eat what you're craving, you'll feel happy. If you're eating what you're craving, fats, fiber, protein, and carbs, then you'll feel happy, you'll have stable energy levels, you'll feel full, you'll feel satisfied, and you'll feel energized,” she says.

Start Adding, Stop Restricting

Steph_Grasso3stephgrassodietitian/TikTok

The bottom line and moral of the story? “Start adding. Stop restricting,” she concludes.

Related:12 Tips to Maintain Weight Loss After Using Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications

RDN Agrees

tara_collingwood5dietdivatara/Instagram

Collingwood is completely on board with her advice. “I love this,” she says. “Every part of it is absolutely true. Carbs are energy, fat and protein sustain and provide stability and fiber fills. Depriving leaves you unhappy so eat what you’re craving but just stick to moderation.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Instead of restricting yourself from carbs, protein, fiber, fats, and foods you are craving, think about how each of them can benefit your health and choose accordingly.

Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Samar Kullab MS, RDN (@chicagodietician) is a ​​Licensed & Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and influencer who has amassed a following of over 710,000 followers on TikTok. She regularly shares tips and tricks about how to lose weight in a natural way. In one viral video, she shares a simple hack you can use at every meal to eat less. “One thing you can do at your next meal to help you lose weight. I'm a registered dietician nutritionist with a master's in nutrition science. So listen up,” she says in the clip. We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, for more tips.


Don’t Eat Fast

@chicago.dietitian

Follow for more weight loss tips☺️ #dietitian #nutrition #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsandtricks #learnontiktok

Like your mother might have told you, don’t eat so fast, she says. “Slow down at your meal. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.”

If You Eat Fast, You Won’t Know When You Are Full

samar-kullab-3chicago.dietitian/TikTok

This means that if you eat fast, you are more likely to eat more because you won’t know you are full. “So the quicker that you eat, the more that you can eat.”

Once you figure it out, it will be too late. “By the time your brain gets that message, you're just like, ‘Well, I'm uncomfortably full,’’” she adds.

At your next meal, “slow down, chew your food very well, put your utensils down between each bite,” she instructs.

Related: Britany Williams Shares 10-Minute, Zero Equipment Beginner Workout

Eat From Smaller Plates

Big,Plate,With,Small,Amount,Of,Salad,In,The,Centre,Shutterstock

We also asked The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, for more tips. Her first? Eat from a smaller plate. “If you eat from the really large dinner plates, smaller portions look like you are depriving yourself and it’s too easy to put portions too large on those plates,” she says. “If you fill a smaller plate, you can eat smaller portions."

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds With This Walking Routine

Half Your Plate with Veggies and One-Quarter, Veggies

Salmon,Served,With,Mix,Salad,Veggies,VegetablesShutterstock

Collingwood also suggests filling half your plate with veggies and at least one-quarter with protein. “Veggies are low in calories and high in fiber which fills and keeps you satiated. Protein is also very satiating and has a high thermic effect of food, meaning you actually burn more calories digesting it than carbs and even fat.”

💪🔥Body Booster: During your next meal, be intentional about your pace of eating. Try and eat slower than usual, giving your stomach a chance to signal to your brain that you are full. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight without having to count calories? Try intuitive eating, urges one expert. Jannina Emilia is an intuitive healthy habit expert and coach who lost 22 pounds without calorie counting. In a new post, she reveals exactly how she did it. “Here’s what it actually takes to lose fat without tracking calories from a woman who did 7 years of research, lost 10kg (22lbs) unnecessary weight, never needs to diet again,” she wrote across the Instagram video.


It’s Possible to Lose Weight Without Calculating Anything

She starts by discussing “the science-backed truth” about intuitive eating. “All the time people come to me saying ‘if I just ate freely what I wanted, I would be the size of a tank’ (literally with those words),” she writes. “This brings us to the TRUTH: It is possible to lose that hindering body fat that bothers you (yup, been there too, sis!) while leaving all calculations and meal plans behind. Choosing to embody healthy eating this way has completely transformed my body & mind (and for a reason!!!)” she continues.

RELATED: She Lost 100 Pounds With This 3-Ingredient Breakfast Every Day

Focus on the Type and Amount of Food You Eat

Number one? “Embody the very basics of the correlation between food and body composition,” she writes. “The science: The type AND amount of food we eat have the biggest impact on our body composition (remember your weight is not just weight: it’s water, fat, muscle etc. that’s why using a scale to check your weight is a horrible measure)”

Focus on Quality Nutrition 80 Percent of the Time

Next, focus on quality nutrition 80% of the time. “The science: Providing volume and satiety with fewer (while still enough) calories naturally,” she explains.

Eat Food You Actually Like

You don’t need to eat food just because it’s healthy. “Eat all your fav foods daily,” she recommends. “The science: A balanced, realistic approach to eating that is sustainable for long term without extremes.”

RELATED: Top Nutritionist Says Stop These 7 Macro Mistakes for Weight Loss

Follow Hunger Cues

Next, listen to your body. “Give your body enough break from eating so that the natural cues appear, then act on those cues,” she writes. “The science: Following your body’s physiological signals is the most natural way to eat (HIII INTUITIVE EATING that’s packed with freedom😍).”

Eat Nutrient Dense Foods

She also suggests focusing on foods that will fill you up. “Fall in love with nutrient dense foods,” she writes. “The science: Our brains have the ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to experience and learning: you can rewire your brain to associate nourishing foods with pleasure, making it easier to choose them regularly.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Cassie Black, MS RD (@fatlossdietician), is a nutrition expert and Instagram influencer who helps “women ditch yo-yo dieting and lose fat for good without sacrificing the foods they love.” In one of her viral posts, she reveals an easy hack for losing weight. “This is another one for my ladies who want to lose weight but are also balling on a time budget,” she writes in the caption.


She Stopped Spending Hours in the Kitchen

Close up cropped image of cutting board and couple cutting vegetables in the kitchen together, preparing food meal at home. Vegetarian healthy foodShutterstock

“Life got a lot easier for me when I stopped trying to make weight loss unnecessarily hard and time-consuming,” she starts. “Instead, I started focusing on the little things I could to see results without spending hours in the kitchen, meal-prepping, or seeking ‘special’ food options.”

Related: I Started to Walk 1 Mile Every Day, and Here’s How I Made It Happen

She Started Being More Intentional About the Order in Which She Eats Food

Rear View Of Young Woman Looking In Fridge At KitchenShutterstock

She claims that the secret isn’t just what you eat but the order in which you eat it. “One of the little things I’ve stumbled upon in my journey is being more intentional about the order in which I eat my food,” she continues. “Now, I’m not saying this is a hard and fast rule or anything, but I am saying that it can be one of those little things that add up in a big way.”

The Order: Veggies, Protein, Starchy Carbs

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.Shutterstock

Here is the order: “I focus on eating veggies first, protein second, and starchy carbs last,” she reveals.

Veggies Fill You Up and Give You Fiber

broccoli in hands. a wooden background. healthy eating concept.Shutterstock

“Veggies help to fill you up and also can give you some fiber to support a better blood sugar response right off the bat (something that is KEY for more efficient weight loss),” she says.

Protein Helps You Feel Fuller Sooner So You Don’t Overindulge in Starchy Carbs

Grilled chicken breasts and vegetablesShutterstock

“Protein helps you feel more full sooner so that when you get to starchy carbs, you aren’t ravenous and can eat an amount that feels satisfying and supports your goals,” she continues.

The Method Isn’t Restrictive

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“It’s a win-win situation because you aren’t taking anything away, spending any more time on the meal AND you’re helping your body burn fat more efficiently,” she points out.

It Also Works Well While Traveling

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The method comes in handy even when she isn’t at home. “This works really well for me, especially when I’m eating out or on vacation,” she says.

Related: 4 Things I Did to Lose Stomach Fat

Our Expert Agrees

tara_collingwood6dietdivatara/Instagram

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, is totally on board with her recommendation. “You are getting the healthy veggies first, and the fiber can assist in filling you up and delaying how quickly blood sugar goes up. Protein has a similar response in providing satiety or a more lasting fullness and helping to regulate blood sugar. Starchy carbs aren’t bad to eat, but they don’t fill you up as quickly and it is easy to overeat them,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try eating your food in this order: Veggies, protein, starchy carbs. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Hungry woman holding spoon in her mouth.
Shutterstock/Roman Samborskyi
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Want to quell your appetite without taking Ozempic? "In my years of practice, I’ve seen clients able to manage their appetite naturally by means of changing their mindset and how they perceive the idea of dieting," says Catherine Gervacio, a registered dietitian and a certified exercise nutrition coach at E-Health Project. Here are some proven tips from her and other leading experts in the field.


1. View Food as Fuel, Not as an Anti-Stress Regimen

Closeup detail of woman putting pink chewing gum into her mouth.Shutterstock

"First, you want to view food as fuel, not as a reward or anti-stress regimen. Shifting your perspective on food provides deeper insights into what it can provide your body, specifically on recognizing the nutrients each meal provides and how each food contributes to your overall health and well-being," says Gervacio. "Taking this into a positive perspective, practicing gratitude also helps. Cultivate gratitude and acknowledge the effort that went into preparing your meals. This mindset can change the way you think about food and foster a good connection to what you eat.

"There’s also potential for using aromatherapy to reduce appetite. Lemon or citronella scents can potentially help, according to a study," she continues. "I, and some of my clients, use essential oils for different health reasons, so lighting a candle with the mentioned scents may help. You can also choose to chew sugar-free gum strategically. Chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, which not only aids digestion but also provides a sensory distraction that can help suppress appetite."

Related: I Lost 35 Pounds With These 3 Simple Tricks (And I Hate Exercise)

2. Eat When Hungry

Woman,Feeling,Hungry,Looking,For,Something,To,Eat,In,AmusementShutterstock

"Eat when hungry," says Blanca Garcia, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I am the nutrition specialist at Healthcanal. "An appetite arises simply because you are hungry, there isn’t a special pill or formula that can solve this as naturally as just eating. Having a snack or a meal that is balanced in complex carbohydrates and proteins can just naturally calm your appetite."

3. Eat Foods Full of Protein and Fiber

Macro photo green fresh vegetable broccoli. Fresh green broccoli on a black stone table.Broccoli vegetable is full of vitamin.Vegetables for diet and healthy eating.Organic food.Shutterstock

"Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that, when eaten, won’t be broken down and absorbed like other nutrients. Fiber actually maintains its form, taking its time to move out of the stomach making a person feel full longer and managing appetite levels," says Garcia.

"Consumption of high fiber foods can assist in feeling fuller longer, these foods include whole grains, beans, lentils, broccoli, artichoke and berries. The recommended amounts are 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men per day," says Yelena Wheeler, MPH, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist of National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC).

"Protein and fiber are the two greatest allies when it comes to satiety, and having meals rich in them can help manage your satiety during the day," adds Eva De Angelis, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist and Health and Nutrition Writer at the E-Health project. "Fiber is a complex carb that we cannot digest, but it helps slow down nutrient absorption, providing higher satiety. Likewise, protein takes longer to digest, keeping us full for longer. So having balanced meals high in fiber (think foods like veggies, fruits, whole grains, and pulses) and lean protein (think chicken and turkey breast, lean red meat, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and pulses)."

Related: Fitness Expert Wows With Their Abs And Shares Their Proven Routine

4. Drink Water Prior to Your Meal

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"Consuming 1 cup of water prior to your meal may induce the feeling of fullness which in turn would cause one to decrease consumption during the meal," says Wheeler. She adds:

  • "Consumption of Yerba Mate in combination with exercise prior to the meal has shown positive effects on increasing satiety.
  • Consumption of a balanced diet that consists of healthy fats, lean protein and fiber will keep one feeling fuller longer and in turn suppress cravings for simple carbohydrate like foods. Healthy fats such as those from avocados, chia seed and walnuts are recommended to be added.
  • Consumption of ginger and green tea has also shown to suppress appetite in a few small studies.
  • Drinking a small cup of coffee 1 to 3 hours prior to the meal has also been shown to have an effect on appetite hormones and perception."

Related: Fitness Expert Wows With Their Abs And Shares Their Proven Routine

5. Avoid Mindless Snacking

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"When we are hungry, our appetite comes into play, telling us we need nutrients to keep going. When we snack frequently, and often not for hunger but just because, we messed with our hunger and satiety cues, making it harder for us to know when we´re eating for hunger and when for boredom. While hard at first, try mindful eating and follow your hunger cues," says De Angelis.

💪🔥Body Booster: Consider chewing gum when you’re feeling hungry. It stimulates saliva production, which not only aids in digestion but also serves as a sensory distraction to help curb your appetite.

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

Different sugar on dark tableShutterstock

Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar​2. Processed FoodsShutterstock

Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

Man in the kitchen pouring a mug of hot filtered coffee from a glass pot. Having breakfast in the morningShutterstock

“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

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Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

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Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
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Do you want to get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.