Comfort Without Eating

  • The Ultimate GLP-1 Side Effects Survival Guide

    GLP-1 SIDE EFFECTS

    Starting GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound can feel like unlocking a fat-loss cheat code—but what no one tells you? The GLP-1 side effects can seriously knock the wind out of your sails. From nausea and bloating to dehydration and even hair loss, it’s easy to wonder, “Is this normal… and do I really have to put up with it?”

    Short answer? Nope.

    This survival guide gives you real, practical solutions to the most common GLP-1 side effects—so you can feel good while you lose weight, not just look good. Each section below introduces a key post in the series. Think of it like your relief roadmap. Let’s go.


    1. GLP-1 Nausea Relief: Easy Tips to Calm Your Stomach

    For when even the smell of toast turns your stomach.

    This post tackles one of the most frustrating GLP-1 side effects: nausea. You’ll get tried-and-tested fixes to ease queasiness fast, including hydration strategies, anti-nausea drinks, and when to ask your doctor for help.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why nausea hits so hard at first.
    • How to time meals and snacks to prevent it.
    • What to drink, eat, or avoid when your stomach’s a mess.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Nausea Relief: Easy Tips to Calm Your Stomach


    2. GLP-1 Bloating and Gas: How to Beat That Uncomfortable Fullness

    For when your leggings feel tight—after three bites.

    Bloating is one of those sneaky GLP-1 side effects that’s easy to ignore… until it’s all you can think about.

    This post shares the best foods to avoid, gentle teas that help, and smart swaps to ease that heavy, gassy feeling.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why bloating happens on semaglutide or tirzepatide.
    • Which foods and habits make it worse (and better).
    • Fast fixes that work without wrecking your appetite.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Bloating and Gas: How to Beat That Uncomfortable Fullness


    3. GLP-1 Constipation Relief: How to Stay Regular Without Feeling Miserable

    For when the scale’s stuck—and so are you.

    Constipation is a common but under-discussed GLP-1 side effect. This post dives into how to stay regular with fibre, fluid, movement, and supplements that don’t cause worse problems later.

    You’ll learn:

    • The best high-fibre foods for sensitive tummies.
    • When (and how) to add magnesium or other support.
    • Daily habits that get things moving again.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Constipation Relief: How to Stay Regular Without Feeling Miserable


    4. GLP-1 Fatigue Fix: Get Your Energy Back

    For when you’re losing weight—but also the will to get off the sofa.

    GLP-1 medications can zap your energy if you’re not fuelling properly. This post explains why, and gives you practical ways to fight fatigue so you can actually feel alive while shedding fat.

    You’ll learn:

    • Smart ways to eat when your appetite is low.
    • Nutrients that help restore energy levels.
    • Daily tips to fight exhaustion without overdoing caffeine.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Fatigue Fix: Get Your Energy Back


    5. GLP-1 Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Why It Happens and What to Do

    For when you stand up and the room spins.

    Feeling dizzy? You’re not alone. This post covers one of the most surprising GLP-1 side effects—and gives you quick, science-backed solutions, especially around hydration and electrolyte balance.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why dizziness happens more often than you’d think.
    • The exact hydration strategy that helps prevent it.
    • Key signs it’s time to get checked out.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Why It Happens and What to Do


    GLP-1 SIDE EFFECTS

    6. GLP-1 Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Stop the Burn

    For when every bite leaves you burning.

    Some people find their GLP-1 injections trigger heartburn and reflux. This post helps you understand why it happens and how to soothe your symptoms with smart food swaps and lifestyle tweaks.

    You’ll learn:

    • The biggest reflux triggers and how to avoid them.
    • Natural remedies that work fast.
    • When to talk to your provider about meds.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Stop the Burn


    7. GLP-1 Dry Mouth and Dehydration: Stay Refreshed and Hydrated

    For when no amount of water is enough.

    Dry mouth might seem like a small issue, but it’s one of those GLP-1 side effects that sneaks up fast—and can signal bigger hydration problems.

    This post shares the best electrolyte drinks, hydration strategies, and mouth-moisturising tips that actually help.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why water alone might not cut it.
    • Electrolyte tricks that reduce dizziness and fatigue.
    • What to sip, suck, or spritz to soothe dry mouth.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Dry Mouth and Dehydration: Stay Refreshed and Hydrated


    8. GLP-1 Hair Loss Prevention: 9 Essential Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy

    For when the hairbrush becomes your worst enemy.

    Weight loss can sometimes lead to hair shedding—but with the added stress and appetite suppression of GLP-1s, the risk goes up. This post covers how to protect your hair with the right nutrients, habits, and products.

    You’ll learn:

    • Common deficiencies that fuel hair loss.
    • The truth about protein, collagen, and biotin.
    • How to protect your hair from the inside out.

    Go to Post: GLP-1 Hair Loss Prevention: 9 Essential Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy


    Conclusion: You’re Not Imagining It—But You’re Also Not Powerless

    GLP-1 side effects are real—but so is your ability to manage them. You don’t need to “just deal with it” or wonder if it’s all in your head.

    Whether it’s nausea, fatigue, or something more subtle like dehydration, you deserve real solutions that help you stay on track and feel your best.

    Because weight loss shouldn’t come at the cost of your quality of life.


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    GLP-1 SIDE EFFECTS
  • 10 Ways to Fix GLP-1 Dehydration (That Aren’t Just ‘Drink More Water’)

    GLP-1 Dehydration

    Let’s be honest: glp-1 dehydration is no joke. You signed up for fat loss, not to feel like a wilted houseplant by midday.

    But if your mouth’s always drier than a gossip column and your energy’s nosediving by lunchtime, you’re not imagining it – GLP-1s like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic can absolutely mess with your hydration levels.

    When these meds suppress your appetite, they often take your thirst with it. And because you’re eating less food for digestion (which usually brings in fluids too), your body isn’t getting the hydration help it normally would.

    Add in common side effects like nausea and you’ve got the perfect storm for running on empty.

    But don’t worry – I’m not about to tell you to just chug more water and hope for the best. Below are 10 actually-doable fixes that work with your daily life (not against it), whether you’re working with compounded semaglutide, figuring out your semaglutide dosage chart, or just sick of your lips feeling like sandpaper.

    Let’s beat the burn and feel fresh again – here’s how.


    1. Start Your Day With Electrolytes (Not Just Coffee)

    Coffee might feel like life itself, but it’s not doing you any favours if you’re already low on fluids. Start your morning with an electrolyte drink before anything else – even before your GLP-1 injection. It replenishes what water alone can’t and helps with that sluggish, headachey, slightly nauseous feeling.

    Pro tip: Add it to your GLP-1 morning routine and treat it like medicine.

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    2. Keep a Cold Bottle at Arm’s Reach 24/7

    We’re way more likely to sip if it’s cold, refreshing, and easy to grab. Don’t rely on remembering – make it unavoidable.

    Fill a massive water bottle and keep it in sight: desk, car, handbag, gym bag, wherever.

    Cheeky hack: Stick a bright straw in it. You’ll drink more without thinking.

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    3. Use a Straw – Seriously, It Helps You Drink More

    There’s something about sipping through a straw that makes hydration mindless in the best way.

    You’ll naturally take in more without effort, and it’s less likely to trigger that full, sloshy feeling GLP-1s sometimes cause.

    Also perfect for iced herbal teas and hydration mocktails (yep, those exist).


    4. Snack on High-Water Foods That You Can Actually Stomach

    When what to eat on GLP-1 feels like a mystery, reach for hydrating, easy-to-digest options: watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, sugar-free jelly, Greek yogurt with berries.

    They’re gentle on the gut and sneak fluids in without you needing to sip.

    Volumetrics diet, anyone?


    5. Try Sugar-Free Lozenges or Dry Mouth Sprays

    If dry mouth is your biggest complaint, don’t suffer through it.

    There are sprays, mints, and lozenges made specifically to stimulate saliva and refresh your mouth. Bonus: they also help with bad breath, which is another sneaky GLP-1 side effect.

    Look for xylitol-based options or sprays you can keep in your bag.


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    GLP-1 Dehydration

    6. Go Easy on the Salty and Spicy Stuff

    Salt pulls water out of your cells – yep, science – and spicy food, while delicious, can make dry mouth worse.

    You don’t have to ditch flavour, but balance it out with hydrating meals and maybe save the spice for when you’re better hydrated.

    This is also a great time to try my GLP-1 fakeaway recipes that are big on volume and light on salt.


    7. Track Your Water – You’re Probably Drinking Less Than You Think

    You think you’re drinking enough… until you actually track it. Use an app, a habit tracker, or go old-school with tallies on your notes app.

    Most women on GLP-1s need more than the usual 2 litres, especially if you’re experiencing Wegovy side effects or Mounjaro nausea.


    8. Sip Herbal Tea for Bonus Hydration Without Bloating

    Hot drinks count too! Peppermint, ginger, chamomile – they’re not only hydrating but also great remedies for nausea and support your digestion.

    Herbal teas are a total game-changer when water feels boring and your stomach’s playing hard to please.


    9. Hydrate Before and After Every Meal (Small Sips Only)

    This one’s a double win: it helps you pace your hydration and can ease semaglutide and nausea before it kicks in.

    Just don’t chug – small sips keep things steady without overwhelming your stomach.

    Also, drink a bit before and after workouts, even light ones.


    10. Make Hydration Part of Your Daily Routine – Not an Afterthought

    Treat hydration like your GLP-1 dose – it happens no matter what. Stack it onto habits: a sip every time you check your phone, water before coffee, tea after dinner.

    Make it automatic and you’ll avoid that creeping glp-1 dehydration that can zap your energy and make you feel rubbish.


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    Conclusion

    GLP-1 dehydration might be common, but that doesn’t mean it has to derail your progress or ruin your day. With a few smart swaps and daily habits, you’ll feel refreshed, energised, and back in control – without chugging water like it’s your job.


    Next Steps

    “You don’t have to feel rubbish to lose weight. Feeling good is part of the plan.”


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    GLP-1 Dehydration
  • GLP-1 Heartburn & Acid Reflux: 9 Ways to Stop the Burn

    GLP-1 HEARTBURN

    Let’s be real – GLP-1 heartburn is not the glamorous side effect you signed up for. You finally find a medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy that actually works, and suddenly your oesophagus feels like it’s been set on fire.

    Lovely.

    You’re not imagining it. Heartburn and acid reflux are common side effects of GLP-1s (especially when you’re adjusting your semaglutide dosage or testing new foods).

    And it’s more than uncomfortable – it’s annoying, distracting, and can mess with your meals, your daily life, and your motivation.

    In this post, we’re diving into 9 practical ways to ease that burn, stay consistent with your GLP-1 medication, and feel more like yourself again.

    From bedtime hacks to digestion-friendly food swaps, these tips are easy to try, don’t mess with your results, and are actually doable when you’re already feeling fed up.

    Let’s sort this out.


    1. Eat Slower (Your Stomach Will Thank You)

    We get it – you’re not even that hungry anymore, so why stretch out your meal?

    But here’s the thing: when you wolf down your food, you swallow more air and overwhelm your stomach – two big no-nos for anyone dealing with reflux.

    GLP-1s already slow digestion, so rushing things only makes the pressure worse.

    Set a timer. Chew slowly. Pretend you’re on the Great British Bake Off and need to savour every bite. Your food for digestion will work better when you’re not in a race.


    2. Watch Your Portions – Small Really Is Mighty

    GLP-1s naturally reduce your appetite, but overeating just a little can still push stomach acid up where it doesn’t belong. That burn? That’s your body saying “Oi, I’m full.”

    Stick to smaller meals spread out through the day if needed. Try the volumetrics diet approach – foods that feel big in volume but go easy on your tummy (think soups, salads, stews).

    Bonus: this helps you avoid the dreaded combo of semaglutide and nausea plus acid reflux. No thanks.


    3. Don’t Lie Down After Meals (Yes, Even Naps)

    We know – GLP-1 fatigue is real, and the temptation to crash on the sofa after dinner is strong. But gravity is your best mate when it comes to keeping acid down.

    Try to stay upright for at least 30 to 60 minutes after eating. If you’re knackered, prop yourself up with a few pillows while you chill.

    Your Mounjaro side effects don’t have to include a fiery throat.


    4. Avoid These Common Trigger Foods

    Certain foods are known to trigger reflux – especially when your digestion is already sluggish from GLP-1s. Here are a few to keep an eye on:

    • Spicy foods (sorry, hot sauce lovers)
    • Citrus fruits and tomatoes
    • Chocolate
    • Caffeine
    • Fried or fatty foods

    Not everyone’s triggers are the same, so take notes and track what messes you up. And yes, you can still eat well.

    Check out my post on what to eat on GLP-1 when your stomach’s feeling sensitive.


    5. Drink Smart: Sip, Don’t Guzzle

    Hydration is essential – especially with GLP-1s, which can sometimes leave you constipated, dizzy, or nauseous – but chugging a full bottle of water during a meal?

    Not the move.

    Sip fluids slowly and between meals instead of during. This gives your stomach more room to focus on food, not floating in a swimming pool of liquid.


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    GLP-1 HEARTBURN

    6. Try This Simple Bedtime Adjustment

    If your GLP-1 heartburn is worst at night, your sleep setup might be part of the problem.

    Use gravity to your advantage by slightly elevating the head of your bed – or just add a wedge pillow if you can’t be faffed with rearranging furniture. No more lying flat and sizzling like a fajita.

    And avoid late-night meals. Your digestion slows even more after dark, which means anything you eat before bed can hang around longer and cause issues.


    7. Consider Magnesium or Digestive Enzymes

    Some people find relief with GLP-1 supplements like magnesium glycinate (especially if bloating or constipation are also on the menu).

    Others swear by gentle digestive enzymes before meals to support the process.

    Always check with your provider first – especially if you’re using compounded semaglutide or juggling other medications. But if standard antacids aren’t cutting it, these can be a good Plan B.


    8. Track What Sets You Off (It’s Different for Everyone)

    Heartburn is wildly individual. What flares it for one person might be fine for another. Keep a simple food + symptoms log for a week or two and look for patterns. (You can find a tracker in my free Starter Kit!)

    Include things like:

    • What you ate and drank
    • How fast you ate
    • Time of day
    • If you laid down after eating

    It doesn’t have to be fancy. You’re just giving yourself clues – and avoiding the endless trial and error game that can make you want to scream into your salad.


    9. Still Struggling? Time to Talk to Your Doc

    If none of these tips are helping with GLP-1 heartburn – or your symptoms are getting worse – it’s time to chat to your healthcare provider.

    Ongoing reflux can lead to complications if left untreated, and there may be adjustments they can make to your medication side effects or dosage schedule.

    Whether you’re on Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide, there are options – and you don’t need to suffer through it to lose weight.

    You Might Also Like

    GLP-1 Nausea Relief: Easy Tips to Calm Your Stomach
    GLP-1 Constipation Relief: How to Stay Regular Without Feeling Miserable
    GLP-1 Bloating and Gas: 9 Easy Ways to Beat That Uncomfortable Fullness


    Conclusion

    GLP-1 heartburn might feel like an unexpected guest, but you’ve got more control than you think.

    With a few smart tweaks and a bit of trial and error, you can keep the fire out and the progress rolling.

    Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

    glp-1 heartburn

    Next Steps:

    “Every step forward is a win – even the ones that come with a little heartburn.”


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    GLP-1 HEARTBURN

  • When Food Stops Working: How to Cope Without Your Usual Comfort on GLP-1s

    how to stop comfort eating on glp-1

    “What do you do when your go-to comfort — the one thing that helped you cope, calm down, and carry on — suddenly stops working?”

    That’s the reality for so many women starting GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro or Zepbound.

    The appetite fades, the weight drops, and everyone claps.

    But behind closed doors?

    You’re sat on the sofa, full but frazzled, wondering why you’re suddenly lost without a snack in hand.

    GLP-1s don’t just take away your hunger — they often strip away your emotional eating habits too.

    For some, that’s a relief.

    But for many women, food was more than fuel. It was a lifeline. A way to unwind. A stress ball you could eat.

    Now that food’s no longer giving you that warm hug or brain-boosting dopamine hit, it can feel like someone’s cut the emotional safety net right out from under you. You’re not just adjusting to a new body — you’re learning to navigate an entirely new way of coping.

    In this post, we’ll explore the emotional and psychological impact of losing food as a comfort tool. We’ll unpack why this can feel so unsettling, how to identify emotional triggers before they spiral, and practical, feel-good alternatives to help you soothe your mind, body and soul — without relying on snacks.


    The Void No One Warns You About

    So here you are, riding the GLP-1 train — appetite’s vanished, cravings calmed, scale shifting.

    But something feels… off.

    It’s not nausea, and it’s not the usual common side effects.

    It’s emotional. You’re stressed, overwhelmed, bored, sad — and your usual fix (hello, biscuits and a blanket) doesn’t work anymore.

    This is more than a missing snack. It’s a missing coping mechanism.

    If you’ve been caught off guard by how flat food now feels, you’ll love: When Food Stops Being Fun: Finding New Joy After Starting GLP-1s


    You’re Not Broken — You’re Grieving

    Let me say this loud and clear: Emotional eating wasn’t a failure — it was a survival tool.

    If food helped you cope with stress, soothe loneliness, or drown out boredom, that doesn’t make you weak. That makes you human.

    But when that tool suddenly vanishes, it can feel like someone pulled the rug out from under you and expected you to just carry on walking.

    You’re not crazy. You’re grieving. And grief is part of change, even good change.


    Spot the Triggers Before They Spiral

    Not hungry but still want to raid the fridge? That’s a clue.

    Your GLP-1 might have muted your physical hunger, but emotional hunger still knows how to shout. The trick is learning to recognise it before you end up elbow-deep in crisps you didn’t even fancy.

    Top emotional eating triggers in Daily Life:

    • Boredom
    • Loneliness
    • Stress
    • That “I’ve had enough” moment after work
    • Scrolling too long and feeling a bit… blurgh

    Try these journaling prompts:

    • What emotion am I feeling right now?
    • What do I wish food could fix for me?
    • What would soothe me that isn’t food?

    Still craving certain foods out of nowhere — or suddenly can’t stand your old favourites? Check out: “GLP-1 Food Fixations & Aversions: Why You’re Suddenly Obsessed (or Repulsed)”


    Alright, So What Do I Do Instead?

    Let’s not pretend a scented candle fixes everything. But you can create your own comfort menu — one that calms your nervous system, boosts your dopamine, and gives you that grounded “I’ve got this” feeling.

    Quick Coping Swaps:

    • Herbal tea in your cosiest mug
    • A warm bath or foot soak
    • Colouring in with some nice alcohol pens

    Nervous System Resets:

    • 4-7-8 breathing
    • Butterfly tapping
    • Step outside and name five things you can see

    Dopamine Boosters That Aren’t Food:

    • Ticking off a to-do list item
    • Listening to a hype-up podcast
    • Popping on a comedy reel that makes you laugh
    • Doing a quick challenge (like “clean the junk drawer in 3 mins”)

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    how to stop emotional eating on glp-1 dopamine and comfort hacks

    Your Self-Soothing Comfort SOS Kit

    Keep this somewhere visible. Use it when the urge to emotionally eat flares, and you’re not sure what else to do.

    For your mind:

    • Brain dump journal
    • Affirmation cards
    • 5-4-3-2-1 grounding checklist
    • A “reminders when I feel overwhelmed” list

    For your body:

    • Cosy socks or weighted blanket
    • Warm wheat bag
    • Calming music or white noise
    • Quick shake-out stretch

    For your senses:

    • Lavender roller
    • Fidget toy or kinetic sand
    • Herbal tea
    • Soft hoodie or blanket

    For your soul:

    • Folder of funny videos or memes
    • Comfort photo album
    • Feel-good playlist
    • Letter from “calm me” to “overwhelmed me”

    For satisfaction and focus:

    • Colouring book and pens
    • Mindful doodle pad
    • Low-effort sticker or washi tape moment
    • Mini puzzle or pattern activity

    If the emotional waves are leaving you unsure of who you are without food as a fallback, don’t miss: “The Identity Shift: Who Even Am I Without Food as My Coping Mechanism?”


    When You Need More Than a Pinterest Hack

    If none of the swaps are cutting it — if you feel emotionally numb, overwhelmed, or stuck — please don’t try to white-knuckle it. This is when support steps in.

    Therapy, coaching, or group support can be game-changers. Sometimes it’s not about trying harder, it’s about getting a hand up.


    The Upside of This Awkward Phase? Growth. Real, Lasting Growth.

    This might feel messy and uncomfortable, but it’s a golden opportunity to build true emotional resilience.

    When food stops numbing you and offering comfort, you finally get to learn how to actually cope.

    And when you do?

    You come out the other side stronger, calmer, and more in control than ever before.

    Feeling wiped out and wondering how to cope with the emotional load and low energy levels? Read: “Low Energy on GLP-1s? How to Build Workout Stamina Without Burning Out”


    Next Steps (aka: What To Do Instead of Eating Your Feelings)

    Try this today:

    • Build your SOS kit
    • Add 1-2 new dopamine boosters to your day
    • Bookmark this post for your next emotional wave
    • Read more from the Troubleshooting Series — because the emotional side of GLP-1s deserves just as much attention as the physical
    • Reach out for more help.

    And if you’re wondering what to eat on GLP-1, need more GLP-1 tips and tricks, or want high protein snacks that satisfy without side effects, I’ve got a blog series full of easy, delicious solutions — including complete meal plans and GLP-1 supplements to support your digestion, mood, and energy. Check it out here.

    You’re doing amazing, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

    Keep going. You’ve got this.


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    how to stop comfort and emotional eating