Why I Started Zepbound: My Honest Experience with GLP-1s
If you had asked me a year ago if I’d ever take a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound, I would have said absolutely not.
I had worked so hard over the years to rebuild my health through whole foods, movement, and consistency. I believed — and still believe — in the power of real food and habit change. But life is not always black and white, and postpartum threw me curveballs I didn’t expect.
The Breaking Point
After my fourth baby, I found myself stuck in a loop I couldn’t break. My blood sugar would crash keto or not. I was hungry no matter how much I ate and I was really struggling. I was constantly exhausted, foggy, and struggling with something I’ve dealt with since I was young: reactive hypoglycemia. Very shaky and agitated when hungry, but the problem was, it was all day every day.
Even though I could stay on track for a bit, this feeling of overwhelming starvation would come creeping back in and I just couldn't do it. I was feeling starving constantly. I tried switching up macros and doing everything I know in the book. It honestly was just too hard. I felt like I was fighting against my own body.
I began researching GLP-1 medications not for the weight loss alone, but for the blood sugar control. That was my primary reason. I wanted to stabilize my glucose, reduce those crashes, and calm my system. Zepbound (tirzepatide) stood out because it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, giving it dual-action support for blood sugar regulation.
After me and my kids being really sick for weeks, we were in and out of the same doctor office over and over and over again. At some point I ended up getting my blood work done after having my first high blood pressure reading in my life (what a feeling at 33) yikes. I decided I needed the help. I didn't want to keep going through this. I was month 6 into a failed weight loss journey and just really struggling to do it on my own.
Starting Zepbound: Week 1
I had been watching people on the sidelines do this and felt super prepared for my own journey. I watched the journeys out of curiousity and the curiousity ended up benefiting me in the end because now I know many of the do's and don'ts.
In the 2 days before taking the shot, I made sure to do super high protein and drink lots of water. Many people who did this seemed to avoid nausea. I took my first shot on a Wednesday night before bed. I was terrified it would hurt, I didn't feel it. Many people said always have your shot room temp before injecting. If it's cold, it could sting. Oh, and then you need to wipe with an alcohol wipe and let that dry completely first too. All good, now I'm not scared for the next one.
I woke up, no nausea. Honestly, the only thing I really felt was that I wasn't starving when I woke up which was a nice feeling. Blood sugar continued to be very steady and I was able to eat carbs without crashing. Ezekiel bread and toast is my daily breakfast which is so nice!
One thing I did realize after having some leg cramps (very normal for me when I'm in weight loss mode) was that I was overdoing the plain water and not getting enough electrolytes. Once I shifted to include more electrolytes, the cramping almost immediately eased.
I also make sure to keep moving and support my digestion naturally. I am still working on refining my exact movement goal but right now it's 30 mins weight training and 30 mins of cardio or a walk per day. I also have a 120g per day protein goal and 30g fiber goal daily. Vitamins and probiotics daily too. Because of this, constipation hasn't been an issue for me.
Addressing the Stigma
I’ve been open about my skepticism of GLP-1s in the past. I worried they were a shortcut. I was afraid of what people might think if I used medication after building a platform based on food and lifestyle.
But here’s the truth: this decision wasn’t about giving up. It was about getting support. I had tried everything, and I needed help. Taking Zepbound is part of a bigger strategy that still includes whole foods, movement, hydration, and rest. I’m still doing the work — but now my body isn’t fighting me every step of the way which is honestly so magical I can't even put it into words.
If You’re Considering It Too
If you’re in that same place — exhausted, frustrated, stuck — I made something for you. The truth is you don't need to be on a GLP-1 to follow this. You can do this same concept without it and I am sure you would see beautiful results. But at this point, I just personally needed a little bit more help. This is a rough draft of just what I am using personally right now.
Your support thus far has been really incredible. I appreciate you all so much, you have no idea.
With love, Tiffany