What to Eat While Taking Phentermine
At the start of your weight loss journey, it can be difficult to know exactly what to eat while taking phentermine.
There are so many diets and eating plans to choose from, and it’s no different when you’re taking phentermine.
Although you will experience a suppressed appetite, it is still very important that you eat well and make the right food choices.
Choose Your Eating Plan of Action
When there are so many contradicting views from one diet to another, it can be difficult to know which diets will work better for you, what to eat to lose weight, and which foods you should avoid.
For example, some diets will praise the benefits of complex carbohydrates, whereas others will tell you to avoid carbs altogether.
While it can be difficult to know who to believe, first, you need to think about what you feel able to do and whether it will work for you.
Some people find that they cannot seem to lose weight if they continue eating carbs, so if this is true of you, then limit your carbs and fill up on more fiber, protein, and vegetables instead.
If you’re not sure what works best for you, then switch from week to week and see when you make your biggest losses.
Whichever route you take, there are some universal dieting truths that will complement any sensible, healthy eating plan you wish to follow.
You Need to Eat to Lose Weight
It is very important that you eat enough actually to be able to lose weight.
Not providing your body with enough food will cause your body to conserve any food you do provide as fat.
It is generally thought that the minimum amount of calories you should consume each day is 1200, but the exact amount you should eat depends on your sex, age, height, and starting weight.
Your phentermine doctor should be able to advise you on how many calories you need each day. You must also ensure you use your calories wisely and consume the right foods to maximize your weight-loss potential.
What To Eat On Phentermine
Water: The first rule of every diet is to drink lots of water.
When taking phentermine, you should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day to improve the functions of your body and assist in the release of water weight, as well as keeping you hydrated and less likely to misinterpret thirst for hunger.
Chilled water tastes better and is easier to absorb for the body, or if you want something warming, green tea is similarly hydrating and counts towards your daily quota.
Protein: When dieting, you must consume enough protein.
One reason for this is that high-protein foods take more work to digest, metabolize, and use, which means you burn more calories processing them.
They also take longer to leave your stomach, so you feel full sooner and for a longer amount of time. Protein is doubly important if you’re exercising as well as dieting to make sure you’re losing fat and not muscle.
Your body uses protein to build lean muscle, which not only makes you stronger and more toned but also burns calories even when you’re not active, unlike lazy fat, meaning your metabolism works at a higher speed.
Good protein sources are skinless chicken and turkey, tofu, fish, low-fat dairy, lean beef, eggs, and nuts.
Fiber: While fiber is not a magic weight-loss weapon, healthy high-fiber foods make you feel full, so you can resist eating more food than you need.
Although phentermine will help suppress your appetite, when you are hungry, opting for high-fiber food means that your appetite will be satisfied with fewer calories and fat.
Great sources of fiber are beans, whole grains, brown rice, nuts, baked potatoes (but you have to eat the skin), berries, bran cereal, and vegetables.
Fruits and Vegetables: The water and fiber in fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you can eat the same amount of food with fewer calories.
Most fruits and vegetables are filling and naturally low in fat and calories.
Choose whole fruits over juices to maximize the fiber content, and always make sure your vegetables are cooked healthily and served with healthy dressings.
Alkalizing Foods: To maximize the effects of phentermine, it is necessary to have an alkaline urinary pH (7.5 to 8.0), as this means the phentermine will be excreted from your body at a slower rate.
Almost all fruits and vegetables are alkalizing, so they will help you maintain the alkaline levels in your body.
Therefore you will feel the effects of phentermine, such as higher energy levels and a suppressed appetite, for longer throughout the day.
Other alkalizing foods are almonds, chestnuts, tofu, stevia, cinnamon, curry, ginger, mustard, chili pepper, and all herbs.
What to Avoid
Simple Carbohydrates: Foods that contain simple carbohydrates include table sugar, products with white flour, candy, chocolate, cake, jam, cookies, soda, and packaged cereals.
They are digested quickly by your body, resulting in dramatic changes to your blood sugar levels, and they are not utilized by your body as fuel, often becoming stored as fat instead.
If you do include carbs in your diet, make them complex carbs; these take longer to digest and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Examples include vegetables, whole grain bread, oatmeal, legumes, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.
Sugar: Added sugar supplies a large amount of fructose, which can only be processed by the liver. If the liver is already processing foods, the extra sugar gets stored as fat.
Sugar directly increases your chance of becoming obese due to elevated insulin resistance, as well as increasing cholesterol levels and your chances of getting diabetes.
Sugar can be found in many of the simple carbohydrates listed above and hidden in many processed foods, like frozen meals.
Dried fruit and store-bought fruit juices can also have high sugar levels, so fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juices are preferable.
Alcohol: Like increased sugar levels, alcohol can adversely affect your liver functions to the extent that your body’s fat-burning systems are inhibited for as long as several days; therefore, the liver has less chance to burn any fat.
Acidifying Foods: Besides being bad for weight gain and inhibiting fat burning, the foods above are also acidifying, meaning these foods are particularly important to avoid for those taking phentermine.
The reason for this is that acidifying foods increase the excretion of phentermine, meaning it will not last as long in your system as it should.
So, keep clear of soda, alcohol, coffee, sugar, butter, ice cream, and white flour products.
While taking phentermine, it is important to get into the habit of eating the right foods to re-educate your mind into providing your body with the best.
When you reach your goal weight, it is the changes you make on your weight loss journey that help you to maintain your new body.
All that said, the odd treat here and there will mean you don’t feel deprived and end up binging and undoing all your good work along the way.
If you’d like to share these tips or save them for later, check out this infographic!
Did you find this article useful? Or, do you know any other tips on what to eat while taking phentermine? We would love to hear from you! Comment below!
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I also eat more outside food, please tell me some remedies.
Hi Shery,
If you feel like phentermine is not suppressing your appetite you need to speak to your doctor. Perhaps you need to adjust your dosage or see a specialist that can help you create a diet plan just for you.
You could also look into trying a supplement like Phen Caps to boost your energy and reduce your cravings: https://www.phen.com/
Hope that helps!
Rebeca, Phentermine.com
I started the medication a couple days ago and ever since i started I’ve been extremely hungry
Hi Alexus 🙂 If you feel like phentermine isn’t having its intended effects (e.g. the medication is making you hungrier instead of suppressing your appetite), we’d suggest contacting your prescribing doctor. He or she can work with you to adjust dosage or, if necessary, switch medications to give you the best chance at success on your weight loss journey. Best wishes!
Sally, phentermine.com
Hello. I started Phentermine 2 weeks ago and I’ve lost 6 pounds. Is that good or am I doing something wrong?
Also, can I use coconut or almond flour? Thank you =)
Hi Amber! 6lbs in 2 weeks is great – congrats! 🙂
You should be able to eat whichever type of flour you like as long as you’re not going to extremes, but double-check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Rachel, phentermine.com
Hello,
I am beginning my second week on Phentermine and I need to have a 1,500 to 1,200 calorie intake daily and that is before exercise. I am having a hard time finding food to eat to give me the boost of energy I need to help me get back into working out. I do not have the boost of energy and I’m not sure why. Any suggestions? And are there some cheap and on the go meals to make and eat while at a restaurant? My goal is to lose 55lbs and change bad habits for good ones.
Hi Connie, thanks for your comment! While it may not give you an immediate “boost” of energy, eating a balanced diet composed of complex carbs (whole grains, fruits, veggies, dairy), protein (lean meat, chicken, fish, tofu, nuts, beans) and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts) will help fuel your body well and make you feel ready to workout. Aim to follow MyPlate recommendations and get a little bit of each food group at every meal.
There are lots of options for cheap and on-the-go meals and snacks! Check out this article for some quick ideas:
* how to dine out while on phentermine
Best wishes with your phentermine weight loss journey!
Rachel, phentermine.com
I am starting my second month of taking phetermine. The first week was terrible, as my stomach was very nauseous. I had no appetite. The second week was much better. However on the 4th week the nauseouness came back. My scale says I’ve lost 8 lbs but my clothes are fitting the same. First question, will the nauseous ever stop and what’s up with the weight loss?
Hi Rosa, congrats on your weight loss so far! Side effects vary from person to person, but typically they do improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Did you change something else about your diet or routine that could have contributed to the return of the nausea in the 4th week? Sometimes with weight loss you don’t see/feel the changes for a while, and then all of a sudden you’ll notice that your pants or the waist of a dress is a little looser. It just takes time, and it sounds like you’re doing great so far 🙂
Rachel, phentermine.com
I just started my second month of phentermine and I have yet to lose anything while taking this medication. I am on a keto diet and lost 14 pounds before starting phentermine. After a 2 month stall I thought I would try phentermine since it worked for me about 10 years ago and I lost 20 pounds. Not sure what is going on this time, but no loss at all. Last time I was on Atkins. I think I’m going to stop taking them since they aren’t working
Hi Carmen! Yes, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you still aren’t seeing any results in the second month. He or she may have other ideas about how to help you lose weight and get past your current plateau. Best of luck!!
Rachel, phentermine.com
Hi I have been on adipex-p for 3 days now. I must say I’m not hungry at all. An I do eat some, but I’ve counted an it’s no where near 1200 each day.
So should I make my self eat 1200 a day, or just eat what I feel like (Which has been less than 1000?
Thanks Pam
Hi Pam, thanks for your comment! It’s best to aim for at least about 1200 calories per day, so that your body has the fuel it needs to carry-out basic biological functions and focus on burning fat instead of muscle. It’s also common for the phentermine to be strongest at the very beginning of your prescription, so you may find that it’s easier to eat a little bit more as time goes on. To read more about why it’s important to eat this minimum number of calories, check out our article on eating enough while taking phentermine.
Rachel, phentermine.com
Hi I take probiotics and multi vitamins.. is that fine with this drug? And if so, should I space them out or can I take them all together? Also, I drink on an empty stomach lemon water with cayenne pepper every morning, is that ok?
Hi Nancy! Yes, it’s typically fine to take those together with phentermine. We’d suggest taking the phentermine first thing in the morning, and then the multi and probiotics later with breakfast. The lemon water water with cayenne should be okay too, just be aware that phentermine sometimes causes stomach upset and this drink could make it worse. Regardless, if you have any concerns about specific medication-supplement interactions, don’t be shy about checking with a medical professional like a doctor or pharmacist to confirm that it’s okay!
Rachel, phentermine.com
im just starting the medication and want to know if i can also drink sparkling water as well as just water? and also what is a good breakfast to eat being that i can not eat eggs.
Hi Latricia! Yes, sparkling water should be fine too – just be careful the sodium and sugar content. Sometimes companies add lots of extras to sparkling water to increase flavor, so make sure to read the nutrition label on your favorite brands if you’re drinking lots of it. With breakfast, aim for something with a balance of lean protein, whole-grains and healthy fats. For a little inspiration, check out these articles on breakfast ideas and brunch ideas.
Best wishes!
Rachel, phentermine.com
I have been on phentermine for a wk now and a day after start useing it i have been having trouble urinating and low stream is this normal and will it go away read on internet were some people have had the same problem
Why can’t you take more than one a day? Wouldn’t it work better?
Hi Marcia, great question! Each person’s phentermine dosage and schedule is set by their doctor, but people on higher dose (mg) pills can only take one per day because phentermine HCl (the active ingredient in phentermine) is a highly powerful and controlled substance. Taking more than the recommended amount could be very dangerous and/or habit-forming. Sometimes patients are put on lower dose pills and asked to take these smaller pills multiple times per day, but they still do not exceed the maximum dose per day for safety reasons. Most importantly: you should work closely with your doctor to determine the best dosage and schedule for you, and always follow your doctor’s exact instructions. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you’d like to read more about dosage, you may be interested in this page: https://www.phentermine.com/
Rachel, phentermine.com
Hello! I just got prescribed phentermine. And this weekend is mine and my husbands anniversary. So we have planned on a date night in the house with a bottle of vodka.
Would I not need to take the medicine that day? Or what will happen if I take it and drink alcohol?
Hi K! It’s really not recommended to drink alcohol while using phentermine. The problem with combining alcohol and phentermine is that phentermine is a stimulant while alcohol is a depressant. The combination can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as increased heart rate, chest pain or changes to blood pressure. You may also be more likely to experience symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, depression and difficulty concentrating. Your doctor can give you more information on phentermine and alcohol, so we also suggest speaking to him/her about this concern. For more online information about the interactions between phentermine and alcohol, you can check out our post: Phentermine and Alcohol.
Rachel, phentermine.com
Is it OK to take super aminos and phentermine together?
Hi Bobbi!
We definitely recommend you consult with your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are currently taking, even if they are non-prescription, as there is a possibility these could interact and cause the phentermine to be less effective, or worsen side effects.
Regards,
Marko
Phentermine.com
Started taking Phentermine 30mg yesterday after consulting my Dr. My Dr. is confident I will lose 30 lbs by Oct. I am 57 yrs young, 5’8″ weighing in at 215 lbs type O blood with Mesomorphic body type. I had a hysterectomy in 1995 and have steadily gain weight since then. I have tried every weight loss program/diet/fat coach out there and spent more $$ then I’d like to admit.
I walk an average of 2 miles 4 times a week, pilates twice a week, hand weights…nothing has worked for any length of time. I eat “clean” my body is soooo stubborn. I hope this time it will be different and I can reach my true goal 163. Is this realistic?
Hi Bobbi!
Well, it really depends on what your doctor orders and how well you stick to the right loss plan. This is because the diet and workout which works for one person might not work for another; even scientific comparisons of diets have found that no diet is better than any other.
But we are also inspired by your commitment; don’t give up! Here are some suggestions to break your yo-yo dieting and Diet hacks to help you along the way.
We would love to hear more from you in the future….hopefully as a phentermine success story on the front page!
Regards,
Marko
Phentermine.com
This is day 4 of taking it…..and I also take 10mg of Lexapro. My dr didn’t seem too concerned about the combination…what do you think?
Hello Carrie,
Thank you for reaching out. We can’t offer you medical advice, you should ask your doctor about it as soon as you can. You are welcome to join our Facebook support group and connect with other phentermine users, today! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1069871763087734/
Best regards
Rebeca, Phentermine.com
I have been on this diet pill several times. I will tell you that the Phentermine from Walmart is NOT as effective as the one at Winn Dixie Pharmacy. I have no idea why but its true. Change pharmacies next time and see if you can tell a difference.
Hi I am about to start this but I really don’t want to stop my morning coffee, can I substitute w decaf?
Hi Gior,
Firstly, the effectiveness of phentermine can be limited by the consumption of coffee, but this effect is seen with both regular and decaffeinated coffee. So, as we explain in other articles, it is the coffee rather than the caffeine that negatively effects phentermine. But, this effect is not the same for everyone and is more for general guidance than as a strict rule; if someone complains that their phentermine wears off quickly then it is a good idea to look at their diet to see if they are consuming lots of acidic products which could make this effect worse. But for people who like coffee, one or two cups a day is not a problem when taking phentermine, so you can continue to drink coffee in the morning without any problems.
Sally, phentermine.com
So I just started with my first one this morning. I had two kids and a job where I am not to leave my desk but a few times, I was just gaining weight and it wasn’t healthy. This pill in just one day has changed my life I took it, started falling asleep this morning about 9 because I was just so tired from not sleeping much that night and I work late, all the sudden I just felt this tendency to get up. I made my husband take me to the state park and we walked 6 miles and the only reason we stopped is because we had to go to work, I ate about 900 calories today and cant wait to see what tomorrow holds.
Hi Brittany,
It’s good to hear that you felt the energy boost and motivation to get active and a suppressed appetite, however you should try to eat more than 900 calories each day as this is a low amount – ideally no less than 1200 is recommended for most people.
Sally, phentermine.com
My weight is 376 I want to lose100LBS or more
Hi Margaret,
You might find this article useful as it has tips for how to lose 100lbs or more on phentermine: https://www.phentermine.com/blog/lose-100lbs-phentermine/
Sally, phentermine.com
Hi my name is Margaret Mccurrie I just start my pills and I want to know what is the best food to eat I do drink a lot of water I need some to tell me
Hello Margaret. Thank you for reaching out. Here a few helpful tips on what to eat while on phentermine: https://www.phentermine.com/blog/what-to-eat-while-taking-phentermine/
If your goal is to lose 100 lbs or more with phentermine, here we have ten tips to help you get the results you want: https://www.phentermine.com/blog/lose-100lbs-phentermine/
You are welcome to join our brand new support group so you can connect with other phentermine users, share your experience and get some valuable advice. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1069871763087734/
Have a nice day!
Rebeca, Phentermine.com