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First Week on GLP-1: What to Eat (Complete Beginner's Guide)

First Week on GLP-1: What to Eat (Complete Beginner's Guide)

Jason Nista Nutrition | Weight Loss | Healthy Lifestyle
11/03/2025 11:26am 20 minute read

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Quick Answer: Your first week on GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) requires smaller portions (30-50% of usual), frequent protein-focused meals (20-25g per meal), and gentle, easily digestible foods. Expect reduced appetite and possible nausea days 2-4, improving by day 7. Focus on: scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, grilled chicken, white fish, oatmeal, protein smoothies, and steamed vegetables. Avoid greasy, fried, spicy, or heavy foods. Eat slowly, stay hydrated, and have easy meals prepped or use meal delivery to reduce stress during adjustment.

Table of Contents

  • What to Really Expect Your First Week
  • Day-by-Day Guide: What Happens & What to Eat
  • Complete 7-Day First Week Meal Plan
  • First Week Grocery List
  • Essential Eating Strategies for Week 1
  • Managing Common First-Week Side Effects
  • 7 Mistakes to Avoid Your First Week
  • Meal Prep Strategy for Success
  • When to Call Your Doctor
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What to Really Expect Your First Week

Here's what nobody told me before my first Ozempic injection: the first week is weird. Not necessarily bad, not catastrophic like some internet horror stories suggest, but definitely weird. And that weirdness catches most people completely off guard because they don't know what to eat or how much to eat when their body suddenly doesn't work the way it used to.

I remember staring at my fridge on day three, genuinely confused about what to do. Was I supposed to force myself to eat even though I wasn't hungry? Would that tiny portion of chicken actually be enough? Why did the thought of my favorite pasta make me feel queasy? Nobody prepares you for the mental adjustment of having your relationship with food completely recalibrated in less than a week.

The good news: this first week adjustment is temporary, predictable, and manageable when you know what to expect and have the right eating strategy. Research shows that gastrointestinal side effects from GLP-1 medications occur in 50-60% of users during dose initiation, but they're typically mild to moderate and resolve within 2-3 weeks as your body adjusts.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to eat (and not eat) during your first seven days on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. You'll get a day-by-day breakdown, a complete meal plan, a grocery list, and strategies to manage the side effects that might pop up. By the end of week one, you'll have figured out your new normal.

Day-by-Day Guide: What Happens & What to Eat

Day 1: The Calm Before

What to expect: Typically nothing dramatic. Most people feel relatively normal on injection day. You might notice slightly reduced appetite by evening, but changes are subtle.

What to eat: Eat your normal healthy meals today, but in slightly smaller portions (about 75% of usual). This isn't the day to test your tolerance with a huge meal or experiment with risky foods.

Sample meals:

  • Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled with spinach, 1 slice whole grain toast, small orange
  • Lunch: 4 oz grilled chicken, 1 cup quinoa, mixed green salad with light dressing
  • Dinner: 5 oz baked salmon, ½ cup brown rice, 1 cup steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with berries

Pro tip: Use today to meal prep simple proteins and gentle foods for days 2-5 when you might not feel like cooking.

Days 2-4: The Adjustment Phase

What to expect: This is when most side effects appear. Nausea is most common during dose initiation, typically peaking 48-72 hours after injection. You'll likely notice significantly reduced appetite, possibly some nausea (especially in the morning), and feeling full much faster than usual. Food might not sound as appealing as it normally does.

What to eat: Shift to smaller, more frequent meals. Aim for 4-5 mini-meals instead of 3 regular meals. Focus on gentle, easily digestible proteins and simple carbs. Cold foods often go down easier than hot when nauseous.

Sample meals for days 2-4:

  • Mini-meal 1 (7-8am): Protein smoothie (20g protein powder, banana, almond milk, spinach)
  • Mini-meal 2 (10-11am): ¾ cup Greek yogurt with ½ cup berries
  • Mini-meal 3 (1-2pm): 3 oz grilled chicken breast, ½ cup plain white rice, ½ cup steamed carrots
  • Mini-meal 4 (4-5pm): 2 hard-boiled eggs, 5 whole grain crackers
  • Mini-meal 5 (7-8pm): 4 oz white fish (cod or tilapia), ½ cup mashed sweet potato, small side salad

Key strategy: Eat slowly. Take 20-30 minutes per meal. Put your fork down between bites. Stop eating when you feel satisfied (not full)—your "full" signals will be much stronger than before.

Days 5-7: Finding Your Rhythm

What to expect: Side effects typically start improving. Many people report feeling better by day 5-6. Appetite remains reduced but you're learning what portions work for your new normal. You're starting to understand your body's new signals.

What to eat: Continue with smaller portions but you can start reintroducing slightly more variety. Still avoid high-fat, greasy, or very spicy foods. Maintain the protein-first approach.

Sample meals for days 5-7:

  • Breakfast: High-protein breakfast sandwich (25g protein, easy 3-minute prep)
  • Mid-morning: Small apple with 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap (3 oz turkey, small whole wheat tortilla, ¼ avocado, veggies)
  • Afternoon: ½ cup cottage cheese with cucumber slices
  • Dinner: 4 oz lean ground turkey, ½ cup pasta, marinara sauce, side salad

Progress check: By day 7, you should have a sense of what portion sizes work for you, which foods you tolerate well, and what your new "satisfied" feels like.

Complete 7-Day First Week Meal Plan

This meal plan is designed specifically for GLP-1 beginners. Portions are conservative, protein is prioritized, and everything is gentle on your digestive system. Each day targets approximately 1,200-1,400 calories with 100-110g protein.

Monday (Day 1)

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs (2 eggs) with sautéed spinach, 1 slice whole grain toast
Protein: 18g | Calories: 320

Snack: Greek yogurt (¾ cup) with ½ cup mixed berries
Protein: 18g | Calories: 180

Lunch: Grilled chicken breast (4 oz) over mixed greens with ½ cup quinoa, light vinaigrette
Protein: 35g | Calories: 380

Snack: Small apple with 1 tablespoon almond butter
Protein: 4g | Calories: 150

Dinner: Baked cod (5 oz) with ½ cup brown rice and 1 cup steamed broccoli
Protein: 30g | Calories: 380

Daily Total: 105g protein | 1,410 calories

Tuesday (Day 2)

Breakfast: Protein smoothie (1 scoop powder, ½ banana, 1 cup almond milk, handful spinach, ice)
Protein: 25g | Calories: 280

Snack: String cheese and 10 whole grain crackers
Protein: 8g | Calories: 140

Lunch: Turkey breast (3 oz) on whole wheat bread with lettuce, tomato, mustard
Protein: 25g | Calories: 320

Snack: ½ cup cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes
Protein: 14g | Calories: 120

Dinner: Baked chicken thigh (4 oz, skin removed) with ½ cup mashed sweet potato and green beans
Protein: 30g | Calories: 350

Daily Total: 102g protein | 1,210 calories

Wednesday (Day 3)

Breakfast: Oatmeal (½ cup dry oats) made with protein powder, topped with sliced banana
Protein: 27g | Calories: 350

Snack: 2 hard-boiled eggs
Protein: 12g | Calories: 140

Lunch: Shrimp (4 oz) stir-fried with mixed vegetables over ½ cup white rice
Protein: 28g | Calories: 340

Snack: Small pear with 1 oz low-fat cheese
Protein: 7g | Calories: 150

Dinner: Lean ground turkey (4 oz) in lettuce wraps with diced tomatoes, small amount cheese
Protein: 28g | Calories: 280

Daily Total: 102g protein | 1,260 calories

Thursday (Day 4)

Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait (1 cup yogurt, granola, berries)
Protein: 24g | Calories: 320

Snack: Protein shake (simple: protein powder + water)
Protein: 20g | Calories: 120

Lunch: Egg salad (2 eggs, light mayo) on mixed greens with whole grain crackers
Protein: 16g | Calories: 300

Snack: Edamame (½ cup)
Protein: 11g | Calories: 120

Dinner: Grilled chicken breast (4 oz) with ½ cup pasta and marinara, side salad
Protein: 35g | Calories: 420

Daily Total: 106g protein | 1,280 calories

Friday (Day 5)

Breakfast: Turkey sausage breakfast sandwich (25g protein, heats in 3 minutes)
Protein: 25g | Calories: 460

Snack: Celery sticks with 2 tablespoons hummus
Protein: 4g | Calories: 100

Lunch: Tuna (4 oz) mixed with Greek yogurt on a bed of spinach with cherry tomatoes
Protein: 32g | Calories: 250

Snack: ¼ cup almonds
Protein: 6g | Calories: 170

Dinner: Baked salmon (4 oz) with ½ cup roasted potatoes and asparagus
Protein: 28g | Calories: 380

Daily Total: 95g protein | 1,360 calories

Saturday (Day 6)

Breakfast: Veggie omelet (2 eggs, mushrooms, peppers, small amount feta cheese)
Protein: 20g | Calories: 280

Snack: Small orange and string cheese
Protein: 8g | Calories: 140

Lunch: Chicken and vegetable soup (homemade or low-sodium store-bought) with ½ cup
Protein: 25g | Calories: 300

Snack: Greek yogurt (¾ cup) plain
Protein: 18g | Calories: 110

Dinner: Lean pork tenderloin (4 oz) with ½ cup brown rice and roasted Brussels sprouts
Protein: 32g | Calories: 420

Daily Total: 103g protein | 1,250 calories

Sunday (Day 7)

Breakfast: Protein pancakes (made with protein powder) topped with ½ cup berries
Protein: 28g | Calories: 320

Snack: ½ cup cottage cheese with pineapple chunks
Protein: 14g | Calories: 140

Lunch: Grilled chicken (4 oz) and avocado salad with light dressing
Protein: 35g | Calories: 360

Snack: Apple slices with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Protein: 4g | Calories: 150

Dinner: Turkey meatballs (4 oz) with ½ cup whole wheat spaghetti and marinara
Protein: 30g | Calories: 400

Daily Total: 111g protein | 1,370 calories

First Week Grocery List

Stock your kitchen with these GLP-1-friendly staples before you start. Having the right foods on hand eliminates decision fatigue when you're not feeling well.

Proteins (Buy in smaller quantities - your appetite will surprise you)

  • Eggs (1-2 dozen - your new best friend)
  • Greek yogurt (plain, 2-3 large containers)
  • Cottage cheese (2 containers)
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • White fish (cod, tilapia, or sole - 1 lb)
  • Salmon fillets (¾ lb)
  • Lean ground turkey (1 lb)
  • Deli turkey breast (½ lb, low sodium)
  • Canned tuna (2-3 cans in water)
  • Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored, 1 container)
  • Shrimp (½ lb, optional)

Complex Carbs (Smaller portions than usual)

  • Oatmeal (old-fashioned or steel cut)
  • Quinoa (1 box)
  • Brown rice or white rice (1 small bag)
  • Whole grain bread (1 loaf)
  • Whole wheat tortillas (small package)
  • Sweet potatoes (2-3 medium)
  • Whole wheat pasta (1 box)

Vegetables (Fresh is best for gentle digestion)

  • Spinach (fresh or pre-washed)
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Asparagus
  • Zucchini

Fruits (Easier to digest than vegetables for some)

  • Bananas (3-4)
  • Berries (fresh or frozen mixed)
  • Apples (3-4 small)
  • Oranges (2-3)
  • Pears (2-3)

Healthy Fats (Use sparingly)

  • Avocados (2-3)
  • Almond butter (1 jar)
  • Almonds (small bag, raw or roasted)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)
  • Low-fat cheese (string cheese, sliced)

Pantry Staples

  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Marinara sauce (low sugar)
  • Hummus
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • Ginger tea (for nausea)

Optional But Helpful

  • Pre-made high-protein breakfast sandwiches (for mornings you can't cook)
  • Meal delivery service (takes stress out of first week entirely)
  • Ready-to-drink protein shakes (for emergencies)

Essential Eating Strategies for Week 1

The 4 Golden Rules

1. Protein First, Always

Your body needs 100-120g of protein daily to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. With reduced appetite, hitting this target requires strategy. Eat your protein source first at every meal before touching carbs or vegetables. When you're full fast, you want that fullness to come after you've secured your protein needs.

Why it matters: Research shows proper protein intake can reduce muscle loss from 40% to under 25% of total weight lost on GLP-1 medications.

2. Eat on a Schedule, Not When Hungry

Your hunger cues are going to be completely unreliable this first week. If you wait until you're hungry, you might not eat all day. Set meal times (like 8am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm) and eat something at those times whether you feel hungry or not. Even if it's just a protein shake or a few bites of chicken.

3. Slower Than You Think Possible

Take at least 20-30 minutes to eat each meal. GLP-1s delay the signal from your stomach to your brain about fullness. If you eat too fast, you'll overshoot and end up uncomfortably stuffed. Put your fork down between every few bites. Sip water. Have a conversation. Make eating a slow, mindful activity.

4. Stop at Satisfied, Not Full

Learn the difference between "I could eat more" and "I'm satisfied." On GLP-1s, the jump from satisfied to uncomfortably full happens very quickly with just a few more bites. When you think "I'm good," stop eating. You can always eat again in 2-3 hours if you're actually still hungry.

Practical Day-to-Day Tips

Use smaller plates and bowls: A half-full small plate looks more satisfying than a quarter-full large plate. Visual cues matter when your stomach is giving confusing signals.

Keep protein shakes ready: When solid food feels impossible, liquid nutrition saves the day. Having ready-to-drink shakes or pre-portioned protein powder makes it easy to hit protein goals.

Temperature matters: Many people find cold or room-temperature foods easier to tolerate than hot foods when nauseous. Greek yogurt, protein smoothies, and cold chicken all work well.

Bland is beautiful: This isn't the week to try exotic cuisines or intense flavors. Plain chicken breast, white rice, scrambled eggs—these "boring" foods are gentle and reliable.

Hydration strategy: Sip water between meals, not during. Drinking while eating can make you feel too full too fast. Aim for 64+ oz daily, taken in small sips throughout the day.

Managing Common First-Week Side Effects

Nausea

When it peaks: Usually days 2-4, especially mornings
How long it lasts: Most people see improvement by day 6-7

Food-based solutions:

  • Eat small amounts of bland carbs first thing (saltines, dry toast)
  • Try ginger tea or ginger chews between meals
  • Cold foods often go down easier (smoothies, yogurt, cold chicken)
  • Avoid lying down for 2-3 hours after eating
  • Skip greasy, fried, spicy, or very rich foods completely

Loss of Appetite

The problem: Not wanting to eat at all, or getting full after just a few bites

The solution:

  • Schedule meals and eat by the clock
  • Focus on calorie-dense but small-volume foods (nut butters, avocado, protein shakes)
  • Have 5-6 mini-meals instead of trying to force down 3 regular meals
  • Liquid calories count—smoothies and shakes are your friends
  • Don't stress if you can't finish everything—just prioritize protein

Constipation

Why it happens: GLP-1s slow everything down, including intestinal motility
Affects: About 20-30% of users in first few weeks

Prevention strategies:

  • Drink plenty of water (8+ glasses daily)
  • Include fiber-rich foods: oatmeal, berries, vegetables, beans
  • Stay physically active—even short walks help
  • Consider adding psyllium husk or fiber supplement if needed
  • Don't cut carbs too drastically—you need some for gut motility

Heartburn/Reflux

Triggers: Lying down too soon after eating, large meals, acidic or spicy foods

Management:

  • Eat dinner at least 3 hours before bed
  • Elevate head of bed slightly
  • Avoid tomato-based sauces, citrus, coffee, and chocolate if they trigger symptoms
  • Smaller meals = less stomach acid production

7 Mistakes to Avoid Your First Week

Mistake #1: Trying to "Power Through" Normal Portions

Why it's wrong: Your stomach capacity hasn't actually changed, but your brain is receiving much stronger fullness signals. Forcing down your usual portions will make you feel sick.

Do this instead: Start with 1/3 to 1/2 your normal portion. You can always get more if you're still hungry (you won't be).

Mistake #2: Eating Too Fast

Why it's wrong: The fullness signal is delayed. By the time your brain registers "I'm full," you've already eaten too much.

Do this instead: Set a timer for 20 minutes. Don't finish your meal before the timer goes off.

Mistake #3: Skipping Meals Because You're Not Hungry

Why it's wrong: You need consistent protein intake to preserve muscle. Skipping meals makes it impossible to hit 100-120g daily protein.

Do this instead: Have something protein-rich every 3-4 hours, even if it's just a protein shake or a few bites of Greek yogurt.

Mistake #4: Testing Your Limits with "Just One Bite" of Risky Foods

Why it's wrong: Week one is not the time to discover that your new GLP-1 stomach doesn't handle pizza well. You'll regret it for hours.

Do this instead: Stick to the gentle foods list for all seven days. Experiment with other foods after week 2-3 when you're more stable.

Mistake #5: Not Prepping Anything

Why it's wrong: When you feel nauseated and exhausted on day 3, you're not going to cook. You'll either skip meals or order something that makes you feel worse.

Do this instead: Prep simple proteins and gentle foods before your first injection, or use a meal delivery service for the first 2-3 weeks.

Mistake #6: Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach

Why it's wrong: Coffee increases stomach acid. On an empty GLP-1 stomach, this often triggers nausea and heartburn.

Do this instead: Eat protein first (even just a hard-boiled egg or Greek yogurt), then have your coffee. Or add protein powder to your coffee.

Mistake #7: Not Tracking What Works and What Doesn't

Why it's wrong: By day 7, you won't remember what made you feel good versus what made you feel terrible. You'll have to relearn everything.

Do this instead: Keep a simple food journal this first week. Note what you ate, how much, and how you felt 1-2 hours later. These patterns will guide your weeks 2-4.

Meal Prep Strategy for Success

The Weekend Before: 90-Minute Prep Session

If you only do one thing before starting GLP-1s, do this prep session. Future you will be incredibly grateful.

Proteins (60 minutes):

  • Bake 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (plain, just salt and pepper)
  • Hard boil 12 eggs
  • Grill or bake 1 lb white fish (cod, tilapia)
  • Brown 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • Portion 6-8 servings of Greek yogurt into grab-and-go containers

Easy carbs (20 minutes):

  • Cook 3 cups brown rice or quinoa
  • Bake 3-4 sweet potatoes
  • Portion into single-serving containers

Vegetables (10 minutes):

  • Wash and cut vegetables for easy snacking (carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes)
  • Pre-portion salad greens
  • Steam a large batch of broccoli or green beans

Result: You now have 15-20 ready-to-eat components you can mix and match all week.

Alternative: Meal Delivery

Honestly? Week one is a perfect time to use a meal delivery service. You're adjusting to medication, possibly not feeling well, and learning a new way of eating. Clean Eatz Kitchen's meal plans are portion-controlled (300-550 calories per meal), high-protein (25-45g per serving), and specifically designed to support weight loss—exactly what you need during GLP-1 adjustment.

The High Protein Meal Plan is particularly valuable because:

  • Zero cooking or prep when you're not feeling well
  • Exact portions so you don't have to guess
  • Balanced macros supporting muscle preservation
  • Variety so you don't get food aversions
  • 3-minute heating—even easier than takeout

Daily Assembly Strategy

Each morning, assemble your meals for the day:

  • Container 1: 3 oz protein + ½ cup carb + vegetables
  • Container 2: 3 oz protein + ½ cup carb + vegetables
  • Container 3: Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
  • Container 4: Hard-boiled eggs and crackers
  • Shake: Protein powder pre-measured in shaker bottle

Everything is ready to grab when it's time to eat. No decisions, no cooking, no stress.

When to Call Your Doctor

Most first-week symptoms are normal and manageable. However, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

🚨 Call Right Away:

  • Severe, persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down any fluids
  • Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness when standing, extreme fatigue, confusion
  • Severe abdominal pain that doesn't improve or is getting worse
  • Signs of pancreatitis: intense upper abdominal pain radiating to back, fever, nausea
  • Allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing
  • Low blood sugar symptoms (if you have diabetes): shaking, sweating, confusion, blood sugar below 70 mg/dL
  • Vision changes (especially if you have diabetes)

📞 Call During Office Hours:

  • Nausea so severe you can't eat anything for more than 24 hours
  • Constipation lasting more than 4-5 days despite interventions
  • Persistent heartburn not relieved by over-the-counter medication
  • Questions about adjusting other medications (especially diabetes meds)
  • Concerns about whether your symptoms are normal

✅ Normal First-Week Symptoms (Don't Need to Call):

  • Reduced appetite
  • Mild to moderate nausea, especially days 2-4
  • Feeling full very quickly
  • Mild fatigue
  • Some constipation
  • Mild headaches
  • Food aversions or different taste preferences

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat during my first week on Ozempic or Wegovy?

Focus on small, frequent meals with 20-25g protein each. Choose gentle, easily digestible foods: scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, grilled chicken breast, white fish (cod or tilapia), oatmeal, and steamed vegetables. Avoid greasy, fried, spicy, or very high-fat foods that can worsen nausea. Eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied, not full. Think simple, bland, protein-forward meals for the first seven days.

Is it normal to have no appetite during the first week on GLP-1?

Yes, significantly reduced appetite is completely normal and expected. GLP-1 medications work by slowing gastric emptying and increasing feelings of fullness—that's their mechanism of action. However, you should still eat regular meals even if you're not hungry to maintain energy levels and meet your protein requirements of 100-120g daily. Liquid nutrition like protein shakes can help when solid food feels unappealing. Think of eating as medicine—you do it on schedule whether you feel like it or not.

How much should I eat in my first week on semaglutide?

Start with portions that are 30-50% smaller than what you'd normally eat. A typical first-week meal might be 3-4 oz of protein, ½ cup of carbohydrates, and 1 cup of vegetables. Instead of three large meals, aim for 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day. Listen closely to your body's new fullness signals and stop eating before you feel stuffed. Your "full" sensation will be much stronger and arrive much faster than before GLP-1s.

When will the nausea from Mounjaro go away?

Most people experience peak nausea during days 2-4 after their first dose, with gradual improvement starting around days 5-7. Nausea typically lessens significantly by weeks 2-3 as your body adjusts to the medication. Research shows that while 50-60% of users experience gastrointestinal side effects initially, these are usually mild to moderate and transient. Each subsequent dose may cause milder symptoms as tolerance builds. By week 4-5, most people have minimal nausea.

Can I skip meals on Zepbound if I'm not hungry?

While reduced appetite is completely normal on GLP-1s, skipping meals entirely is not recommended. You need consistent protein intake (100-120g daily) to preserve muscle mass during rapid weight loss. If you skip breakfast and lunch, hitting that target becomes nearly impossible. If you truly can't eat solid food, have a protein shake, smoothie, or small protein-rich snack like Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg. Eating on a schedule rather than waiting for hunger cues helps maintain proper nutrition during the adjustment period.

What foods should I avoid in my first week on GLP-1?

Completely avoid: greasy or fried foods (fries, fried chicken, doughnuts), very spicy dishes, heavy cream-based meals (alfredo, creamy soups), carbonated beverages (can increase bloating), alcohol, high-fat meats (bacon, sausage, fatty ground beef), sugary foods (candy, pastries, soda), and large portions of anything. These foods can trigger or worsen nausea, reflux, heartburn, and digestive discomfort. GLP-1s already slow your digestion—high-fat foods sit in your stomach even longer and increase nausea risk. Stick to gentle, easily digestible whole foods for week one.

Should I meal prep before starting GLP-1 medication?

Yes, having easy-to-eat meals ready before your first injection is extremely helpful. When you're feeling nauseated and low-energy on days 3-4, the last thing you'll want to do is cook. Prep simple proteins (grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, baked fish), wash and cut vegetables for easy snacking, portion Greek yogurt into grab-and-go containers, and have protein shakes or powder available. Many people find meal delivery services especially valuable during the 2-3 week adjustment period to completely eliminate cooking stress when they're not feeling well.

When should I call my doctor during the first week on GLP-1?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: severe, persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down any fluids; signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness when standing, extreme fatigue); severe abdominal pain that's worsening; allergic reaction symptoms (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty); or blood sugar below 70 mg/dL if you have diabetes. Mild nausea, reduced appetite, feeling full quickly, and some fatigue are all normal first-week symptoms that don't require immediate medical attention. When in doubt, call and ask—that's what your healthcare team is there for.

The Bottom Line

Your first week on GLP-1 medications is an adjustment period—your body is learning a new way of processing food and managing appetite. The key to success is preparation, realistic expectations, and flexibility.

Remember: this week is temporary. The nausea will improve. Your appetite will stabilize. You'll figure out what portion sizes work for your new normal. Most people report feeling significantly better by week 2 and have their eating routine dialed in by week 4.

Focus on these priorities for week one: small frequent meals, protein at every eating occasion, gentle easily-digestible foods, slow eating pace, and staying hydrated. Everything else is secondary.

Need more ongoing guidance? Check out our complete 7-day GLP-1 meal plan for weeks 2 and beyond, explore our collection of GLP-1 breakfast ideas, or simplify everything with our portion-controlled meal delivery service designed specifically to work with GLP-1 medications.

You've got this. One day at a time.

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