Mounjaro Diet Plan‍: Kickstart Your Weight Loss Journey

If you've been prescribed Mounjaro for weight loss, you’re likely wondering what dietary changes you can implement to get the best results and minimize side effects. Here’s what our Levity experts recommend.

What is Mounjaro?

Firstly, it’s important to understand what Mounjaro is and how it helps you lose weight. Mounjaro is a weekly injection that contains tirzepatide which targets both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors to reduce your appetite, keep you fuller for longer and regulate your blood sugar levels. [1] 

Research also indicates that Mounjaro provides a reduction in A1C, the A1C test helps track your average blood sugar levels, providing valuable information for managing or diagnosing diabetes. This makes it a great option for people interested in weight loss and managing health conditions like diabetes or prediabetes. [2] 

Is there a recommended Mounjaro diet plan?

When it comes to Mounjaro diet tips, there are no strict diet plans that you have to adhere to, instead our experts recommend following a broad set of guidelines to help make sustainable lifestyle changes.

These guidelines emphasize the importance of portion control, increased protein and fiber intake and a reduction in ultra-processed foods. At Levity, we believe in a flexible approach that encourages you to make sustainable changes based on your lifestyle and food preferences.

Practicing portion control while taking Mounjaro

Many people find that they naturally eat smaller portions while using Mounjaro, especially when they first start treatment but here are a few tips that you can use to make sure you are practicing healthy portion control throughout your treatment plan.

1. Use smaller plates and bowls to reduce the amount of food you serve yourself and try not to eat out of large, unportioned packets. Remember, portion control isn’t about restricting yourself and you can always go back for more if you are still hungry, this is just a good starting point.

2. Measure your food and use food labels to make sure you are sticking to the recommended serving size. We recommend using measuring cups, a food scale, or visual cues to portion your meals accurately and make sure you are eating enough of each food group.

3. Practice being mindful of your hunger and fullness cues. By paying attention to these cues, you're more likely to stop eating when you're satisfied and avoid overeating.

4. Preparing your meals and snacks in advance can help you control portion sizes and prevent mindless eating. Use portion control containers, food storage bags, or meal prep containers to divide your food into appropriate quantities.

Remember, practicing portion control means you can enjoy a variety of nutritious foods while still achieving your weight loss goals.

Protein intake while using Mounjaro

At Levity, we recommend increasing your protein intake when using Mounjaro to prevent lean muscle loss and ensure that most of the weight you lose is fat. Protein also helps you feel fuller for longer so it can help you eat smaller portions and maximize the effects of medication. [3]

Although all foods contain some form of protein, we recommend focusing on those that are also low in fat; these are called lean proteins. We recommend including at least one lean protein source in every meal to make sure you are getting enough protein.

Fiber intake while using Mounjaro

We recommend that you increase your fiber intake while taking Mounjaro. You can do this by eating a balanced diet that includes fiber rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber aids in digestion and helps control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, complementing the effects of your weight loss treatment. [4]

The importance of hydration while using Mounjaro

Our experts recommend drinking plenty of water while using Mounjaro because it is essential for overall health and it can help you manage gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, diarrhea and constipation. 

Foods to avoid on Mounjaro

When following the Mounjaro diet plan, there are some foods that it may be helpful to reduce in your diet.

1. Processed foods: Processed foods like sugary snacks, fast food, pre-packaged meals, and processed meats are typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. These foods provide little nutritional value and can hinder your weight loss progress. Instead try opting for whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense and keep your energy levels up all day.

2. Refined grains: Refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, and pasta made from refined flour, are stripped of their natural fiber and nutrients. These can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and leave you feeling less satisfied. On the other hand, whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat products are higher in fiber and help to keep you feeling fuller for longer making it easier for you to make sustainable changes in your diet.

3. Added sugars: Foods and beverages that are high in added sugars can contribute to weight gain and various health issues which is why it’s important to consume sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks in moderation. You might be surprised to find that there are often hidden sugars in salad dressings, sauces, and packaged snacks, so it’s important to check the nutrition label before eating. Finally, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to add something sweet to your meal but it's best to limit overall sugar intake for successful weight loss.

4. Unhealthy fats: These include trans fats, which are often found in fried foods and processed snacks. You should also try to limit saturated fats, found in fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and butter. The good news is that you can eat healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

Can I drink alcohol while using Mounjaro?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that it is dangerous to drink alcohol with Mounjaro, however our Levity clinical team recommends limiting your intake to 1-2 drinks each week. 

Our experts also recommend reducing your alcohol consumption because it can worsen gastrointestinal side effect symptoms and because alcoholic drinks can be highly calorific and cause you to overeat. 

It’s also important to note that alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to quickly spike and then decrease which can be dangerous for diabetics.

Finally, you might actually notice that your desire to drink decreases while you're using weight loss medications like Mounjaro because they work by targeting the reward center in the brain. [5]

Access Mounjaro online with Levity

If you need support reaching your weight loss goals and implementing healthy dietary changes, our Levity team is here to help. Start a free online consultation to see if you're eligible for treatment today. 

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‍References:

[1] Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

[2] How do Mounjaro, Wegovy & Ozempic compare for weight loss? [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/mounjaro-wegovy-ozempic-compare-weight-loss-3570898/

[3] Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome [Internet]. 2020 Sep 30;29(3):166–73. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7539343/

[4] Reynolds AN, Akerman AP, Mann J. Dietary fibre and whole grains in diabetes management: Systematic review and meta-analyses. Ma RCW, editor. PLOS Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Mar 6;17(3):e1003053. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7059907/

[5] Quddos F, Hubshman Z, Tegge AN, Sane DC, Martı́E, Kablinger AS, et al. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with obesity. Scientific Reports. 2023 Nov 28;13(1)