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Whether you’ve got money on a team or are just happy to have a reason to gather on a random Sunday in February, there’s one thing most people can agree on about the Super Bowl: you can’t have a Super Bowl party without lots and lots of food.
If you’re on a GLP-1, all that food might give you pause. But don’t worry—you don’t have to skip the food to keep your body happy. Like every athlete knows, coming to the big game prepared with a game plan makes all the difference on the final outcome, whether you’re on the field or weighing your options at the food table.
Can you still enjoy the Super Bowl while on a GLP-1?
Short answer: yes. Even better answer: it’s easier than you might think.
GLP-1 medications work by slowing stomach emptying, regulating blood sugar, and increasing fullness signals. This means you likely won’t want to eat as much, high-sugar or high-fat foods might be less appealing, and drinking or eating too much could be more uncomfortable than it usually is.
Knowing the “opponent” you’re up against, you can go into the party with the right plan. And believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be all about restriction.
Your Super Bowl game plan, GLP-1 edition
Planning out how to enjoy a party might sound contradictory, but in reality those who plan ahead have a better experience overall.
Warm up with a pre-game meal
Skipping food before the game to “save calories” can backfire. Eat your meals and snacks as you normally would before gametime so you’re less tempted to overeat when you see the plethora of options before you.
Bonus tip: Bring a high-fiber or high-protein snack to share to ensure you’ll have at least one option that supports your health goals. Check out our GLP-1 Super Bowl recipes for inspiration.
The fundamentals things apply
Basic nutrition matters for everyone. GLP-1 users especially need to make sure they’re fueling up on protein to help preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss and support long-term metabolism and satiety. Fiber is important too, especially for gut health.
So what does this mean for Super Bowl Sunday?
Foods to fill your game plate:
- Lean protein: air-fried wings, chicken, ground turkey, turkey pepperoni, lean beef, Greek yogurt, shrimp, pork tenderloin, lean ham
- Fiber-rich carbs: vegetables, beans, whole-grain or blue corn chips, potatoes with skin
- Healthy fats: guacamole, avocado, olives, nuts, seeds
Foods to limit:
- Fried foods
- High-fat dips
- Large sugary desserts
- Ultra-processed snacks
Remember, you don’t have to divide all of your food choices into “good” and “bad” categories. The key is to get a good variety of the foods that fuel your body and to avoid overindulging on the foods that might exacerbate GLP-1 side effects.
Go small
Eating too much at once can worsen nausea or bloating on a GLP-1, so keep things simple by starting with small portions and eating slowly. You can always go back for seconds later in the game. Just give your body time to tell you if it’s full or not before loading up again.
Hydrate like an athlete
You’ve probably seen athletes chugging down water every time they’re on the bench. Let this be a reminder to you that you need to rehydrate regularly too. Hydration supports digestion, energy, and overall tolerance to GLP-1 medication, so don’t skip the water. Drink a little more than you think you need.
Be careful with alcohol
Alcohol isn’t strictly off limits for GLP-1 users, but it can exacerbate GLP-1 side effects like nausea. If alcohol is a fixture of your Super Bowl experience, keep the following in mind:
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach
- Alternate water between drinks
- Sip slowly
- Limit yourself to just 1–2 drinks
Watch out for actual hunger cues
When you’re at a party, it’s all too easy to eat just because, not because you’re actually hungry. So before you get up for a snack, pause and ask: Am I hungry? Or am I eating because someone else is or I don’t want to watch another commercial?
If you are actually hungry, grab a bite to eat. If you’re just bored or need something to do, drink some water instead or start a conversation with someone away from the food table.
Move a little
Movement on Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just for the athletes. Even if it means leaving the cozy chair several others have their eye on, the extra movement will do your digestion and blood sugar some good. Walk around, start a flag football game outside, clean up the food area, or start a dance party during halftime—whatever gets you moving.
Putting it all together: Your Super Bowl GLP-1 success checklist
Your game plan will probably look different from the person next to you in the food line. If you can check off most items in this checklist, you should be in good shape.
Before the game
- Eat a meal or snack high in fiber and protein
- Drink water
During the game
- Grab a small plate
- Eat slowly
- Pay attention to hunger cues
- Limit alcohol
- Drink water
After the game
- Take a short walk or help clean up
- Put any leftover food away so you’re less tempted to keep snacking
The long-term mindset: Consistency wins over perfection
GLP-1s aren’t meant to be the strict taskmaster that forces you to say no to everything. They’re meant to help you build healthy lifestyle habits that are sustainable—and that includes enjoying food traditions around holidays and events.
Focusing on nutrient density, moderation, and hydration this Super Bowl can help you enjoy a once-a-year event without letting food define the entire experience.
For more game-day nutrition tips, visit Shed’s blog. Also, be sure to check out our Super Bowl recipe ideas for GLP-1 users!
FAQs
What are the best Super Bowl snacks for someone on tirzepatide or semaglutide?
Focus on the high-protein and high-fiber options. Popular Super Bowl foods include shrimp cocktail, veggie platters, meatballs, Greek yogurt–based dips, or fruit.
How much should I eat at a Super Bowl party while on a GLP-1?
Listen to your body’s satiety signals and stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed. If you’re new to GLP-1 treatment, you’ll likely feel satisfied sooner than you’re used to, so start with small portions and give your body time to digest a bit before going back for more.
What Super Bowl foods should I avoid while on a GLP-1?
Limit high-fat, greasy foods like fried appetizers, loaded nachos, creamy dips, and rich desserts. These can cause gastrointestinal distress. If you do indulge, keep portions small and be sure to pair with something high in protein or fiber.
Will eating Super Bowl foods affect my GLP-1 weight-loss progress?
One day doesn’t define your weight-loss success. Intentional choices over time are what build momentum and maintain change long term. Remember: consistency > perfection. Enjoying the game-day experience while making mindful choices is completely compatible with weight loss.
This content has been reviewed by a licensed dietitian for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
