Expert Perspective: The Nutritional Truth About GLP-1 Drugs
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My name is Justin Blyden and I’m a metabolic health coach and founder of Change Your Mode. I wanted to jump into the Orange Toucan community to talk about GLP-1 use as it’s arguably the most pressing topic my clients come to me about. And for a key role I play in their lives as they navigate rebuilding from disease, working through prediabetic or diabetic journeys, or work to change their relationship with food, is ensuring that no matter what diet or dosage they may be on, nutrition is replenished and thriving.
Here's what I'm seeing: GLP-1 drugs - which you may know as semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and others, were developed to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. One monthly shot feels like the easy path. But my clients are discovering there's a hidden cost that most doctors never mention.
Micronutrient Deficits are a Concern on a GLP-1
While GLP-1s dramatically reduce food intake, they simultaneously create a critical micronutrient deficit. My clients are eating 30–40% less food, which means 30–40% fewer vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds entering their bodies. This creates a dilemma - the medication treats the symptoms of metabolic disease, but it accelerates nutrient depletion at the same time.
I see this pattern constantly: people come to me excited about their weight loss and blood sugar improvements, but within weeks they're reporting low energy, brain fog, weakened immunity, hair loss, and muscle wasting.
The drugs work, but they're working in a vacuum. Without targeted nutritional support, my clients are rebuilding their health on an empty foundation.
The problem deepens when people fill that void with processed supplements, powders with proprietary blends, or synthetic nutrients. Your body recognizes and absorbs nutrients from real food differently than it does from isolated synthetic forms. When you're on GLP-1, this distinction becomes critical because every calorie and every nutrient matters. You can't afford wasted calories on denatured supplements.
Why Whole-Food Nourishment Matters More Than Ever
Here's the reality: most of my clients on a GLP-1 simply can't consume enough whole foods to meet their micronutrient needs. They're physically full after a few bites.
That's where concentrated, bioavailable micronutrient support becomes non-negotiable. My clients need nutrition they can actually absorb in the smaller portions their bodies are consuming. Standard supplements and powders aren't cutting it.
Moringa: The Nutrient-Dense Superfood for GLP-1 Users
Moringa has become essential in my coaching practice. Its leaves contain protein (all essential amino acids), vitamins A, C, E, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and more - with a much higher per-weight concentration than almost any common food or vegetable.
This is why I recommend it to my clients: they need concentrated micronutrient support in smaller portions. If you've been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or diabetes, you're in a nutrient deficit. The medication addresses symptoms, but moringa addresses the root deficiency…and the research backs this up.
What I'm seeing in my clients matches what the clinical evidence shows: moringa is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, containing phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, and other bioactives that reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. These aren't just data points, they're the pathways central to metabolic disease recovery, and I see them activated in my clients' lab work and in how they feel.
What My Clients Experience
My clients report more stable energy throughout the day and fewer glucose crashes.
- Lipids & Blood Pressure: Some trials show modest improvements in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and small reductions in blood pressure. With my clients, this translates to fewer medication adjustments and more stability.
- Energy, muscle preservation & inflammatory support: Beyond the data, what my clients tell me is that moringa supports their recovery. They have more energy for strength training (which is critical for preserving muscle mass on GLP-1), better digestion, and a sense that their body is actually being nourished—not just emptied out.
If you're on a GLP-1 and ready to ensure your nutrition is truly replenished and thriving:
- Start with a high-quality, whole-food source like Orange Toucan's formula rather than processed powders. Your body will respond differently.
- Watch for hypoglycemia, hypotension, and improvements in energy, cognitive clarity, hair health, and muscle recovery. These are the signs your body is actually being nourished again.
Remember: moringa and whole-fruit nourishment support your biology, but lasting medication reduction, weight loss, and true metabolic recovery depend on diet quality, strength training, sleep, stress management, and medical supervision. This is a holistic transformation, not a supplement solution.
Never neglect your lifestyle and never underestimate the power of real food. Your body is worth the investment!
To your health,
Coach Justin
Coach Justin