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Foods to Eat When Taking Metformin for Weight Loss

What to Eat When Taking Metformin for Weight Loss
Although there isn’t a specific diet recommended for people taking metformin, prioritizing a balance of nutrient-dense, whole foods is essential to supporting weight loss goals alongside the use of this medication, as well as staving off a host of chronic health conditions, according to StatPearls.
During digestion and metabolism, certain types of foods, namely carbohydrate-containing foods, per StatPearls, get broken down into glucose, which your body then uses to supply your cells with energy. If you have more glucose than your cells need, your body stores it in your liver or muscles for later use or turns it into fat.
According to MedlinePlus, healthy carbohydrate-containing foods include:
- Beans, peas, and lentils
- Breads, starches, grains, and cereals
- Fruit
- Milk and yogurt
- Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and corn
You don’t need to omit carbohydrates from your diet, but it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates like those listed above while avoiding processed foods with added sugar, sodium, and fat. This approach to carbohydrates is a core component of a diabetes-friendly diet as well, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Striking a balance of these healthier carbohydrate sources with lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and plenty of water is also key to meeting your nutritional needs, according to the American Diabetes Association, along with supporting weight loss efforts while taking metformin. Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist for help determining the best mealtimes for you, as well as daily calorie goals to portion foods in a way that promotes healthy and sustainable weight loss while also keeping your blood sugar in range.