Foods To Avoid While Taking Ozempic

While not for everyone, Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1s can be a game changer for people looking to control their weight. However, like with any medication, there are things that should be avoided or closely monitored when you are on a GLP-1. In this article, let’s take a look at foods to avoid on Ozempic that may make it harder for the medication to do its work. However, be advised that your medical provider might have individualized recommendations based upon your specific situation, so always start by talking to them first. 

Sweet and sugary food & drinks

It might seem like common sense, but sugary or overly sweet foods and drinks are definitely foods you should avoid on Ozempic. The main function of Ozempic is to help your body better regulate glucose levels. Overdoing it on soda, smoothies, overly sweetened coffee drinks or any sweet treats is going to make it much harder for Ozempic to do what it was designed to do. Extra sweet foods also tend to be higher in calories which, if you’re hoping for some weight loss while taking Ozempic, makes that goal much harder to reach. Juice, cakes, cookies, jams, jellies, maple syrup, and pastries are other examples of foods to avoid while taking Ozempic.

Foods high in fat

Higher fat foods take longer to digest. Because Ozempic helps patients lose weight in part by slowing the digestion of food, adding foods that already take a long time to digest can be a recipe for an upset stomach or nausea. Extra rich foods like pizza, fried foods, or rich sauces are foods to watch out for. 

Starchy veggies and fruits

While fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and other nutrients, starchy vegetables can spike your glucose levels quickly. Starchy foods to avoid include potatoes, corn, carrots, beets, and peas. Instead, opt for non-starchy vegetables that help to keep your blood sugars on a more even keel. 

Alcohol

As with any medication, it’s a good idea to limit your alcohol intake while using Ozempic. Whether you have diabetes or not, alcohol irritates your stomach to one degree or another. As we mentioned above, food and drink take a longer time to digest while taking Ozempic, so the likelihood of increased stomach irritation and upset with alcohol increases as well. While you may not need to cut it out of your diet completely, alcoholic beverages are another example of Ozempic foods to avoid.

What can I eat on Ozempic?

It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to foods while taking Ozempic. While we went through quite a list of foods to avoid while taking Ozempic above, there are still plenty of tasty, nutritious foods that get a green light when taking this medication.

• Lean protein: Fish, chicken, turkey, beans, tofu, and leaner cuts of beef and pork are great options. These proteins are nutrient rich and calorie dense, and can provide you a good deal of energy even if you’re not as hungry as usual.
• Non-starchy vegetables and fruits: Low-glycemic index fruits and vegetables can help Ozempic work even better in your body by helping to avoid spikes in blood sugar. Leafy greens, tomatoes, cauliflower, and most berry fruits are all great options.
• Dairy products: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk are also good nutrient rich foods that get the Ozempic green light. If fuller fat versions of these items leave you feeling too full or nauseated, try reduced-fat versions instead.
• Seeds and nuts: Packed with healthy fats and nutrients, nuts and seeds are great snack food options while on Ozempic. If you’re extra prone to snacking all day, you can pre-measure these foods for an easy grab-and-go snack choice.

Can I eat eggs on Ozempic?

Eggs are another “your results may vary” type of food while on Ozempic. Overall, eggs are a healthy option for most people, and are rich in protein and other nutrients. That high protein content can also lead to some stomach upset with the slower digestion common to patients taking Ozempic. In addition, many people have sensitivity to eggs that can be exacerbated on Ozempic. Try limiting added fats like cream and cheese to your eggs, which should reduce stomach upset.

Can I eat bananas on Ozempic?

Bananas are another mixed bag when it comes to Ozempic. Bananas are a low- to medium-glycemic food depending on the ripeness of the fruit (meaning: the more ripe the banana the higher the glycemic index) which isn’t a good option when trying to control glucose levels. The fiber content in bananas and other fruits can slow down absorption, potentially contributing to stomach upset. Ultimately, work with your provider to determine if bananas are a good choice.

Can I eat popcorn on Ozempic?

Plain, unbuttered and unsweetened popcorn is a good food choice when taking Ozempic or other GLP-1s. Avoid excess butter, as this may upset your stomach, and added sugars from sweetened versions like caramel can cause glucose levels to rise.

Can I eat peanut butter on Ozempic?

Small amounts of peanut butter are likely a good option while taking medications like Ozempic because it has only a minimal impact on blood sugar. That said, the fat content of peanut butter may cause stomach upset and nausea if you overindulge.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, your food choices while taking Ozempic are going to come down to the severity of your side effects. As a simplified guideline, avoid foods that are overly rich or too high in fats to avoid stomach upset and potential nausea. You should also avoid overly sweet foods and drinks to better control any blood glucose spikes or dips. The key will be working with your healthcare partners to find a balanced diet that keeps you healthy, satiated, and minimizes side effects.

If you are interested in exploring a natural alternative to Ozempic, Virta Health may be able to help. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.