Lumiere PDX

02/14/2026

Taking a GLP-1 medication is about more than just weight loss. GLP -1 medications can also help with other problems as well

Let us know if we can answer any questions you may have.

02/06/2026

What nutritional guidelines should I follow while on a GLP?

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Prioritize Protein (non-negotiable)

GLP-1s suppress appetite → people under-eat → muscle loss risk if protein is low.

Targets
• ~20–30 g protein per meal
• Roughly 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day (higher if strength training)

Best tolerated options
• Greek yogurt, cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Fish, chicken, turkey
• Protein shakes (sip slowly)

Protein first at meals = better satiety + less nausea.

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Fiber — But Go Slow

Fiber helps with:
• Constipation (very common)
• Glycemic control
• Satiety

Best approach
• Start low → build gradually
• Aim for 25–35 g/day over time

Gentler fiber sources
• Cooked vegetables (zucchini, carrots)
• Berries
• Oatmeal, chia, flax
• Psyllium (low dose)

Too much fiber too fast = bloating, nausea, reflux.

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Fat: Quality > Quantity

High-fat meals delay gastric emptying further, worsening nausea.

Limit
• Fried foods
• Heavy cream sauces
• Greasy takeout

Better fats (small portions)
• Avocado
• Olive oil
• Nuts/seeds
• Fatty fish

Think “moderate fat, not keto.”

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Carbs: Choose Smart, Eat Small

Carbs aren’t bad—but refined carbs can worsen nausea and glucose swings.

Prefer
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Fruit
• Starchy veg (sweet potatoes)

Avoid
• Sugary drinks
• Pastries
• Large portions of white bread/pasta

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Hydration Is Critical

Delayed gastric emptying + less intake = dehydration risk.

Tips
• Sip fluids all day (not chug)
• Separate fluids from meals if reflux/fullness occurs
• Add electrolytes if dizzy, constipated, or exercising

Constipation + fatigue = often dehydration, not dose issue.

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Meal Timing & Size
• Small, frequent meals > large meals
• Eat slowly (this really matters)
• Stop at first sign of fullness

Overeating on GLP-1s almost always leads to nausea/vomiting.

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Foods Commonly Poorly Tolerated

These vary person-to-person, but common offenders:
• Fried or greasy foods
• Large fatty meals
• Alcohol (hits harder, nausea risk ↑)
• Carbonated beverages
• Very spicy foods early on

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Micronutrients to Watch

Long-term GLP-1 use may reduce intake → deficiencies.

Common ones
• Protein
• Iron
• B12
• Vitamin D
• Electrolytes (esp. if low intake)

A basic multivitamin is often reasonable.

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Bonus: Protect Lean Mass

Diet alone isn’t enough.
• Resistance training 2–3×/week
• Protein evenly spaced through the day
• Avoid crash-dieting

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Bottom line:

Protein first, eat slowly, avoid greasy foods, hydrate aggressively, and don’t undereat.
Most side effects are diet-pattern related, not dose related.

💙

12/31/2025

11/23/2025

Let us know if you want to chat.

02/07/2025

Did you know that Tirzepatide also treats sleep apnea? It is the only drug approved by the FDA to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
It is groundbreaking. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss how a GLP 1 medication can help you.

Here is the New England Journal of Medicine article.

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by disordered breathing during sleep and is associated with major cardiovascular complications; excess adiposity is an etiologic risk factor. Tirzepatide ma...

01/20/2025

For those of you who were wondering, there are many mechanisms that these medications are helpful for the body. They are not only for appetite suppression or weight loss.

Kreiner, Frederik & von Scholten, Bernt Johan & Kurtzhals, Peter & Gough, Stephen. (2023). Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists to expand the healthy lifespan: Current and future potentials. Aging Cell. 22. 10.1111/acel.13818.

01/11/2025

01/09/2025

At Lumiere PDX, our mission is to provide high-quality science-based weight-loss services to our patients in the states of Oregon and Washington. We strive to make our patients feel comfortable, cared for, and listened to during every visit. Our clinicians are experienced in the treatment of obesity both personally and professionally. If you or someone you know is interested in discussing our services, please check out our website or contact us.