- The diabetes drug Mounjaro often reduces a person's appetite, which can lead to fatigue.
- One patient drinks a morning smoothie that is rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Jacob Brody started taking the diabetes drug Mounjaro in November 2022, and quickly lost 36 pounds in less than four months. All told, he shed roughly 18% of his former body weight, a change he says has saved his life.
But at first Brody, who has Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, told Insider that it was tough for him to find a way to make his new lifestyle sustainable. The 40-year-old investor was feeling dizzy a lot, and often got tired throughout the day. He realized that because his appetite was so small, he probably wasn't getting enough protein, and was at risk of losing muscle mass as well as fat.
His wife Lauren suggested he start incorporating a healthy smoothie into his day. It's become a morning ritual for Brody, much in the same way it is a go-to for many other health, nutrition, and longevity experts.
He credits his wife with helping him develop both the recipe, and the daily routine. "She's really been a rockstar dealing with the adjustments alongside me," he said.
The protein-rich smoothie recipe started out with five ingredients:
- Plain, unsweetened oat milk
- Frozen strawberries
- Frozen bananas
- Frozen blueberries
- Whey protein
Eventually he added another key ingredient
After consulting with his dietitian, Stephanie Garcia, Brody realized he should heed his wife's advice and add in one more staple ingredient: Kale.
The crunchy green measurably boosts the fiber content of his breakfast, and also adds in a good daily dose of key vitamins A and C, among other nutrients.
Since he started drinking the protein smoothie a few months ago, Brody's started to build muscle again. He's also able to garden and do yard work now without getting dizzy, which is a relief.
"I love the taste," Brody said of his new smoothie, though he admits he still isn't always a huge fan of the rough texture of the kale. "But it's not a big deal."