Key Takeaways
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication prescribed for weight loss and blood sugar management.
- There is no specific diet you need to follow on Zepbound and no foods are “off-limits.” However, it is recommended to eat a generally healthy diet to see the best results.
- Reducing your intake of or eliminating certain foods from your diet can help if you experience nausea or other digestive side effects from Zepbound.
If you have recently been prescribed Zepbound (tirzepatide), a weekly injectable medication for weight loss, you may be wondering what foods to eat and avoid.
Zepbound belongs to a class of medications known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
These drugs work by reducing your appetite and slowing digestion, leading to increased feelings of fullness and lowering your overall food intake.
While there is no specific Zepbound diet, eating a generally healthy diet is recommended to see the best results.
Avoiding certain foods can also reduce the chances of experiencing unpleasant side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.
Read on to learn which foods to eat and avoid while taking Zepbound to support weight loss and minimize side effects.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
How Does Zepbound Affect Diet and Nutrition?
As previously mentioned, Zepbound belongs to a class of drugs called GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These types of medications help with weight loss by mimicking two natural hormones that slow digestion and promote feelings of fullness after meals.
Since you’ll be eating less food overall while taking Zepbound, it’s important to eat nutritionally dense meals and snacks to stay healthy.
A healthy diet also supports weight loss and can maximize your results on Zepbound.
If you experience any uncomfortable side effects while taking Zepbound, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, changing your diet to avoid certain foods may help.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Foods to Eat While Taking Zepbound
For the best results with Zepbound, choose foods rich in nutrients. Including lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats in your meals will keep you feeling full and satisfied, while also lowering the chance of negative side effects.
Here is a quick overview of the best foods to eat while taking Zepbound.
Lean Protein
Including lean protein in your diet keeps you fuller longer after a meal and helps preserve muscle mass while you lose weight.
You may also burn more calories after eating a high-protein meal compared to a high-carb or high-fat meal.
Lean protein can come from both animal and plant sources and should make up 10-35% of your total daily calorie intake.
Some options include:
- Skinless poultry, like chicken and turkey.
- Fish and shellfish.
- Beef or pork tenderloin.
- Eggs.
- Low-fat dairy products.
- Tofu.
- Tempeh (fermented soy-based product).
- Beans and legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans, cannellini beans, and red kidney beans.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Dietary fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate found in plant foods. It helps with weight loss by filling you up faster and slowing down digestion so you feel fuller for longer after a meal.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should aim for 14 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories they eat.
Examples of fiber-rich foods include:
- Whole grains.
- Beans and legumes.
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Nuts and seeds.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats include both monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs).
These unsaturated fats may support weight loss by making you feel more satisfied after a meal.
Healthy fats are found in:
- Nuts and seeds.
- Plant oils, like olive, avocado, sunflower, and canola oil.
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel.
- Avocados.
Calculate how much fat to eat per day!
How a Dietitian Can Help
Zepbound works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
A dietitian can help you create a personalized meal plan to maximize your weight loss on Zepbound.
They can also help you manage any potential digestive side effects you may experience.
Dietitians are trained to assess your nutritional needs, food preferences, and health goals and work with you to build healthy habits that fit your lifestyle.
Fermented Foods
Fermentation occurs when beneficial bacteria, often called probiotics, break down starches and sugars in food.
Regularly eating fermented foods is thought to improve gut health and may even aid in weight management.
Examples of fermented foods include:
- Yogurt.
- Kefir.
- Sauerkraut.
- Kimchi.
- Kombucha.
- Tempeh.
- Sourdough Bread.
Foods to Limit While Taking Zepbound
While no foods are “off-limits” while taking Zepbound, certain foods can slow weight loss progress or contribute to unpleasant side effects.
Here is a list of foods to avoid or enjoy in moderation if you want to see the best results.
Added Sugars
Foods with added sugars are often high in calories but low in nutrients.
Eating too many of these foods can slow down or stop weight loss.
Added sugars can often be found in:
- Baked goods and desserts.
- Candies and sweets.
- Sodas and sugary drinks.
- Sweetened coffee and tea.
- Breakfast cereals and granola bars.
- Sweetened yogurt.
- Bottled sauces, like tomato and stir-fry sauce.
Highly-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods have ingredients added to improve their taste, encouraging you to eat more of them.
They are typically low in nutrients and high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Eating too many highly-processed foods can slow weight loss and contribute to nausea, indigestion, and other digestive side effects.
Examples of ultra-processed foods include:
- Frozen dinners.
- Canned soups and instant ramen.
- Bacon, hot dogs, and sausages.
- Fried foods, like donuts, chips, chicken tenders, and french fries.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages, like beer, wine, and hard liquor, are high in calories and low in nutrients.
It's best to drink in moderation, especially when trying to lose weight.
Moderation means no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Alcohol can also contribute to negative side effects from Zepbound, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion.
Managing Side Effects While Taking Zepbound
Zepbound slows down digestion, which can lead to uncomfortable digestive side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
One of the best ways to manage these side effects is with a healthy diet.
Avoid foods that can trigger nausea, such as fried foods, fatty meats, sugary foods and beverages, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol.
Additionally, eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid overeating.
If you’re already experiencing nausea, taking small sips of water and eating small amounts of bland foods like toast, crackers, or pasta can help. Ginger tea, chews or lozenges can also help.
Zepbound Meal Planning Tips
Planning ahead is an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and achieving weight loss success.
Here are a few helpful meal planning tips you can try while taking Zepbound.
Plan Balanced Meals
Before heading to the grocery store, plan your meals and create a shopping list.
Be sure to include lean protein, fiber-rich foods, and healthy fats in each meal.
By planning in advance, you’re less likely to be tempted by less healthy options while shopping.
Meal Prep
Spend some time each week preparing ingredients in advance to make dinnertime less stressful.
If you set yourself up for success ahead of time, you’ll be more likely to make healthy food choices on a busy weeknight or after a stressful day.
Control Portions
Eating smaller portions not only helps you lose weight but also lowers your chances of experiencing digestive side effects from Zepbound.
To manage portion sizes, measure your food, use smaller plates, and avoid eating straight from the package. If eating at a restaurant, ask for a to-go container with your meal and put half of it away before you start eating.
Be Flexible
It's important to be flexible when losing weight.
Not every day is going to be perfect. It's okay to indulge at a holiday party or after a stressful day.
Just remember that your overall healthy eating habits are what really matter for long-term weight loss success.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Book an appointment with a weight management dietitian
Covered by insurance.
Takeaway
Zepbound is a once-weekly injectable medication used to treat adults with obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs called GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which decrease appetite and slow digestion.
There's no specific diet for Zepbound, but eating healthy is recommended for the best results.
Focus on including lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats in your diet.
To lose weight and avoid side effects, reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, sugary foods, and alcohol.
Planning your meals, meal prepping, minding portion sizes, and staying flexible are key steps for maintaining a healthy diet and achieving success on your weight loss journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can eat anything you would normally eat on Zepbound. However, it is recommended that you stick to a generally healthy diet and avoid foods that cause or worsen any digestive side effects.
Zepbound helps you lose weight by mimicking naturally occurring hormones in your body. This reduces your appetite and slows digestion, making you feel fuller for longer after eating.
Both Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are injectable medications for weight loss and blood sugar management. Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Zepbound acts as both a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, whereas Zepbound is specifically for obesity.
