GLP-1s & Nutrition: Foods to Avoid while on GLP-1s

While taking GLP-1 medications, there are certain foods that make it harder for your medication to do it’s job and may contribute to side effects.

Here is a list of foods you should avoid or limit:     

Sugary foods and beverages  

Including juices, soda, sugary coffee drinks, energy drinks, candy, cake, cookies, baked goods.  These foods can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes and may counteract the benefits of GLP-1’s.   

Ultra-processed carbohydrates  

Including white bread, white rice, white flour, pasta (that isn’t whole grain), crackers.  These foods act like sugar in your body and also cause blood sugar spikes that can decrease the medications effectiveness. 

Fried, greasy foods 

Such as burgers, french fries and bacon can exacerbate digestive issues which are a common side effect of GLP-1’s. 

Full fat dairy products  

Such as whole milk, heavy cream, full-fat cheese, butter, ice cream  may cause additional gastrointestinal distress for someone on GLP-1’s. 

Alcohol 

Alcohol irritates the stomach and increases the chances of stomach upset, plus in combination with GLP-1’s can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels.