I Was on a GLP-1 for a Year — Here Are 25 Gifts I’d Love to Receive

But increasing protein consumption can be hard for people on a GLP-1 due to the slow stomach-emptying nature of the drug. The best way I’ve found to supplement is by using this protein powder. It’s cheaper than the ready-made drinks (though they also work), and I love making it into a thick, creamy shake. It’s a tasty, not-so-decadent way to boost protein.

Grüns offers a subscription service that will autoship your chosen product before it runs out. Use caution and follow the directions on servings in the beginning; taking too much too soon can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

GLP-1 users who go for the crunchy, salty snacks will love Crisp Power Protein Pretzels. Each pack is incredibly satiating with a whopping 28 grams of protein. So not only do these satisfy the salt craving, but they also increase that ever-important protein intake. The pretzels come in six flavors, and Crisp Power also offers a variety pack of their top sellers.

The risk of dehydration skyrockets on a GLP-1, which can lead to lightheadedness, weakness, and constipation. One of the ways I’ve found to prevent dehydration is by using Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier. It contains three times the electrolytes as many performance drinks. One downside: It can taste a bit salty. Fortunately, Liquid I.V. offers plenty of flavors to choose from that make it much more enjoyable. I’m partial to the sugar-free flavors, especially the Ring Pop Cherry.

“The taste is as close to real fruit as I've gotten with gummy candy, and I love the little shapes,” says editor Ally Hirschlag. There are two flavor profiles available: tropical fruit and sweet and sour, and Hirschlag can confirm they’re equally delicious.

Magnesium citrate is a type of magnesium supplement that helps relax muscles, reduce blood pressure, and get the digestive system to do what it needs to in a gentle way overnight. The best product I’ve found is Natural Vitality Calm Relaxing Mix Drink. It was recommended by a nutritionist I worked with in the first couple of months after I started my GLP-1. The powder is easily absorbed and doesn’t cause unpleasant side effects. A serving can be added to warm water and sipped in the evening before bed like a tea. I use the raspberry-lemon flavor and find it a tasty, satisfying, and healthy way to end the day. There are other flavors, like watermelon, orange, and unflavored, to please any palate. It also comes in gummies if you don’t love a powder.

Quality cookware sets can be pricey and take up a lot of unnecessary space. But having one versatile and high-quality pan can do the work of three or four subpar ones. Our Place’s Titanium Always Pan Pro is made with nonstick technology without the toxic additives some other cookware uses. Food won’t stick to the pan, regardless of whether it’s seared, sauteed, or even oven roasted. It’s got a lifetime warranty and comes with a titanium lid and spatula to keep food cooking evenly.

Hirschlag has one and says she’s never going back to her other nonstick pans. “The grid design of this pan is a total game-changer,” she says.

GLP-1 users often turn to fiber supplements, which can help fill in the gaps. However, the best way to get the fiber you need is by eating whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables. The Fiber Fueled Cookbook has tons of recipes that help you get more of this essential nutrient while still eating small meals. “I think the premise of the book — eating more fiber — is a good one, and the recipes look great, and there are quite a lot of them!” says Tori Martinet, MS, RD.

Fried foods aren’t great when you’re trying to eat healthier because of all the grease and oil. Heavy foods also take longer to digest, and if someone is taking a GLP-1, that can cause a lot of discomfort and stomach upset. An air fryer offers a great way to cook crispy, fried foods without the oil.

“I've noticed it is much easier to keep clean than our other air fryer,” says writer Mary Sauer. “It seems to be a combination of the self-cleaning function and the glass. I also find it generally easy to use.” Not only will your loved one get crispy, delicious food without the regret, but Sauer also says it’s a nice countertop accent.

Learning how to eat while taking a GLP-1 can take some time, experimentation, and patience. Variety can be difficult on any diet, but a GLP-1 can cause massive changes in taste, smell, and appetite. The Indoor Searing Grill has a smoke infuser that makes food taste as if it came straight out of the pit of a favorite restaurant. “It's a really solid choice for an indoor electric grill, and I think it's a nice bonus that it infuses smoke into foods if you want that,” says writer Alexandra Ginos. You don’t need to have an outdoor area to use it.

For the past two months, I’ve been using the Laduora Duo 4-in-1 Pod-Based Scalp and Hair Care Device. It emits a combination of red- and blue-light therapy and massages the scalp to help stimulate hair follicles to start growing again. It only takes five minutes a day for this little gadget to do its best work. I love the scalp massage it gives and how it leaves my hair softer with a slight sheen.

Skin Gym WrinkLit LED Mask is an affordable entry device. It’s perfect for someone who wants to give a red-light therapy mask a try without spending too much time researching products (there are so many!) and money on something new.

A self-care routine doesn’t have to be expensive to feel luxurious. I’ve used Salt & Stone Body Wash for about a month now, and I am absolutely in love with it. It feels so light and leaves my skin clean and free of residue. It’s also moisturizing, not a common trait of a body wash. I use the bergamot and hinoki scent, one of four available. It has a subtle yet beautiful fragrance with a touch of citrus and floral aromas. Using this product daily makes me feel like I just stepped out of a spa!

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “Ozempic face.” It gained popularity after GLP-1 users started losing so much weight from their faces that it left their skin saggy, baggy, and aged virtually overnight. While I haven’t experienced that exact effect, I have noticed changes in my skin, especially on my face. I started using Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face and Neck Cream and am pleased with the results so far. My neck looks tighter and smoother after just a few weeks, and my under eyes also seem to be plumping back up. While I tend to have a greasy face after using new products, that hasn’t happened with this one.

A great pair of shoes is a must for someone who loves to run. High-quality running shoes are an investment, but the reward is worth it. They can last longer and keep the feet aligned to prevent leg, hip, and back pain. The Alo Runners have a supportive structure inside and out, providing comfort and stability. They’re made for trail, sidewalk, and treadmill running.

“These have a great design for running because they create a subtle forward rocking motion that supports how the feet move while running,” says editor Ashley Ziegler. That rocking motion can also help to boost energy to the foot and overall performance.

Variety in a fitness routine can stop things from becoming stale. Stretching pre- and post-workout can help prevent injury and speed up recovery. As such, a yoga mat, like the Gaiam Fitness Mat, makes an excellent gift for the GLP-1 user in your life. A thick but soft mat that provides cushion and protects your joints from hard surfaces makes yoga and any other ground work much more enjoyable. I’ve used the same yoga mat for five years, and it looks and feels as good as it did on the first day.

A weighted vest may be just the thing your loved one needs to take their fitness journey to a whole new level. The vest comes in seven different weights to accommodate every level of physical fitness.

Leggings are versatile fitness wear that can be great for any type of exercise, or even just bumming around the house. My favorite is the Fabletics On-the-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Legging. They’re affordable, with effective compression that helps them last even as the pounds come off. No matter how long you wear them, they don’t become thin and transparent like a lot of other leggings do. Biggest bonus: They have pockets.

Serious tea drinkers love a good tea infuser. It can make or break a cup of their favorite loose tea. The Ototo Louie Cat Tea Infuser does the job of a tea infuser well and also comes in cute shapes to brighten up your day. Besides Louie the cat, there are eight other different shapes and colors, including Baby Nessie, Red Crab, and Moonlit Spooky. Our editors have a few different models, and each one is adorable. These no-drip, no-spill infusers are a must-have for the tea enthusiast in your life.

I love a good cup of coffee, but I don’t like drinking the same blend every time. If your loved one is a coffee fanatic, Stone Creek’s Coffee Sampler box provides a taste of three farm-to-table roasts: light, medium, and dark. The packaging is colorful, and the box includes postcards and a sample bag of chocolate espresso beans. One really cool thing about the coffee sampler box is that you can choose the type of grind to match the recipient’s preference. You can order espresso, whole bean, or French press, just to name a few.

During sleep, body heat gets drawn into the mattress and pillow. If the material doesn’t cool or dissipate that heat, it will stay right at the surface, making it uncomfortable to sleep. If your loved one complains about sleeping hot, a soft, supportive, cooling pillow might do the trick. The Sijo FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow has removable cooling foam, so you can adjust the loft without losing the cooling. “This pillow is soft but surprisingly supportive. The cover is soft but has a nice 'brushed' feel — not slick and satiny like a lot of cooling pillows,” says Kara Wahlgren, a writer who tried the pillow.

A wind-down routine can have a huge impact on sleep health. But sometimes, the usual advice to turn off screens before bed doesn’t work. If your loved one has a hard time relaxing long enough to fall asleep, the Whispering Willow Tranquility Gift Box might help. “Everything in it has been curated to help you relax and fall asleep,” says editor Simone Scully. “There's a lavender linen spray (which you can use to spritz your pillow before going to bed), lavender hand and cuticle salve, lavender body oil (for a nice pre-bedtime massage or just to rub onto your arms and legs for some relaxation), and a lavender eye pillow so that you can build a nice, calm-down sleep routine. Plus, everything is made in the United States and with organic ingredients and comes in very beautiful packaging,” she concludes.

Sleep is a critical component of the body’s daily cycle. During this time, the body performs vital repair work to every system. For GLP-1 users, sleep is even more critical because it gives the stomach plenty of time to empty. If you know someone who has a problem falling asleep and wants to try white noise, the Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan Classic is a must-have. The LectroFan lets you choose between 20 fan sounds or white noise. It’s extremely portable and never louder than you want it to be.