GLP-1 FAQ
What are GLP-1 support meals?
GLP-1 support meals have been specifically designed to support people taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® and Ozempic® where appetite is significantly affected. Based on the latest guidelines and guided by our chefs and in-house nutrition team we’ve focused on packing nutrition into every mouthful. These smaller meals are designed around premium proteins, quality carbs to stabilise blood sugar levels and a wide range of whole foods contributing to dietary fibre. We’ve avoided overly rich, fatty and super spicy meals and have aimed for a range of cuisines that both nourish and comfort
Who are GLP-1 Support meals suitable for?
GLP-1 Support meals are smaller, balanced meals designed for people taking GLP-1 weight loss medications who experience a reduced appetite or early fullness. If you are currently taking GLP-1 medication (or considering it), it is important to check these meals are right for your individual health and nutrition needs. GLP-1 medications change how you eat but they don’t change your nutrition needs so regular monitoring and oversight from your health professional is essential.
Who are GLP-1 Support meals not suitable for?
Due to the way these meals have been designed, these meals are not suitable for anyone who wants to reduce their food intake to lose weight (and are NOT taking GLP-1 or weight loss medication). Check out our Fresh Start calorie-controlled meal plan instead.
Are GLP-1 Support meals suitable for anyone taking medication for weight loss?
If you are currently taking weight loss medications (or considering it), it is important to check these meals are right for your individual health and nutrition needs. GLP-1 medications change how you eat but they don’t change your nutrition needs so regular monitoring and oversight from your health professional is essential.
When should I see my health professional?
When you're taking GLP-1 medications regular contact with your healthcare professional is essential for safe and successful outcomes.
These treatments significantly change how your body processes nutrients and may cause side effects requiring professional monitoring and management.
Always keep track of any new or unusual symptoms and report them to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
What dietary guidelines do the GLP-1 Support meals follow?
The food and nutrition approach to our GLP-1 Support meals is based on the latest guidelines and is guided by our in-house culinary and nutrition expertise.
Given the importance of protein, each meal has 20-40g protein from whole foods like fish, seafood, chicken and meat. Meals contain quality carbs like wholegrains, legumes, and starchy vegetables and include 1-2+ serves of veggies per plate.
We’ve considered the balance and volume of food on the plate. Each meal ranges from 250-450 calories per plate so you can pick and choose the options most suitable for you and your appetite.
Are GLP-1 Support meals suitable if I am on a very low calorie diet (VLCD) or recovering from bariatric surgery with a reduced food intake?
The meals have been designed for anyone currently taking GLP-1 medications where appetite is significantly affected.
They have not been designed for any other audience, and it is important to check with your health professional before making any significant changes to your diet to ensure you are meeting your individual health and nutritional needs.
Can my whole household eat GLP-1 Support meals?
GLP-1 Support meals are available as serves 1 because they have specifically been designed for people taking GLP-1 medications where appetite is affected.
If your whole household wants to eat better and feel great there plenty of options (20+ meals each week) in Fresh Start for the whole household to enjoy.
What is the difference between GLP-1 Support meals and Fresh Start?
GLP-1 Support meals are available as serve 1 only and are specifically designed for people taking GLP-1 medications where appetite is affected.
GLP-1 Support meals are generally smaller portions with a considered approach to packing nutrition into every mouthful. There are 8 options each week to choose from (4 recipes and 4 ready meals).
Fresh Start meals generally contain a larger volume of food and a wider variety of options and cuisines for you to select from. You can also have Fresh Start meals as serves 2 or serves 4 – to suit different household sizes. Fresh Start meals are perfect for anyone who is looking to maintain weight loss or where they are transitioning to a lower medication dose where appetite is increased.
Are there any other changes I need to make?
At Fresh Start we believe in long-term sustainable habits and a focus on your overall health no matter what your journey is. Combining lifestyle habits with GLP-1 medications can support long-term weight management and your wellbeing.
Alongside improving your diet quality, this may also look like increasing physical activity (particularly strength-based exercise), managing overall stress and improving sleep habits. For tailored support and practical advice, see a Registered Dietitian or healthcare professional.
Should I avoid all carbohydrates?
No, whole grain and vegetable sources of carbohydrate can still be included in your diet and provide an important source of fibre which can help to manage constipation and stabilise blood sugar levels. Carbohydrate needs vary for individuals depending on age, gender, starting body weight and physical activity levels, but would typically be >130g/day.
Very low-carbohydrate diet (e.g. ketogenic) hasn’t been shown to support long term weight loss benefits and can limit intakes of fruit, vegetables and whole grains – all vital sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.
Will GLP-1 Support meals help me to lose weight?
GLP-1 Support meals are designed to support your weight loss journey as well as provide nourishment from whole foods particularly for people who experience a reduced appetite or early fullness. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to weight loss it is important to check these meals are right for your individual health and nutrition needs.
Instead of focusing on weight, we also recommend you work with your health professional to monitor your waist measurement, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, nutrient levels and overall health.
What nutrition information do you provide?
For every recipe, we show you full nutrition information including the calories/kilojoules, protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugars and sodium per serve. For every ready meal, we also show you the dietary fibre.
Please note our per serve nutrition information is based on standard produce sizes and at times there may be variations or changes (e.g. you may receive different sized potatoes or carrots week to week, or variations in produce due to availability. This may impact on the volume of food on your plate and how full you may feel.
What if I have other health conditions or risk factors?
If you are currently taking GLP-1 medications (or considering it), it is important to check with your health care professional to ensure these meals are right for your individual health and nutrition needs
Will I be able to see any other My Food Bag meals?
When you sign up for the GLP-1 support range, you will only see the 8 meals from this menu each week. However, you can at anytime and change your subscription to one of our other Fresh Start or My Food Bag meal kits.
Why is My Food Bag and Fresh Start associating with medications and rapid weight loss?
The latest evidence shows clearly that GLP-1 medications can be a tool to support weight loss for certain people. Used in the right context, for some people this may be an important step in helping to manage or reduce risk for other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
However, we also know that rapid weight loss can reduce muscle mass, impact bone health and impact on the overall quality of your diet. Fresh Start is passionate about supporting people to eating nourishing whole foods and to develop long-term sustainable food and lifestyle habits – no matter their journey.
Didn’t answer your question? You can contact our Customer love team on 0800 469 366, hello@myfoodbag.co.nz or by clicking here.