The Best Foods to Eat When Taking Ozempic

Ozempic is a GLP-1 medication available that requires a prescription from your doctor. People with type 2 diabetes can take Ozempic to help maintain their blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Eating a balanced diet helps support the actions of this medication.

This article discusses how Ozempic works and which foods will help you reach your health goals.

A registered dietitian can develop a custom eating plan that supports your health goals while on Ozempic. Nourish accepts most insurance plans and provides 100% virtual visits. Book an appointment today.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand-name medication that helps manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. 

Ozempic is an injectable medication taken once a week. Injections sites include your thigh, upper arm, or stomach area. The instructions on the medication indicate you can take Ozempic on an empty stomach or with food. It is important to take it at the same time each week for the best results. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Ozempic as a medication for type 2 diabetes in 2017. 

How Ozempic works

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, works by imitating the actions of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). 

The intestines secrete GLP-1 in response to food intake. The hormone stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. It also decreases the release of glucose (sugar) from the liver and slows the rate food leaves the stomach. 

Ozempic binds to the same receptors as GLP-1 and enhances the actions of this hormone. By doing this, Ozempic helps keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range and may help you reach your health goals.

It is important to note that Ozempic works alongside eating a balanced diet and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Best Foods to Eat While Taking Ozempic

While taking Ozempic, it is a good idea to eat a balanced diet to support the actions of this medication and help keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. 

It may be helpful to work with a registered dietitian from Nourish who can develop a custom eating plan that supports your health goals. Nourish accepts most insurance plans and provides 100% virtual visits. 

Protein-rich foods

While you take Ozempic, it is important to eat foods rich in proteins. Protein is an essential nutrient your body needs for optimal immune function, muscle growth and repair, and helps you feel satisfied after eating.

Foods high in protein include:

• Poultry.
• Fish.
• Soy.
• Beans.
• Lentils.
• Eggs.
• Beef.
• Pork.
• Dairy products.

Choose a variety of protein sources throughout your week to fulfill your body’s nutritional needs and support the health benefits of Ozempic. 

The portion sizes you need to eat daily depend on several factors. A Nourish dietitian can help you develop an individualized plan.

Whole grains

Whole grains retain their nutritional value, whereas refined grains lose part of their nutrition during the milling process. Whole grains are great sources of fiber, B vitamins, complex carbohydrates, several minerals, and iron. 

Whole grains also help stabilize blood sugar levels due to their slower release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. This makes them a great food to eat while taking Ozempic. 

Whole grain foods include:

• Whole wheat bread.
• Pasta.
• Quinoa.
• Brown rice.
• Oats.
• Whole cornmeal.
• Barley.
• Farro.

Nuts

Eating nuts while taking Ozempic is beneficial for several reasons. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. They are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease. 

Eating nuts may also improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because nuts are low in carbohydrates and are less likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels. 

The fiber and healthy fats in nuts can also help promote feelings of fullness and help you avoid mindless snacking throughout the day. 

Nuts you can incorporate into your eating plan include:

• Almonds.
• Brazil nuts.
• Cashews.
• Hazel nuts.
• Macadamia nuts.
• Pecans.
• Pine nuts.
• Pistachios.
• Walnuts.
• Peanuts.

Legumes

Legumes have several nutritional qualities you can benefit from while taking Ozempic. Legumes are a great source of plant protein, fiber, potassium, and folate. They also provide you with zinc and iron. 

Legumes alone can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. However, when consumed while taking Ozempic, they can further improve your readings.

The fiber and protein in legumes will help you feel satisfied after meals and help reduce your appetite. 

Legumes you can add to your meals include:

• Kidney beans.
• Pinto beans.
• White beans.
• Black beans.
• Lima beans.
• Fava beans
• Dried peas.
• Lentils.
• Edamame.

Side Effects of Ozempic

The most common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.

Less common side effects include:

• Serious allergic reaction: Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe itching or rash, rapid heartbeat, feeling dizzy or faint. This is a medical emergency, call 911.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, symptoms may include dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, irritability, anxiety, mood changes, slurred speech, sweating, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery. This is a medical emergency, call 911.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Symptoms may include stomach pain that may radiate to the back with or without vomiting.
• Gallbladder problems: Symptoms may include upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stool.
• Kidney problems (kidney failure): Symptoms may include decreased urination, dark urine, swelling in the lower legs.
• Changes in vision: Symptoms may include blurred vision or other changes to vision.

Typically, Ozempic does not cause serious side effects. But in rare cases, serious side effects may include possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. 

Tell your provider right away if you experience:

• A lump or swelling in your neck.
• Voice hoarseness.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Shortness of breath.

Certain people should avoid Ozempic. These include:

• People with an allergy to liraglutide or any of the other ingredients in Saxenda.
• People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• People with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• People who are planning to be pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

A registered dietitian can develop a custom eating plan that supports your health goals while on Ozempic. Nourish accepts most insurance plans and provides 100% virtual visits. Book an appointment today.