Robyn Spurr

Personal Health and Weight Loss Coaching For Women

Semaglutide

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Wegovy and Loss of Taste: Balancing Pleasure and Weight Management

Recently, I found myself in the grip of a nasty cold that left me unable to taste or smell for three seemingly endless days (despite my nasal passages being totally clear). While the experience was frustrating, it opened my eyes to the challenges faced by individuals, including a few of my weight loss coaching clients, who deal with a similar loss of taste on a daily basis due to medications, such as Wegovy.

This brief episode not only sparked a fresh appreciation for the simple delights of relishing food and beverages, but also granted me valuable insights into a less talked about side effect, the struggle with food repulsion and the heart-wrenching inability to savor flavors that were once beloved.

Despite accomplishing an impressive 60-pound weight loss over the past year, one particular client is contemplating discontinuing the medication. The reason behind this decision lies in the exhaustion of being unable to relish life’s simple pleasures, such as enjoying a cup of coffee or savoring a delightful meal.

There is still no consensus on exactly how these drugs work. What experts do know, is that they cripple the dopamine pathway in the brain, classically associated with the ability to experience pleasure.

It is important to note that responses to this medication vary, ranging from minimal effects on appetite to an over-regulated appetite, resulting in a notable loss of drive and pleasure in eating. While most patients fall within the middle of this spectrum, for those with an over-regulated appetite, life can understandably become challenging, particularly considering the significant role that food plays in our social fabric.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-term Success

Concerns about regaining lost weight post-Wegovy use highlight the importance of adopting sustainable lifestyle changes. Relying solely on the medication is not a comprehensive solution to address the complexities of obesity and weight gain, unless one intends to remain on it indefinitely. Establishing a strong foundation through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise plans, is crucial for lasting results.

Balancing Pleasure and Weight Management

While medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are tolerable for many, it’s clear they may not be suitable for everyone. For those who find joy in sharing food while socializing or savoring occasional indulgences, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may not align with their weight loss journey.

The decision to incorporate medications for weight loss should be a thoughtful one, considering not only physical effects but also the impact on overall enjoyment of life. For those desiring weight loss while still finding pleasure in food and activities, alternative approaches emphasizing lifestyle changes may be more fitting.

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one health coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE.

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What is the Optimal Diet to Adopt While Utilizing Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

It’s imperative to recognize that Ozempic + Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro + Zepbound (tirzepatide) serve as valuable components within a broader framework of weight management.

Integrating these medications into a comprehensive medical weight management program, which encompasses dietary modifications, heightened physical activity, and regular medical supervision, is key.

While you’re riding the GLP-1 wave, getting cozy with a balanced and healthy diet is the secret sauce to maxing out their powers. And guess what? Building habits that stick around is the key to keeping the weight in check, with or without the meds. There’s no one-size-fits-all “diet” when taking GLP-1 meds, but your overall eating game is crucial. Here are some pointers:

1. Consume a Balanced Diet:

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • Aim for half your plate to be filled with fruits and vegetables.
  • Fruits + veggies are low in calories but rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.

Lean Protein:

  • Include lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, beans, and legumes.
  • Protein supports a feeling of fullness, satisfaction, and helps prevent muscle loss.

Fiber-Rich Carbohydrates:

  • Opt for complex carbohydrates rich in fiber for sustained energy and prolonged satisfaction.
  • Choices include starchy vegetables, beans, legumes, fruits, and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole grain or sprouted bread, and oats.

Healthy Fats:

  • Choose sources of healthy fats in moderation such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
  • Be mindful of serving sizes, as healthy fats provide concentrated nutrition in smaller amounts.

2. Additional Nutrition Considerations:

  • Prioritize adequate nutrition to support overall health and protect metabolism.
  • Limit intake of high-sugar or high-fat foods, as they may impede progress and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 72 oz for women and 100 oz for men daily.

3. Patience and Persistence:

Recognize that weight management is a gradual process requiring consistent effort. Be patient and committed to healthy eating and lifestyle changes.

4. Incorporate Enjoyable Foods:

Grant yourself permission to include foods you love for the sake of sustainability.

5. Consider Collaborating with a Health Coach:

Partnering with a health coach offers a unique opportunity to receive personalized guidance in tailoring your diet to meet your specific health needs and goals. With a commitment to maintaining a limited clientele, I work with a maximum of ten clients at a time, ensuring that you benefit from individualized, comprehensive support. Your journey to better health becomes a collaborative and focused experience, enriched by accountability and unwavering support when you choose to work with me.

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE.

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Harnessing the Power of Ozempic + Health Coaching

The world of weight loss has changed dramatically since I was certified as a Health + Weight Loss Coach back in 2010. Currently, half of my clients are taking GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy, while working with me.   

Given how effective the medication is for weight loss, you might be wondering why they want to work with a coach.

To start, incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine while taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss can significantly enhance the likelihood of long-term success should you decide to stop taking the medication.

The benefits of combining healthy habits with GLP-1 agonists for weight management include:

Ensuring Proper Nutrition:

A Health Coach can ensure that you are receiving proper nutrition while on GLP-1 medications. While these medications are extremely effective for weight loss, maintaining a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is paramount for overall health.

Enhanced Weight Loss:

Ozempic (+ Mounjaro + Wegovy + Zepbound) already have weight loss superpowers, but when you team them up with healthy habits, it’s like giving it a jetpack! When combined with healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, the weight loss effects of Ozempic can be further amplified, leading to more effective and sustainable weight management.

Boosted Energy Levels:

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can do wonders for your energy levels. Physical activity releases those feel-good endorphins and gives you a natural energy boost. And when you provide your body with the right nutrients through a balanced diet, you fuel it for optimal performance.

Sustainable Lifestyle Changes:

Building healthy habits while taking Ozempic sets the stage for a sustainable lifestyle. Instead of relying solely on medication for weight loss, you’re creating a foundation for long-term behavior change. When you incorporate nutritious foods and regular exercise into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself up for continued weight management even if you discontinue use due to side effects or cost.

Overall Health Benefits:

The perks of healthy habits go way beyond just weight loss. They have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. By adopting healthy habits, you can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. On top of that, you’ll likely experience improved sleep quality, better mental clarity, a stronger immune system, and a longer, healthier life.

If you’re currently using semaglutide or tirzepatide and are in search of assistance with nutritional guidance and cultivating healthy habits, I am here to offer support. Partnering with a health coach offers a unique opportunity to receive personalized guidance in tailoring your diet to meet your specific health needs and goals.

With a commitment to maintaining a limited clientele, I work with a maximum of ten clients at a time, ensuring that you benefit from individualized, comprehensive support. Your journey to better health becomes a collaborative and focused experience, enriched by accountability and unwavering support when you choose to work with me.

💙 Robyn

Interested in a one-on-one coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.

To learn more about Personal Health Coaching click HERE. 

To schedule a Discovery Session click HERE.