Losing weight with Phentermine is challenging enough without worrying about what foods you should and shouldn’t eat. Phentermine works by suppressing your appetite, but you still need to make good choices when you do eat to maximize your weight loss.
To get the best Phentermine results, you need to make healthy food choices and exercise more, it sounds obvious, but those are the facts.
Here are some recommendations for foods to focus on and some to limit or avoid altogether while taking Phentermine.
Foods to Eat on Phentermine
Focus on lean proteins: They are filling but lower in calories. Aim for 3 to 6-ounce portions with each meal. Good sources of protein include nuts, and eggs. [ref: harvard]
Load up on vegetables: Non-starchy veggies are low in calories but high in volume and nutrients. Think leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. They will add bulk to your meals and snacks without many calories. Aim for 2 to 3 cups a day.
Choose high-fiber whole grains: Fiber and whole grains will help keep you feeling full in between meals. Options include oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and 100% whole wheat bread. Limit to 1/2 to 1 cup per meal.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other zero-calorie beverages. Dehydration can slow your metabolism and make you feel hungrier. Aim for 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses daily as a good rule of thumb.
Limit high-sugar and high-fat foods: These provide a lot of calories but little nutrition and will work against your weight loss efforts. This includes chips, baked goods, full-fat dairy, fried foods, fast food, and sugary beverages. Minimize or avoid altogether.
Foods to Avoid on Phentermine
Alcohol: Alcohol consumption while on Phentermine can increase the risk of adverse side effects. Avoid drinking altogether during your course of treatment.
Caffeine: Caffeine can amplify the stimulating effects of Phentermine, causing increased heart rate, insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety in some people. Limit coffee, tea, and energy drinks to 1 serving per day, or switch to decaf options.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods may irritate your stomach since Phentermine can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or diarrhea, especially when you first start taking it. Avoid anything too spicy until you know how the medication affects you.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice interact with many medications, including Phentermine. They can influence how the drug is broken down in your body and should be avoided completely during Phentermine treatment.
Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, high-fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated with water while taking Phentermine. Limit excess sugar, refined carbs, and fatty or fried foods.
Making good choices in what you eat and drink can help maximize your success in losing weight with Phentermine. Stick with a balanced diet and moderate exercise; you’ll lose more weight faster and feel your best along the way!
Can I Eat Fruit While on Phentermine?
Yes, fruits can be part of a healthy diet while taking Phentermine. Fruits are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Some good fruit options to eat while on Phentermine include:
Apples: Apples are high in fiber but low in calories. The fiber will help keep you feeling full. Aim for 1 small apple per day.
Berries: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants and fiber but low in sugar. Enjoy 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries per day.
Melon: Cantaloupe and honeydew melons have high water content, so they are very hydrating and low in calories. Limit to 1 cup of melon per day.
Stone fruits: Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots are highly nutritious and low in calories. Aim for 1 medium fruit or 1/2 cup of sliced fruit per day.
Oranges: Oranges provide fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. While oranges have natural sugar, one medium orange daily is a good portion size while on Phentermine.
Grapefruit: While grapefruit does interact with some medications, including Phentermine, many people can still enjoy grapefruit in moderation. If approved by your doctor, half of a medium grapefruit is a good amount. Check with your pharmacist to be sure it does not interact with your specific dosage/formulation of Phentermine.
The options for lean proteins that pair well with fruit are plentiful. Choose ones you enjoy and mix up the combinations to prevent boredom while losing weight with Phentermine. A balanced mix of protein, fat, fiber, and carbs at each meal will help you feel satisfied longer.
Some excellent plant-based protein sources to combine with fruit include:
Tofu: Extra-firm tofu can be marinated, grilled, baked, or stir-fried. Cubed tofu in a single serving of miso soup or chili provides protein to balance a side of melon or berries.
Black beans: A 1/2 cup serving of black beans sprinkled over a fruit salad or beside a sliced peach provides fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Nuts: While high in healthy fat, nuts also provide plant-based protein. Add 1 ounce of almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to a fruit and yogurt parfait, or mix a few nuts into your morning oatmeal with fruit.
Tempeh: Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and contains a good amount of protein. Slice it into strips and sauté with vegetables for a hearty meal, or have it alongside some fresh fruit.
Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein that can be used in many dishes. Have 1/2 cup of cooked lentils with your favorite combination of fruits for a balanced snack or light meal.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas provide more than 10 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving. Enjoy them in hummus, tossed over a salad, or served alongside roasted root vegetables and your favorite fruit.
Edamame: Edamame is green soybeans that can be boiled or steamed. They provide 8 grams of protein per 1/2 cup and go well with any fruit salad or smoothie bowl.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Enjoy quinoa cooked in broth with your favorite fruits for breakfast or as part of dinner.
Oats: Oats contain more than 5 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving and make a great addition to overnight oats or oatmeal bowls. Top it off with fresh or frozen berries for added flavor and nutrition.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Add chia to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt bowls for an extra boost of nutrition. They also go well with any fruit.
Nut butter: Nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter are rich in protein. Have a tablespoon of nut butter, celery sticks, and sliced apples for a healthy snack. You can add nut butters to smoothies and fruit salads for extra flavor.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D and B vitamins and minerals like copper, selenium, and potassium. Enjoy them cooked or raw alongside your favorite fruits for a nutritious meal or snack.
Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds provide 10 grams of protein per 3-tablespoon serving. Sprinkle them over yogurt, smoothie, oatmeal, or salads to add a nutty, earthy flavor. They also go well with any fruit.
Chlorella: Chlorella is algae rich in protein and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. It can be taken in supplement form or added to smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition. Enjoy it alongside your favorite fruits for even more health benefits.
Seaweed: Seaweed is an excellent source of plant-based protein that can be enjoyed as part of sushi rolls, salads, or soups. Add roasted seaweed flakes to your favorite fruit salad for flavor and nutrition.
Amaranth: Amaranth is a gluten-free grain packed with protein and fiber. Add cooked amaranth to your favorite smoothies or oatmeal bowls for extra nutrition. Enjoy it alongside seasonal fruits for even more health benefits.
Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green alga that contains 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoon serving. Sprinkle spirulina over salads and smoothie bowls, or add it to your morning oatmeal with fresh or frozen berries.
As with any food, you’ll want to watch your portion sizes and combine fruit with a lean protein source to satisfy you. Limit higher sugar fruits like grapes, bananas and dried fruit. And of course, avoid fruit juice and canned fruit packed in heavy syrup. By choosing the right fruits and appropriate portions, fruit can be part of your diet while taking Phentermine for weight loss. But when in doubt, check with your doctor about any possible interactions with your specific prescription.
