Mounjaro Diet Plan: What to Eat While on Mounjaro

Is there a recommended Mounjaro diet plan?

It’s recommended that Mounjaro be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. But there’s no single set of guidelines for what you should eat while taking Mounjaro.

Every person taking Mounjaro is different. It’s important to work with your doctor or a dietitian to create a personalized dietary plan that addresses your specific dietary needs.

Generally speaking, sticking to a healthy, balanced diet can help you maximize the effects of Mounjaro. This means focusing on foods in the following groups, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Vegetables

Vegetables may be fresh, frozen, or canned. Examples of vegetables to add to your diet include the following:

• leafy, dark green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and kale
• red and orange vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers
• legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils
• starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn
• other vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, okra, and onions

If you’re taking Mounjaro for diabetes, consider eating more non-starchy vegetables. These vegetables have a lower carbohydrate content than other vegetable types.

Fruits

Fruits may be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. This group also includes 100% fruit juice. At least half of your daily fruit intake should be whole fruit. Examples of fruits to eat include berries, apples, bananas, citrus, and peaches.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that the best fruit choices for people with diabetes are those that are fresh, frozen, or canned with no added sugars. The organization also notes that most fruits, except for melons, pineapple, and some dried fruits, have a low glycemic index.

Grains

At least half of your daily grain intake should be whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and barley. This includes products made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread.

Other types of grains are refined and include items such as white rice, or are included in products such as white bread or pasta. It’s generally recommended that you limit your intake of refined grains.

Protein

Healthy protein sources include products such as:

• lean cuts of meat or poultry
• seafood
• eggs
• seeds and nuts
• soy products

Dairy

Dairy includes products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. In a healthy, balanced diet, most dairy items should be low fat or no fat.

What foods should I avoid with Mounjaro?

If you want to maximize the effects of Mounjaro, you’ll want to avoid certain types of food. These include:

• foods high in saturated or trans fats, such as:
  • high fat cuts of beef, pork, and lamb
  • dark poultry meat (especially with the skin on it)
  • processed or cured meats
  • butter
  • full fat dairy products
  • fried foods
  • palm oil or coconut oil
• refined carbohydrates and products with added sugars, including:
  • baked goods
  • candy
  • soda
  • some fruit juices
• items that are high in salt
• alcohol

It’s also important to note that the more common side effects of Mounjaro affect the digestive system. These include nausea, vomiting, indigestion (upset stomach), diarrhea, and constipation. If you experience these side effects, it may be worth avoiding the following:

• foods that are greasy, fatty, very sweet, or spicy
• caffeine
• alcohol
• high fiber foods (if you have diarrhea)

Do I need to avoid diet soda during Mounjaro treatment?

You don’t need to avoid diet soda with Mounjaro. But diet soda consumption has been associated with diabetes, so you may want to consider limiting your intake.

Medical perspective

What happens if I do not follow the recommended diet plan while receiving a GLP-1 medication?

“If you don’t follow the recommended diet while on a GLP-1 drug, you may not get enough nutrients. This can cause problems like fatigue, hair loss, or muscle weakness. Diet choices that do not meet nutritional needs can also make side effects like nausea or constipation worse. And for people with diabetes, it may increase the risk of low blood sugar.”

— Andrew Perugini, PharmD

Learn more about GLP-1 medications.

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro

This section contains answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about Mounjaro.

How many daily calories should I eat with Mounjaro?

It’s important to talk with your doctor about how many daily calories you should eat during treatment with Mounjaro. They can let you know how many calories per day your diet should include for your situation.

How much protein do I need to eat with Mounjaro?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that adults get around 50 grams of protein per day.

Ask your doctor about protein recommendations before starting Mounjaro.

Summary

It’s best to focus on a healthy, balanced diet while taking Mounjaro. This includes a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low fat dairy products.

To maximize the effects of Mounjaro, avoid foods that are high in saturated or trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Individuals with diabetes may also want to avoid food items with a higher glycemic index.

It’s important to talk with your doctor or a dietitian about an appropriate diet plan when starting Mounjaro. They can work with you to recommend a plan that meets your individual dietary needs.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.