GLP-1 Dietitian in Oklahoma City
Nutrition Support for Patients Taking GLP-1 Medications
Are you taking a GLP-1 medication for weight management or diabetes and wondering what you should actually be eating?
Medications such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro® can significantly change appetite, food intake, and digestion. While these medications can be an important tool for weight management, nutrition still plays an important role in helping you meet your body’s nutritional needs.
At Life Nutrition, I provide personalized nutritional counseling for individuals taking GLP-1 medications. I will help you build an eating pattern that supports adequate protein, fiber, hydration, muscle preservation, digestive health, and long-term healthy habits while you work toward your weight-management goals.
You don’t have to figure out nutrition on your own.
Meet Your GLP-1 Dietitian
I’m Erin Martin, RDN/LD, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the founder of Life Nutrition in Oklahoma City.
I’ve been a Registered Dietitian since 2009 and earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Nutritional Sciences from Oklahoma State University.
I became a dietitian because I wanted to help people become the healthiest version of themselves and help people prevent and manage disease through nutrition.
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, I can help you understand how to make your nutrition work with your treatment rather than simply eating as little as possible.
Why Nutrition Matters When Taking a GLP-1
One of the biggest changes people notice when taking a GLP-1 medication is a decrease in appetite.
That can be helpful for weight loss—but eating substantially less can also make it more difficult to get enough:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Fluids
- Vitamins and minerals
- Overall calories and nutrients
Some people also experience nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, bloating, or feeling full very quickly.
The goal isn’t simply to eat less. The goal is to make the food you do eat nutritionally meaningful.
How a GLP-1 Dietitian Can Help
At Life Nutrition, we’ll develop nutrition recommendations based on your individual health, medication, eating habits, preferences, activity level, and goals. Your personalized nutrition plan may focus on:
Protein
Adequate protein is particularly important during weight loss.
We’ll help you determine an appropriate protein goal and identify practical ways to get enough protein even when your appetite is reduced.
Fiber
Fiber can support digestive health, bowel regularity, blood sugar management, and fullness.
We’ll help you gradually incorporate appropriate fiber-rich foods while considering your individual tolerance.
Hydration
When you’re eating less, it’s easy to overlook fluids.
We’ll help you develop practical hydration habits and identify ways to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Balanced meals
When appetite is low, every meal and snack becomes an opportunity to provide your body with important nutrients.
I’ll help you build balanced meals around the foods you enjoy and tolerate.
Muscle preservation
Weight loss isn’t only about the number on the scale. A major goal for many people taking GLP-1 medications is to reduce body fat while preserving lean muscle mass.
We’ll discuss protein intake, resistance training, activity, and other nutrition strategies that support healthy body composition.
Managing nutrition-related side effects
If you’re experiencing digestive symptoms while taking a GLP-1 medication, nutrition strategies may help you identify foods, meal patterns, and eating behaviors that you tolerate better. Common concerns include:
- Nausea
- Feeling overly full
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Reflux
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty eating enough protein
If you are experiencing significant or persistent side effects, your prescribing healthcare professional should be contacted.
GLP-1 Medications I Can Provide Nutrition Support For
Nutrition counseling may be helpful for individuals taking medications such as:
- Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- Ozempic® (semaglutide)
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
- Other GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications prescribed by your healthcare provider
What Should I Eat While Taking a GLP-1?
There isn’t one specific “GLP-1 diet.” Your nutrition plan should be personalized to you. In general, we may emphasize:
Protein-rich foods
- Chicken and turkey
- Fish
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt or other appropriate dairy alternatives
- Cottage cheese when appropriate
- Lean meats
- Beans and legumes
- Tofu and other plant proteins
- Protein supplements when appropriate
Fiber-rich foods
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans and legumes
- Seeds
Healthy fats
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Nuts and seeds
- Nut and seed butters
Nutrient-dense carbohydrates
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Oats
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Whole grains
- Fruits
We’ll determine which foods and portions make the most sense for your body and your individual health needs.
What If I Don’t Feel Hungry?
This is one of the most common concerns people have while taking a GLP-1 medication.
When your appetite decreases, you may find yourself skipping meals or eating very small amounts. That doesn’t necessarily mean your body is getting everything it needs.
I can help you identify small, nutrient-dense meals and snacks that provide meaningful amounts of protein and other nutrients without requiring you to eat large portions.
What About Protein Shakes?
Protein shakes can be a convenient tool when appetite is low, but they’re not required.
If you’re struggling to meet your protein needs through food, we can discuss whether a protein supplement makes sense for you and identify options that fit your dietary preferences and health needs.
What About Constipation?
Constipation can occur with GLP-1 medications. Nutrition strategies may include evaluating:
- Fiber intake
- Fluid intake
- Meal patterns
- Physical activity
- Food choices
- Overall intake
However, severe or persistent constipation should be discussed with your prescribing healthcare professional.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Isn’t Just About Losing Pounds
One of the most important aspects of successful weight management is considering what you’re losing. The scale doesn’t tell you whether weight loss is coming primarily from:
- Body fat
- Muscle
- Water
- Other lean tissue
At Life Nutrition, we can incorporate body-composition assessment when appropriate to help you understand changes beyond the number on the scale.
The goal: Lose body fat while protecting your health and supporting lean muscle.
What to Expect at Your GLP-1 Nutrition Appointment
During your first appointment, we’ll discuss:
1. Your medication
We’ll review the GLP-1 medication you’re taking, your general experience with it, appetite changes, and nutrition-related concerns.
2. Your current eating habits
We’ll look at what you’re currently eating and identify opportunities to improve your nutritional intake.
3. Your health history
We’ll consider relevant medical conditions, medications, laboratory information, and other factors that may affect your nutrition needs.
4. Your goals
Your goals might include:
- Weight loss
- Body-fat reduction
- Muscle preservation
- Improved blood sugar
- Better cholesterol
- Improved energy
- Better digestion
- Healthier eating habits
- Long-term weight maintenance
5. Your personalized nutrition strategy
You’ll leave with practical recommendations that you can actually use in your everyday life.
You Don’t Have to Eat Less and Less
Taking a GLP-1 medication doesn’t mean you should simply keep reducing your food intake. Your body still needs nutrients.
The goal is to make your meals count.
At Life Nutrition, I will help you develop a nutrition approach that supports your health while you work toward your weight-management goals.
Ready to Get More From Your GLP-1 Treatment?
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication and want professional nutrition guidance, Life Nutrition can help.
Work with an experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to develop a personalized nutrition strategy designed around your medication, your health, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Schedule a GLP-1 Nutrition Counseling Appointment
Erin Martin, RDN/LD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Life Nutrition
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
In-person and virtual nutrition counseling available.
Life Nutrition
Personalized nutrition. Practical changes. A healthier you.