Saxenda Diet Plan UK Guide: Foods To Eat & Avoid To Boost Your Weight Loss Journey

If you’re considering using Saxenda to support your weight loss, you may be wondering how to get the best results. In this article, we will explain whether there is a recommended diet plan to follow while taking Saxenda, how many calories you should aim for, and the best foods to include (or avoid) while using Saxenda. We’ll answer all these questions and provide practical tips, including example meal ideas to help you stay on track.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about a Saxenda diet plan:

• While there isn’t a prescribed diet for Saxenda, combining it with a balanced, healthy diet is essential for effective weight loss.

• For effective weight loss on Saxenda, maintaining a calorie deficit is critical.

• Managing portion sizes is vital for avoiding overeating. Practising mindful eating, such as chewing food thoroughly, helps promote fullness and complements Saxenda.

• To maximise weight loss on Saxenda, it’s important to avoid unhealthy sugars, fats, processed foods, refined grains, red meat and alcohol.

• Practical meal and snack ideas include grilled chicken salad, baked salmon with broccoli and oatmeal with strawberries.

Is there a recommended diet plan for Saxenda?

There isn’t a specific diet plan for Saxenda, but following a healthy, balanced diet is highly recommended to support safe and sustainable weight loss. Clinical trials often include a low-calorie phase, where participants aim to lose at least 5% of their body weight by using Saxenda alongside a healthy, balanced diet [1]. 

Studies have also concluded that combining liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda) with a healthy diet and regular exercise leads to significant and meaningful reductions in body weight [2]. Following a balanced diet that includes healthy options is the best way to ensure the medication delivers the results you are expecting [3].

How many calories do I need to eat on Saxenda?

The number of calories you should eat while using Saxenda depends on your weight loss goals, current weight and activity level. As a guideline, a calorie deficit is essential for weight loss. For many people, this involves reducing daily intake by 500 to 1,000 calories.

A typical range might be between 1,200 and 1,800 calories per day, but it’s crucial to avoid dropping below 1,200 calories unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help calculate a specific calorie target tailored to your needs.

What are UK Meds tips for a Saxenda diet plan that can help you achieve your weight loss goals?

It is important to consult with your doctor if you need help when using Saxenda or any other medication. At UK Meds, we have a number of tips that can help people using Saxenda when it comes to their diet. 

Things to practice:

Well-balanced portion control

Managing portion sizes helps prevent overeating, allowing Saxenda users to maintain a calorie deficit essential for weight loss.

Chew thoroughly when eating

Chewing food thoroughly aids digestion and helps you feel full faster, complementing Saxenda's appetite-suppressing effects.

Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients your body needs, ensuring that weight loss is healthy and sustainable while using Saxenda.

Eat whole grains

Whole grains are rich in fibre which supports digestion, stabilises blood sugar and helps Saxenda users stay fuller for longer. Popular options include brown rice and quinoa.

Eat more lean proteins

Lean proteins such as chicken breast and turkey help promote fullness and muscle maintenance, supporting weight loss and metabolic health during Saxenda treatment.

Eat low-glycemic fruits and vegetables

Low-glycemic fruits and vegetables help maintain stable blood sugar levels, enhancing Saxenda's ability to regulate appetite and metabolic function. Popular options include strawberries and tomatoes.

Eat healthy fats

Healthy fats, like those in nuts and avocados, support hormone regulation and provide lasting energy, complementing a Saxenda diet plan.

Consume more beans & legumes

Beans and legumes are high in fibre and protein, keeping you full while promoting digestive health and aiding weight loss on Saxenda.

Eat more foods high in fibre

High-fibre foods help you feel fuller and regulate digestion, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet using Saxenda. Popular options include nuts, seeds and beans.

Stay well hydrated & drink at the correct times

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and can support weight loss while using Saxenda. Sipping your drink between meals rather than during them can prevent diluting digestive enzymes and allow Saxenda to work effectively.

Drink natural teas

Natural teas, such as green or herbal teas, can support digestion, boost metabolism and provide hydration without added calories.

A short walk after eating

Taking a light walk after meals helps stimulate digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, prevent blood sugar spikes, support weight management, and enhance the metabolic benefits of Saxenda.

Things to avoid:

Avoid unhealthy sugars and fats

Eating unhealthy sugars and fats can lead to excess calorie intake, affect weight loss and counteract Saxenda's appetite-suppressing effects.

Avoid processed foods

Processed foods are often high in calories, sodium and unhealthy additives, which can slow your progress and make it harder to achieve your weight loss goals.

Avoid refined grains

Refined grains lack fibre and nutrients, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar that can interfere with Saxenda's ability to regulate appetite.

Avoid red meat

Red meat is often high in saturated fats and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and counteract the benefits of a balanced diet.

Avoid drinking alcohol

Alcohol adds empty calories, disrupts metabolism and can make it harder to make smart food choices. This makes it more challenging to stay on track with your diet plan.

Example Meal Ideas

Following the tips above may seem difficult and thinking of ideas that incorporate them all can seem daunting. Don’t worry, here are five ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks that you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Breakfast idea

Avocado & poached egg on whole-grain toast

Smashed avocado and poached egg on whole grain toast provides fibre and lean protein for breakfast.

Greek yoghurt with berries

Greek yoghurt paired with low-glycemic berries provides your body with protein, vitamins and minerals that support blood sugar.

Oatmeal with strawberries

Oats are a great source of whole grains, and when paired with strawberries, they provide you with a healthy breakfast to start the day. 

Scrambled eggs with spinach

Put scrambled eggs and wilted spinach on whole grain toast for a breakfast full of lean protein, fibre and antioxidants.

Spinach smoothie

Blend spinach, unsweetened almond milk, flaxseeds, and protein powder to make a breakfast that helps you feel full and nourished.

Lunch ideas

Grilled chicken salad

Grill chicken breast and add to a salad of mixed leafy greens, bell pepper, tomato, quinoa and other low-glycemic vegetables.

Lentil soup

Create a lentil soup which is rich in fibre and protein to help support digestion and fullness. Add whole grain bread or crackers as a side.

Tuna salad

Combine tuna with leafy greens, avocado, and tomatoes for a lunch full of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Quinoa and chickpea bowl

Mix quinoa, chickpeas, and roasted vegetables of your choice in a bowl, and include grilled chicken breast or turkey for added protein.

Grilled turkey and hummus wrap

Grilled turkey, hummus, leafy greens, and low-glycemic vegetables in a whole grain wrap is a quick and easy way to get all the nutrients you need.

Dinner ideas

Baked salmon with broccoli

Oven bake a salmon fillet with steamed broccoli and brown rice. Full of protein, healthy fats, fibre and nutrients. 

Grilled chicken breast and sweet potato

Grill a chicken breast for lean protein and combine it with steamed broccoli and a single baked sweet potato.

Vegetable stir-fry

Stir-fry low-glycemic vegetables for fibre and nutrients and combine with tofu or chicken breast.

Grilled prawns and quinoa

Grill fresh prawns and combine with quinoa and roasted vegetables.

Courgette noodles with turkey meatballs

Courgette noodles offer a healthier alternative to pasta. Combine with low-fat baked turkey meatballs and a homemade tomato sauce.

Ideas for snacks on the go

Apple slices

Simply slice the apple into bite-size pieces. Dip into almond butter for extra sweetness.

Carrot sticks and hummus

Cut carrot into small pieces and dip into fresh hummus.

Greek yoghurt with mixed nuts

Combine fresh Greek yoghurt with mixed nuts for a snack full of healthy fats, protein and fibre.

Boiled eggs

Simply boil an egg for a quick snack packed with protein.

Whole grain rice cakes

Eat whole grain, unsalted/unsweetened rice cakes. For an added extra, top with almond butter.

Sources

[1] Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence - PMC.

[2] Clinical Review - Liraglutide (Saxenda) - NCBI Bookshelf

[3] A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management | New England Journal of Medicine.

Further Reading

Liraglutide after diet-induced weight loss for pain and weight control in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial - ScienceDirect