GLP-1 companion
High-Protein GLP-1 Companion Plan
Built to fight muscle loss and nausea while you ramp semaglutide or tirzepatide.
- Duration
- 7 days, repeatable
- Calories
- 1,500–1,800 kcal/day
- Protein
- 120–140 g/day (1.6 g/kg target)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Most people on GLP-1s eat far below their protein target — and lose lean mass as a result. This 7-day template front-loads protein, keeps meals small and fragrant (easier on early-dose nausea), and removes the high-fat triggers that slow gastric emptying.
Who it's for
- Anyone on Wegovy, Zepbound, or compounded GLP-1s
- People experiencing early-dose nausea
- Patients worried about losing muscle, not just fat
Core principles
- 1
Protein at every meal: 30–40 g minimum to hit the lean-mass target.
- 2
Small portions, fragrant cooking — heavy fried smells trigger nausea on dose-up weeks.
- 3
Hydrate to 80–100 oz of fluids; constipation is the #1 reported side effect.
- 4
Keep added fats moderate; high-fat meals delay gastric emptying further on GLP-1s.
- 5
Fiber from vegetables and legumes, not bran cereals (gentler on a slow-moving stomach).
Grocery staples
Sample week
MondayExpandCollapse
Greek yogurt bowl with berries + 2 tbsp slivered almonds (38 g protein)
Lemon-herb chicken bowl: 5 oz chicken, quinoa, cucumber, tahini drizzle
Baked cod with roasted zucchini and a small sweet potato
Cottage cheese + a sliced peach
TuesdayExpandCollapse
3-egg veggie scramble with sourdough toast and a clementine
Turkey lettuce wraps with quinoa salad and pickled carrots
Shrimp stir-fry with cauliflower rice and snap peas
Protein shake (whey or pea) with banana
WednesdayExpandCollapse
Overnight oats with chia, milk, protein powder, blueberries
Lentil and feta salad with grilled chicken
Ground turkey chili with avocado and lime
Hard-boiled eggs and a few crackers
ThursdayExpandCollapse
Cottage cheese with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey
Tuna and white bean salad over arugula
Chicken thighs (skin off) with roasted Brussels sprouts and rice
Apple with 1 tbsp peanut butter
FridayExpandCollapse
Smoothie: protein powder, frozen berries, spinach, almond milk
Sushi bowl: salmon, edamame, cucumber, brown rice, ginger
Greek-style chicken with tzatziki, tomato-cucumber salad, pita
SaturdayExpandCollapse
Egg-white omelet with feta, spinach, and toast
Leftover Greek chicken in a wrap with hummus
Seared scallops with lemon orzo and asparagus
Greek yogurt with cinnamon
SundayExpandCollapse
Protein pancakes (oats + cottage cheese + eggs) with berries
Big salad: chickpeas, grilled chicken, olives, feta, vinaigrette
Roast chicken with mashed cauliflower and green beans
Notes from the editor
- ·Track protein for the first two weeks — most people are shocked how short they fall.
- ·If you can't finish a meal, save it. Two half-meals beat one skipped meal.
- ·Combine with the Resistance Training for Lean Mass workout plan for the strongest muscle-sparing effect.
FAQ
How much protein do I really need on a GLP-1?
Obesity-medicine guidance is 1.4–1.8 g per kg of goal body weight, which usually lands between 100 and 150 g per day for most adults. Under-eating protein on a GLP-1 is the single biggest driver of lean-mass loss.
What if I'm too nauseous to eat full meals?
Switch to 5–6 small meals instead of 3 big ones. Cold foods (yogurt, smoothies, cottage cheese) are usually better tolerated than hot, fragrant meals during the first 48 hours after an injection.
Do I need to count calories?
Not necessarily — GLP-1s tend to handle the calorie side automatically. Counting protein grams is far more useful than counting calories on these medications.
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