9 Great Breakfasts for People Using GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

If you’re taking a drug like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, here’s what to know about how to make the most important meal of the day count.
9 Great Breakfasts for People Using GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
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How to Cook It: Protein-Packed Oatmeal Cup

Everyday Health staff nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RDN, shows you how to make a high-protein breakfast that is also diabetes friendly. This creamy oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day!
How to Cook It: Protein-Packed Oatmeal Cup

If you’re taking an injectable GLP-1 weight loss drug like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), you may find yourself feeling less hungry in the morning. But it’s still a good idea to start the day with a solid breakfast, says Bonnie Newlin, RD, a dietitian based in Annapolis, Maryland.

“Establishing a regular breakfast routine can regulate your hunger cues and keep your energy levels steady throughout the day,” Newlin says.

Newlin advises her clients to prioritize whole foods with plenty of fiber and protein, which can improve digestive health and help preserve muscle during weight loss.

“Embracing a diet rich in unprocessed foods is key when you're on a weight management journey using a GLP-1 medication,” she says.

Limiting saturated fats, which “are more difficult for the body’s enzymes to break down,” could help reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 medications, Newlin says. And if you’re not hungry, don’t force it: Have a smaller portion, or bump your breakfast back a little later in the morning. “You can always eat more later if you are still hungry,” she says.

Breakfasts that meet these guidelines don't have to be difficult. The following nine recipes are good ways to start.

1
High-Protein Scrambled Eggs
Nata Bene/Shutterstock

The Ultimate High-Protein Scrambled Eggs

Eggs are naturally high in protein, but they also contain a decent amount of saturated fat, according to the USDA. This recipe limits saturated fat by mixing in low-fat cottage cheese. You can also opt for fat-free cottage cheese. The texture goes well with scrambled eggs and the swap adds a bit of calcium.

contains  Eggs, Dairy
4.6 out of 99 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

268

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

2 min

TOTAL TIME

7 min

Ingredients

4 large eggs
⅔ cup plain, low-fat cottage cheese
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and chives, if using.

2

Place a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and egg mixture. With a spatula, slowly scrape eggs toward the middle of skillet as they set until mixture is cooked through, about 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

268

total fat

19g

saturated fat

4.9g

protein

22g

carbohydrates

4g

fiber

0g

sugar

3.8g

added sugar

0g

sodium

464mg

TAGS:

Eggs, Dairy, Diabetes-Friendly, Gluten-free, Breakfast, Family-Friendly, Ketogenic Diet, Low-Carbohydrate, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy
2
Berry and chia overnight oats
Adobe Stock

Berry and Chia Overnight Oats

In this “set it and forget it” breakfast option, a mashed banana adds natural sweetness. Fresh berries are a great source of antioxidants, past research has shown, but frozen berries pack just as much nutritional value as fresh (and sometimes more)!

contains  Dairy, Tree Nuts
4.6 out of 206 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

520

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

4 hr 5 min

Ingredients

⅔ cup milk
⅓ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
½ medium banana, mashed
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
¼ cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1

Combine milk, yogurt, oats, chia seeds, and banana in a mixing bowl and stir together well.

2

Divide oat mixture into 2 jars with lids. Top each with half the blueberries, strawberries, and walnuts.

3

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

520

total fat

17g

saturated fat

1.5g

protein

20g

carbohydrates

78g

fiber

14g

sugar

20g

added sugar

0g

sodium

60mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Tree Nuts, Anti-Inflammatory, Breakfast, Cholesterol-Conscious, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, High-Fiber, Low-Sodium, Mediterranean, Vegetarian
3
light and fluffy cottage cheese pancakes
Mehriban Aliyeva/iStock

Light and Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Chances are, you love pancakes — only you may not love the way they make you feel hungry afterward. That's because most are high in processed carbs and low in fiber and protein. In this filling recipe, cottage cheese lends extra protein and rolled oats are used instead of flour, increasing the fiber, per USDA data, and making these pancakes gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free, according to Beyond Celiac, but be sure to choose a brand labeled “gluten-free” if needed.

contains  Eggs, Dairy
4.5 out of 36 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

338

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

15 min

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free, if desired)
1 cup plain, low-fat cottage cheese
4 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tbsp canola oil

Directions

1

Place all ingredients except for oil in a blender or food processor and process on high until smooth, about 30–60 seconds.

2

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Once hot, add some of the oil and cook small pancakes in batches until batter begins to bubble in the middle, about 1 minute. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute more. Serve with fresh fruit or toppings of your choosing.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

338

total fat

16g

saturated fat

2.7g

protein

18g

carbohydrates

33g

fiber

3.8g

sugar

8.7g

added sugar

6.2g

sodium

527mg

TAGS:

Eggs, Dairy, Breakfast, Gluten-free, Family-Friendly, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy
4
healthy breakfast burrito
Julie Deshaies/Alamy

Make-Ahead Veggie Breakfast Burrito

It’s hard to have a bad day when you start it with a warm, delicious breakfast burrito. This meal comes prewrapped, and is also a great way to add more vegetables to your morning meal, which often skimps on them. To keep it nutritious, lose the processed and cured meats and cut back on cheese, and instead bulk it up with bell pepper and spinach, or any other veggie you choose.

contains  Eggs, Dairy, Wheat
4.6 out of 38 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

501

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

15 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups baby spinach
12 large eggs
1 pinch kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
4 whole-wheat tortillas
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1

Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Add oil, then pepper, shallots, and garlic. Sauté until veggies are soft, 5–7 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted, 1–2 minutes more.

2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Pour into skillet with vegetables and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until eggs are set, 3–5 minutes.

3

Evenly divide egg mixture among tortillas and top each with 2 tbsp of cheese. Fold tortilla over the mixture, fold in the sides and roll until completely closed.

4

Optional: If you prefer a crispier tortilla, lightly cook the finished breakfast burrito in a clean skillet until lightly browned, 1–2 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

501

total fat

29g

saturated fat

8.1g

protein

27g

carbohydrates

33g

fiber

3.9g

sugar

6.4g

added sugar

2g

sodium

729mg

Tips

To make this a great grab-and-go breakfast, make a batch ahead of time, allow them to cool, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then freeze them. Defrost the wrap overnight in the refrigerator and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through, or heat in a skillet until heated through, 2–3 minutes per side.

TAGS:

Eggs, Dairy, Wheat, Breakfast, Family-Friendly, High-Protein, Mediterranean, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian
5
citrus and granola topped greek yogurt
Ivan Solis/Stocksy

Winter Citrus Yogurt Bowl

This protein-packed recipe pairs blood orange slices with Greek yogurt. You'll get about 25 g of protein from the cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt in one serving of this recipe, according to the USDA. Yogurt is a rich source of probiotic bacteria that can increase microbiome diversity and decrease inflammation, according to one study. Meanwhile, the citrus in blood oranges adds immune-bolstering vitamin C, according to Humanitas University.

contains  Dairy, Tree Nuts
5.0 out of 21 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

305

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 blood orange, peeled and sliced into rounds
¼ cup granola
2 tbsp unsalted pepitas or other nuts or seeds of your choice
¼ cup fresh blueberries, rinsed
1 tbsp honey (optional)

Directions

1

Divide yogurt into 2 serving bowls. Top each bowl with half the orange slices, granola, pepitas, and blueberries. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

305

total fat

6g

saturated fat

1.3g

protein

30g

carbohydrates

32g

fiber

3.4g

sugar

20g

added sugar

3.5g

sodium

98mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Tree Nuts, Breakfast, Diabetes-Friendly, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Family-Friendly, High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian
6
smoothie
Adobe Stock

Strawberry Cream Smoothie

This smoothie is thick, creamy, and high in protein thanks to one ingredient you won’t even taste: tofu! Silken tofu has a smooth texture that blends easily and adds more than 10 g of plant-based protein to each glass, per the USDA. Strawberries are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, and pack in plenty of healthy vitamin C. This smoothie is vegan-friendly and dairy-free, and tastes like a luxurious strawberry milkshake.

contains  Soy
4.6 out of 34 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

313

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 cups frozen strawberries
2 cups plain, unsweetened soy milk
9 oz extra-firm silken tofu, drained
2 tbsp sunflower seed butter (or peanut butter)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Sliced strawberries, topping (optional)

Directions

1

Add all ingredients to a blender and mix on high until completely smooth.

2

Divide between 2 glasses, and top with sliced strawberries, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2½ cups

calories

313

total fat

16g

saturated fat

1.3g

protein

21g

carbohydrates

23g

fiber

4g

sugar

9.7g

added sugar

1.5g

sodium

194mg

TAGS:

Soy, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol-Conscious, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Beverage
7
egg avocado on toast
iStock

Egg and Avocado Toast

Want to make your traditional avocado toast even more satisfying? Add eggs! Enjoyed as a beautiful and nutritious breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this meal is more of an open-faced sandwich than a light breakfast dish. Plus, as the National Institutes of Health notes, eggs are a top source of choline, an essential nutrient for proper cell building and metabolism.

contains  Eggs, Wheat, Soy
4.7 out of 31 reviews

SERVES

1

CALORIES PER SERVING

336

PREP TIME

3 min

COOK TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

8 min

Ingredients

1 slice whole-wheat bread
1 tsp mayonnaise, preferably made with olive oil
¼ avocado, sliced
2 eggs, cooked to your liking
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Toast bread to your desired doneness. Place toast on a serving plate and spread mayonnaise evenly over it.

2

Top toast with avocado and eggs and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Garnish with pepitas, if using, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

336

total fat

21g

saturated fat

4.5g

protein

16g

carbohydrates

20g

fiber

4.4g

sugar

4.2g

added sugar

3g

sodium

369mg

TAGS:

Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Diabetes-Friendly, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Low-Carbohydrate, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
oatmeal
Vladislav Noseek/Adobe Stock

Almond Butter Oatmeal

Steel-cut oats shine in this creamy oatmeal dish as a source of soluble fiber in the form of beta-glucans (per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health), which can help to decrease the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and promote good gut and digestive health. This recipe can be doubled or tripled to make a batch that will last a few days or feed a larger household.

contains  Soy, Tree Nuts
4.6 out of 20 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

356

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

25 min

TOTAL TIME

30 min

Ingredients

3 cups unsweetened vanilla soy milk or almond milk
1 cup dry steel-cut oats
3 tablespoons smooth almond butter
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh berries of your choice

Directions

1

Place a medium pot over high heat and add the soy milk. Bring just to a boil and stir in the oats.

2

Return to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in the almond butter and salt.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

356

total fat

13g

saturated fat

1.2g

protein

16g

carbohydrates

46g

fiber

12.1g

sugar

7.6g

added sugar

0g

sodium

196mg

TAGS:

Soy, Tree Nuts, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, High-Fiber, Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol-Conscious, Family-Friendly, Breakfast
9
egg casserole
Adobe Stock

Make-Ahead Egg Casserole

This egg casserole is not only quick and easy to make, but it can also be assembled the night before for a prep-free morning. Packed with veggies and flavor, this simple dish is high in protein and fiber for the perfect and filling start to your day! This dish is so versatile, it could also make for a delicious lunch or dinner.

contains  Eggs, Dairy
4.4 out of 57 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

439

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

50 min

TOTAL TIME

1 hr

Ingredients

12 large eggs
½ cup nonfat milk or nondairy milk of your choice
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb new potatoes, quartered
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 bell pepper, any color, diced
2 cups baby spinach

Directions

1

Place eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl and whisk well. Set aside.

2

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, potatoes, and onion, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, 5–7 minutes.

3

Add mushrooms and bell pepper and cook until the peppers are tender, about 5 minutes more.

4

Remove from heat. Spray the bottom and edges of a baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the veggie mixture into a baking dish. Top evenly with spinach and pour in the egg mixture. Refrigerate until ready to bake.

5

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the casserole until the eggs are set, 40–50 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

439

total fat

23g

saturated fat

5.9g

protein

25g

carbohydrates

33g

fiber

4.5g

sugar

7g

added sugar

0g

sodium

520mg

TAGS:

Eggs, Dairy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory, Family-Friendly, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Takeaway

  • GLP-1 weight loss medications can throw your eating routines out of whack, which makes it an especially good idea to start your day with a healthy breakfast — even if it’s only a small one.
  • Prioritizing fiber and protein, two crucial nutrients, sets you up for weight loss success. Limiting saturated fat could help your belly feel better, too.
  • Preparing an easy healthy breakfast at home is a great way to start your day off on the right foot.
Lynn Griger photo

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She completed requirements to become a registered dietitian at Valparaiso University in 1987 and completed a dietetic internship at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, in 1988. 

Lynn brings her expertise in nutrition, exercise, and behavior change to her work in helping people reach their individual health and fitness goals. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, she has also written for websites and publications like Food and Health Communications, Today's Dietitian, iVillage.com, and Rodale Press. She has a passion for healthy, nutrient-dense, great-tasting food and for being outdoors as much as possible — she can often be found running or hiking, and has completed a marathon in every state.

Jill Waldbieser

Author
Jill Waldbieser is a journalist and recipe developer who has worked in professional test kitchens, including for the Campbell Soup Company. She was a culinary moderator for the Food Network and the food and nutrition director at Women’s Health magazine for a decade. She has been published in The New York Times, on Oprah Daily, in Runner's World, on HuffPost, in Cooking Light, and many others. Her work for Everyday Health has been awarded two Digital Health Awards, and she has been featured on Longreads.

Waldbieser has had the pleasure of cooking in Italy, Alaska, and Spain, as well as in her own backyard in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. When she’s not cooking or eating for work or pleasure, she volunteers at her local farmers market or blood donation center. She was elected as a school board director and is a student of American Sign Language.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. McCarthy D, Berg A. Weight Loss Strategies and the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss. Nutrients. July 20, 2021.
Additional Sources