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The Best Foods To Eat On Mounjaro

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The Best Foods To Eat On Mounjaro

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Key Takeaways

  • Mounjaro is a prescription injectable medication that may improve blood sugar control and weight management by acting on hormone pathways responsible for insulin secretion and digestion.
  • To maximize the benefits of Mounjaro, it is best to eat nutrient-dense foods, including lean proteins, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
  • There are no strict food restrictions while taking Mounjaro, but it is important to limit or avoid certain foods that may counteract the positive effects of Mounjaro.

Mounjaro is an injectable medication that works alongside diet and exercise to enhance blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro may also help people achieve their weight loss goals. 

While taking Mounjaro, it is important to understand which foods will help you achieve your health goals and which may hinder your progress. 

Keep reading to learn which foods are best to eat while taking Mounjaro.

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Understanding the Mounjaro Diet Plan 

Mounjaro is the brand name for the medication tirzepatide.

It's an injectable medication doctors prescribe to help people with type 2 diabetes reduce their A1C (a three-month average of your blood sugar levels).

During clinical trials, three out of four people reached an A1C of less than 7%. The study results were measured at 40 and 52 weeks of taking Mounjaro.

The medication targets hormone pathways in your body that are responsible for regulating your insulin secretion and digestion. 

Specifically, it acts on both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors to increase the effects of the hormones.

GLP-1 and GIP are hormones that promote insulin secretion and reduce the speed food leaves the stomach. 

Clinical trials had promising results as participants lost up to 20% of their starting weight over 40 weeks.

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Mounjaro as a weight-loss medication, the manufacturer has received Fast Track designation for approval as a weight-loss medication for adults without type 2 diabetes.

Foods To Eat on Mounjaro for Better Metabolism

When incorporating Mounjaro into your medication plan, it’s important to make dietary changes that support your goals.

For example, choosing nutrient-rich foods that are filling and satisfying. 

Lean Protein Sources 

It’s important to include plenty of protein-rich foods in your diet when taking Mounjaro. Protein is an essential nutrient your body needs for growth and tissue repair. 

Eating proteins, such as lean meats, legumes, poultry, tofu, and fish, plays a vital role in preserving your lean muscle as you start losing weight.

These foods are also low in carbohydrates and sugars, which helps keep your blood sugar stable. 

High-Fiber Fruits and Vegetables 

Eating fruits and vegetables is a vital part of any healthy eating pattern.

These foods are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and they add delicious flavor to meals. 

Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber, which is especially advantageous while taking Mounjaro.

Fiber is characterized by its slower digestion rate, which helps you feel satiated for longer periods and may help curb snacking.  

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Complex Carbohydrates 

Complex carbohydrates contain minerals, vitamins, and fiber that benefit your health.

You can find complex carbohydrates in foods such as beans, peas, whole grains, and vegetables. 

Unlike refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates contain nutritional benefits and help improve blood sugar levels.

These types of carbohydrates are best to eat when taking Mounjaro.

Healthy Fats  

Consuming healthy fats benefits your heart health, gives you energy, and helps your body absorb vitamins. 

You can find healthy fats in nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.

Vegetable oils such as olive and canola oils are also good fat sources. 

Consider making substitutions, such as replacing butter and cream cheese with a healthy fat option like nut butter or avocado.

While dining out, ask for baked or steamed vegetables rather than fried. 

Probiotic-Rich Foods  

Eating probiotic-rich foods can help enhance your gut microbiome, which helps your overall digestive health.

Studies show that probiotics help reduce total body fat.

Fermented foods that contain live cultures are great sources of probiotics.

These include kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. 

Some yogurts also contain probiotics such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which can improve your microbiome and promote your overall health. 

Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs are plant substances that can add flavor, aroma, and color to your dishes.

They also benefit your health by providing antioxidants, decreasing inflammation, and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. 

There are many spices and herbs you can choose from depending on what flavors you like. Here are some common ones:

  • Black pepper.
  • Cummin.
  • Dill.
  • Fennel.
  • Mustard.
  • Paprika.
  • Basil.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Curry.
  • Ginger.
  • Oregano.
  • Peppermint.
  • Turmeric.

Foods to Avoid on Mounjaro

There aren’t any foods you have to avoid while taking Mounjaro.

However, some foods won’t work well with Mounjaro, which can make it harder to achieve your health goals.

Instead of eliminating them, try to focus on moderation.

Processed and High-Sugar Foods 

Processed foods typically have little nutritional value but are high in sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats.

Eating these types of foods while taking Mounjaro can counteract the medication’s positive effects. 

Fried and High-Fat Foods 

Fried dishes are typically coated in batter, which adds extra carbohydrates to the meal.

Fried foods usually also contain high amounts of unhealthy fats. 

Eating high-fat foods such as butter, whole-fat cheese, chicken with the skin on, or processed meats like sausage or bacon may work against the weight loss benefits of Mounjaro and put you at higher risk of heart disease. 

Alcohol 

Alcohol can interfere with some diabetes medications and change how your body processes sugar, causing your blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia).

This can make it difficult to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.

Also, many alcoholic beverages are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which work against the benefits of Mounjaro. 

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Artificial Sweeteners 

Artificial sweeteners can disrupt how your body handles sugar and insulin.

They can also change the balance of good bacteria in your gut and make you less sensitive to the taste of sugar. 

Consuming artificial sweeteners also increases your risk of health problems like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. 

Excess Sodium 

Consuming foods high in sodium puts you at higher risk for high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

Foods high in sodium include processed and pre-packaged foods, deli meats, and pizza. 

When preparing food for yourself at home, try using no-salt spice blends to decrease your sodium intake. 

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates include white bread, pasta, white rice, potatoes, and other refined-flour foods.

Your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose.

The rapid breakdown of glucose can cause your blood sugar to rise too quickly, causing hyperglycemia, and working against the benefits of Mounjaro. 

Takeaway

Optimizing your diet while taking Mounjaro is important in taking advantage of the medication’s full potential for improving blood sugar control and weight management. 

Choosing nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can aid in achieving your health goals. 

There are no foods you cannot eat while taking Mounjaro.

However, avoiding or limiting processed and high-sugar foods, fried and high-fat options, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners will help you get the most benefits out of taking Mounjaro. 

How a Dietitian Can Help

By working with a registered dietitian through Nourish, you can make a personalized dietary plan of how to eat while taking Mounjaro. 

Making informed food choices can enhance the effectiveness of Mounjaro and help you reach your health goals. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What foods should I avoid with Mounjaro?

While taking Mounjaro, it's best to limit or avoid processed and high-sugar foods, fried and high-fat foods, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, excess sodium, and simple carbohydrates.

These foods can counteract the effects of Mounjaro and slow your weight loss progress.

How many calories should you eat on Mounjaro?

Rather than focusing on the number of calories you should consume while taking Mounjaro, it's better to focus on consuming foods that support the benefits of Mounjaro.

Throughout your day eat foods like lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates

How do I keep my weight off after Mounjaro?

To maintain your weight after Mounjaro, it’s important to continue eating foods that support healthy blood sugar maintenance and to continue participating in regular exercise. 

References

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