Saxenda is a popular option for weight loss medication. It has the active ingredient liraglutide which provides relief to those who struggle to reduce hunger and lose weight.
Saxenda works as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone and reduces hunger in two ways. It slows digestion and signals the brain to suggest the body is full. This helps to reduce calorie intake and leads to increased weight loss.
Saxenda diet
To achieve optimum results with Saxenda it is very important to combine it with exercise and predominantly a healthy diet. Eating appropriate foods in a reasonable portion size is the first step in a weight loss journey. It is important to have the correct food and avoid those that may worsen side effects or slow the progress of long-term success.
Saxenda will reduce hunger and increase fullness hence the food intake needs to be of sufficient calories and protein to be able to avoid deficiencies and loss of muscle mass. There are certain side effects associated with Saxenda. Though the dose of Saxenda is slowly titrated for this reason, ensuring foods that don’t trigger those side effects would be beneficial.
The foods to eat on Saxenda
Vegetables
Vegetables include those which are green in colour, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and spinach. Others like cauliflower, carrots, and cucumbers are great sources of vitamins and antioxidants.
Whole grains
Whole-grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta are good choices. These are slightly bland foods that could be beneficial to those who may suffer from nausea as a common side effect of Saxenda. It provides us with a good amount of calories and some of our vitamins B and fiber.
Fruits and dairy
Our fruits are a great source of natural fiber and fluids to help digestion and hydration. Some of these include berries, apples, pears, and grapes. Dairy items such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are the best way to get calcium.
Legumes and lean proteins
The beans, chickpeas, and lentils are great sources of protein. They are a great vegetarian source and are high in fiber too. Meats such as poultry, fish, and eggs are high protein foods which make it easier to meet our daily protein needs.
Healthy fats
There are avocados, olive oils nuts, and seeds which are sources of healthy fats. These help absorb vitamins and stabilise energy.
The foods to avoid on Saxenda
Whilst on a weight loss journey it is important to have nutrition-packed food and which ones to avoid while taking Saxenda.
Sugar and sweeteners
High-sugar foods like candies, pastries, and desserts should be avoided along with soda and juices which all are high in sugar. Artificial sweeteners should be avoided as studies have shown they affect the bacteria in the gut and disturb its balance which can cause digestive issues. Saxenda also helps lower blood sugar levels which can rise once sugar intake has risen. As Saxenda already causes digestive side effects, consuming these foods can worsen those side effects.
Processed and Fast foods
Packaged foods tend to have added sodium and sugar both of which can cause bloating and other digestive issues. They are usually high in calorie intake and low in nutrition which counterfeits the diet plan which needs to be managed on Saxenda.
Fast foods like fried foods and ones with fatty skin meat can slow digestion and worsen constipation and gas. These foods can be high in LDL which impacts health negatively. Chips and other packaged snack foods can lead to high blood pressure and other health concerns as well as weight gain which would defeat the efforts of Saxenda.
Is Saxenda for diabetes?
No, Saxenda (liraglutide) is not to treat type 2 diabetes, or any other medical condition apart from weight loss. However, as being overweight is a contributing factor to many medical health conditions, losing that weight from Saxenda can help reduce or reverse some conditions completely.
Consulting a dietitian
For any concerns with Saxenda or which foods to consume whilst on Saxenda, consult a health professional. A dietitian can help find a healthy way to include the foods you enjoy whilst also ensuring weight loss and management of medication.