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Anyone struggling with weight is surely considering one of the GLP-1s. Below is a no bullshit look at what it takes to succeed with this hormone.
You Absolutely, Positively CANNOT Eat Any Chemical Foods
A large percentage of people who start with a GLP-1 quit after the first 30 days. The complaint, “It made me sick.” Nope. The food you’re eating is making you sick; the drug has simply done a factory re-set on your digestive system.
The idea that you can continue to consume the same type of food that you have (only smaller portions), is only half true. The true part is those who are already eating “clean.” But, even if you’re not at a drive-thru window, processed food is everywhere, and you’re not going to be able to tolerate any of it. It will make you sick; it doesn’t taste good, and it’s going to effect you immediately.
You’re not going to go from a Whopper to a Whopper Jr. You’re going to go from the Whopper to a half an apple and some peanut butter. Are you ready for that?
One of the great things about the GLP-1’s is that many people (including myself) are finally able to achieve satiety. When your metabolism is being altered by these chemical foods, your satiety response is blocked. As a result, you continue to eat (sometimes to the point of wanting to vomit), but yet you are still not “satisfied.” You keep looking, nibbling, hoping the next bite, the next food type will provide you that “click” and you’ll be done eating. That feeling never comes when eating chemical foods because they are designed to block the satiety response. As a result, you keep eating….
After you get off the chemicals and your system cleans out, you’ll very quickly note that instead of feeling “sick” after eating, you’ll now feel “full” and satisfied. Satisfied in that you’ll look at additional food and think, “Naah, I’m good.” An amazing feeling.
Food Stops Providing that Dopamine Response
As part of that “Naah, I’m good…” is a change in the dopamine response. You’ll enjoy food, but it’s not going to give you that high. Part of it is the change in your metabolism; the other part is that you cannot consume those chemicals that give you that high without feeling sick.
That “ahhh” isn’t food – it’s drugs.
Spend a little time watching “My 600 Pound Life,” and you’ll note a common theme of all the participants: They’re addicted to fast food, processed food, and every single one talks about eating, especially the “first bite of the day,” as an orgasmic experience. Ex: “When I take that first bite, I just feel all my stress and worries melt away…I just don’t want it to stop.” They’re talking about food like it’s a drug because it IS a drug. The crap they’re eating is filled with chemicals, and those chemicals are eliciting a heightened dopamine response.
Eating Becomes More Functional, Less Event Driven
We have a culture that tells us to eat multiple times a day, and that really isn’t necessary nor practical. And, while I agree that having a decent amount of protein, especially for your first meal, is good advice, there’s nothing wrong with simply not eating because (get this) you’re NOT hungry. Ohh, you didn’t get lunch today? Dinner is only in a few hours. You’re not feeling hungry in the evening? You don’t have to eat dinner…you’re not going to fade away.
Doctors call this “mindful” eating. It’s really just normal eating for the human animal.
If you’re taking the GLP-1 pill, you need to take it first thing in the AM, on an empty stomach (taking it with food renders it completely ineffective), and it’s recommend to try to fast for as long as possible afterwards. I find this to be good advise in general. You don’t need three meals. You need one meal, and maybe few small high-protein snacks. That’s it.
Your Friends, Family, and Social Life Are Going to Change – Big Time
Here’s a terrible truth: Your friends and family want to keep you fat. While men have it much easier in this realm, women will very quickly see that many of her friends and even family are not going to be loving the new you. The snide comments will come out, the attempts to get you to overeat with them, following by accusation that because you’re losing weight you “think you’re better than we are…” Get ready for it….it’s coming, and it’s ugly.
Food is part of our social events, but you can still be social without stuffing your face. Anyone who is shaming you for NOT eating, anyone jealous of your healthy life is NOT your friend.
Nothing will show you faster who your real advocates are than losing weight. And, you’re going to be surprised by who turns out to be a hater. If you’re not prepared to let friends and family fall by the wayside in your journey, you’re not going to succeed.
People Treat You Differently
Part of this is that you treat yourself differently, but we all know that pretty privilege exists. If you’re wrestling with trauma, especially if it’s related to SA, you’re going to need a skilled therapist to help you on this journey. You’re going to get hit on a lot more when you’re of average weight – every loser will feel the need to take his shot – and if you’re dealing with trauma responses, you’re going to need to do the work.
Hobbies, Interests, and Goals
Do you have any? Or has most of your life been consumed with going from one meal to another, and then hiding in your house or cubical? How will you fill your time when your life isn’t filled with food? Video games?
This is where people start to incorporate that daily walk or gym time, and that’s great. But, it’s more than that. You’re not constantly thinking about food anymore. What occupies your thoughts now? You’re not spending the entire evening grazing on chips and snacks. What, exactly, are you doing with those hours?
Food will become functional (I’m hungry. I eat a small amount. I’m full. Now what?) and less “event driven.” What will you do with this time? If you have no hobbies, interests or goals, you’re going to drift back into eating out of boredom. You’re losing weight for a new life, or even to save your life. What are you going to do with the life you’re taking back?
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Finally, if you’re considering a GLP-1, I’d recommend that you NOT talk to anyone about it except a licensed physician who has a background in nutrition or obesity. There’s too much judgement and mis-information out there. Weight Watchers is an excellent option, especially if you’ve never tracked food before or are struggling with making good food choices. The tele-meds also do a good job with hooking you up with a doctor and nutritionist who can help you on this journey. Keep in mind that if you have private insurance and are obese (BMI 30+) many insurance companies will cover your meds (provided you’re actively working with a doctor/nutritionist), so don’t be afraid to investigate those options.
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