It’s pre tty straight forward looking at how GLP-1s can be helpful for weight loss since you’re not going to be as hungry as you used to be. You’re eating less, getting full faster, and maybe for the first time in a while food isn’t taking up as much space in your head throughout the day.
All I gotta do is eat less? Sort of, but there’s still another side of that conversation I want you to understand. Your appetite may have changed, but your body’s need for nutrition didn’t disappear with it. When you’re eating significantly less food, it becomes even more important to pay attention to what you’re actually giving your body.
Make What You Eat Count
If you don’t have much of an appetite, I’m not going to tell you that you suddenly need to start forcing down huge meals. That doesn’t make much sense either. Instead, start looking at the opportunities you do have to eat. I’m talking spacing out times with what exactly you’re getting the nutrition from.
I’ve already talked about protein and its role in helping preserve muscle during weight loss. If you’re only eating a few times throughout the day, being intentional about getting a quality protein source into those meals can make a difference. The same goes for everything else your body needs. Fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, hydration. Eating less doesn’t suddenly make those things unimportant. You will just need to become a little more intentional with the food you are eating.
Small Can Still Be Useful
A full plate might not always sound appealing when your appetite is low. That’s okay but maybe a smaller meal works better. Maybe it’s a Greek yogurt, a smoothie with some protein and fruit, eggs in the morning, or another simple option that gives your body something useful without feeling like you’re sitting down to this massive meal you don’t want. This is another place where I don’t want you chasing perfection. Look at what you’re currently eating first. What are you already doing well? Where might something be missing? What could you realistically add or improve?Sometimes a small adjustment is all you need to start moving in a better direction.
Pay Attention to How You Feel
I also want you to pay attention to what your body is telling you. How’s your energy throughout the day? How are your workouts feeling? Are you recovering well? Are you staying hydrated? Are you regularly struggling to eat enough because you have no appetite or don’t feel well when you do?
You have the answers to these questions, sometimes it’s just knowing what questions to ask yourself to get those answers. There’s an important line here; I can help you look at your nutrition, training, habits, and how they’re supporting your goals. If you’re consistently unable to eat enough, dealing with significant nausea or other symptoms, or you’re concerned about how the medication is affecting your appetite, that’s a conversation to have with the healthcare provider managing your GLP-1.
You don’t need to diagnose or fix that part yourself. The goal also isn’t to eat as little as humanly possible just because you’re trying to lose weight. Eat in a way that supports what you’re asking your body to do. Even when you’re eating less, make what you are eating work for you.
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Dan Aquino
BS, ASFA-CPT
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
