A GLP-1 weight loss program is not a magic bullet–you take the meds, you lose lots of weight, and life goes merrily on. Sorry, doesn’t work that way. GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are just the start of a weight loss strategy. You need an overhaul of your overall habits and a serious reset of your weight loss mindset. There have to be some positive lifestyle changes. You have to start out by not just thinking, “I want to lose as much weight as possible as quickly as possible.” You have to be ready to make a commitment to your overall health, doing all it takes to stay the course and sticking with it. So what does that mean? Let’s take it from the beginning.
GLP-1 MEDS; THEY CERTAINLY SEEM LIKE MAGIC
GLP-1 medications are deemed a “once in a generation” weight loss due to their impressive outcomes. Which they do, indeed, have. They mimic the action of the hormone GLP-1 produced in your gastrointestinal tract that sends signals to your brain and other parts of your metabolic system. They slow the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine and decrease appetite and cravings, so you feel fuller longer.
A MOMENT ON MUSCLE LOSS, IF WE MAY
GLP-1 medications offer remarkable benefits, but it’s important to be mindful of how they can impact muscle mass. While these medications can effectively aid in weight loss, it’s worth noting that a percentage of the weight loss may come from muscle loss, especially with rapid weight reduction. Preserving muscle mass is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism, which in turn supports sustained weight loss over time. Focusing on muscle preservation while on GLP-1 medications can help maintain overall health and improve long-term weight management outcomes. Prioritizing muscle mass not only supports your metabolic health but also makes it easier to achieve and maintain your wellness goals.
THERE GO YOUR NUTRIENTS
Additionally, with the appetite-reducing effects of GLP-1 medications, it’s more important than ever to focus on nutrition. As these medications help you feel less hungry and eat less, there’s a wonderful opportunity to be more mindful about what you eat and ensure you’re meeting all your nutritional needs. By prioritizing high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, you can support your overall health and maximize the effectiveness of your GLP-1 weight loss journey. A balanced diet not only enhances your results but also helps you feel your best every step of the way!
“SO SAYETH THE”
Now we start getting to the smart part that puts all the pieces together. With GLP-1 medications, most physicians specify that patients taking these medications should also maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise. It even says it on the label. “Balanced diet and regular exercise”. Not a lot to ask for something that helps you lose a lot of weight.
SO HERE’S THE GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM…
Eat better, move more. You can do it. You can do it all. Just keep your eyes on the goal.
EXERCISE. IT ONLY SOUNDS INTIMIDATING
It’s not all or nothing. What it is, is cardio and strength or resistance training. Cardio gets your blood pumping. It also lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your immune system, regulates your blood pressure, and contributes to a healthy weight. The more you exercise, the more calories you burn. Strength training that involves all major muscle groups helps maintain and build muscle, which boosts metabolism and improves weight loss success in the long run. We’re not going to tell you how much or how long you should exercise, just give you some tips: mix it up– free weights, resistance bands, crunches, lunges, wall sits, chair dips. Jogging, cycling, HIIT workouts, or jumping rope. It could include swimming, dancing, house or yard work. Even brisk walking is great and goes a long way. Begin with activities you enjoy at a comfortable pace. Then week after week kick it up. Pick up the pace, but remember, it’s not a race. Listen to your body. Consistency trumps intensity. You need a workout that you can maintain. Oh, and give yourself kudos when you keep it up.
ALL ABOUT EATING, NOT DIETING
Time to change “Oh, but it tastes sooo good” to Oh, but it’s so good for you. Dietary management and planning should be considered an integral part of the treatment plan for anyone taking these medications. Macronutrients, or “macros,” are nutrients your body needs in large amounts to function optimally. They’re considered essential nutrients, meaning your body either cannot make them or cannot make enough of them. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Complex carbohydrates like grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables give you instant energy, let you store energy, aid in any digestive issues from GLP-1 meds such as constipation, and help you feel full. Proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds are an essential part of helping the body grow, repair itself, and function properly. And “good fats” (not trans or saturated) such as those found in foods like avocados, seeds, nuts, and fish help every cell in your body function properly. Good fats act as an energy reserve that can be used during periods when you eat fewer calories than you burn. You may have heard about nutrient-dense foods, too. These are foods that provide a high volume of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients relative to their calorie content. Whole grain bread, a baked potato, and fresh fruits are nutrient-dense. White bread, potato chips, and fruit snacks are just empty calories. If you plan, you can make meals and snacks not just nutritious, but delicious. Keep your eye on your plate (portion control) and your brain on knowing when you feel full so that you can continue your weight loss even after you stop GLP-1.
THE BALANCING ACT
For optimal results, combining medication with lifestyle changes that include exercise and nutrition is crucial. It’s the key to maximizing your results and an even more incredible transformation. Combining all these things can not only reduce your overall body fat but also help you maintain your weight loss once you’ve reached your goal. So how do you do it?
LET’S PUT YOUR GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM TOGETHER…TOGETHER O.K.
Stop, take a breath and relax. We know it sounds overwhelming. At Thrive Health Solutions, we’re here to help you boost all the benefits of your GLP-1 weight loss program. We understand everything you’re going through and we’re here to help you get through it from start to “I can’t believe how I look and feel!” Losing weight is different for everyone so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The weight loss experts at Thrive will help you determine what’s right for you. We’ll help you set realistic goals. We’ll push you through plateaus and stave off any mental meltdowns and anything else that sidelines your efforts. We’ll be your cheering team all the way. We can do it together. If you want to harness the full potential of GLP-1, it all comes down to this: “Change your lifestyle, Change your life.“ It all starts with one simple text. Text Thrive Health Solutions for an appointment now.
