Day 4 on Mounjaro: A Small Check-In
I promised myself (and you lot) I’d keep a little diary of my Mounjaro weight loss journey, and here we are on day four. These early days feel important. Everything’s new, slightly strange, and definitely worth noting, so I’m planning on posting often. Think of this as a very informal check-in from a friend who’s still figuring things out but has snacks in her bag and optimism in her pocket.
The Good
Let’s start with the good, because everybody likes hearing good news. I’m noticeably less hungry than usual. Not just a little less hungry, but less hungry in a way that quiets the background noise in my brain that used to whisper about toast at all hours. Most meals are now a choice instead of a compulsion, and I’m finding that I’m often eating because I know my body needs fuel, not because I’m starving. That’s new for me, and not going to lie, I like it.
I was a bit nervous about taste or smell changes, since I’d read that a small number of people experience them while taking Mounjaro for weight loss. The drama queen in me had already prepared to mourn my favourite dishes, but thankfully, there’s nothing to mourn. Food still tastes like food. Tea still tastes like a comforting hug. And I’m still enjoying every bite… just fewer bites than before.
What I’ve Been Eating
Since people will probably want to know what I’m actually eating, here’s a quick snapshot:
Mornings have been very light. I’m not at all hungry when I wake up, so breakfast has been a big mug of tea (though minus my usual two sugars) and a low-fat yoghurt. I keep a water bottle nearby and sip all morning because I’m told that Mounjaro can cause dehydration, and I don’t fancy the headache that comes with that. I treat hydration like a part-time job now. Sipping water, adding a splash of squash, sometimes a couple of ice cubes for excitement. It’s all very rock and roll, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Lunch has been simple but satisfying. Turkey salad wraps with a splodge of low-fat mayo and a little cranberry sauce. It’s edging toward that festive time of year, so the cranberry feels seasonal, plus, I love cranberry sauce, so its presence is always welcome. This combination keeps me comfortably full for hours, which is a novelty I’m embracing.
Dinner this week has come courtesy of HelloFresh, and no, this isn’t sponsored (though if HelloFresh ever want to send me a free box, I’d welcome it with open arms). I like their kits because they make it easier to keep track of calories without needing to do long division at the stove. Plenty of veggies, solid protein, and fewer opportunities for me to lose my way in a pasta haze. Something which has definitely never happened before…
Friday night brought my first real challenge: a pub meal with colleagues. The kind of evening where the menu whispers sweet nothings about towering burgers and bucketloads of carbs. But I approached the situation carefully and made mostly good choices. I did treat myself to two glasses of white wine, which I know doesn’t exactly scream health, but a good Sauv Blanc is my Achilles heel, and instead of a burger the size of my head, I ordered a bao bun small plate with a side salad. I love bao buns with my whole heart, and these, which were filled with pulled pork and pickled beetroot, did not disappoint.
The biggest win, however, came after the meal. My colleagues eyed the pudding menu, and normally I’d have at least considered it, but this time, I felt perfectly content. Apparently, I now have a tiny cheerleader named Jaro (the nickname my friends gave to Mounjaro), and Jaro and I decided pudding could wait for another day. Victory!
The Bad
Now for the not-so-dreamy bits, because honesty is what keeps this real. Mounjaro side effects are a thing, and nausea seems to be the star of the show for many new starters. I’ve definitely been riding that queasy wave, especially first thing in the morning. It’s not dramatic, and it hasn’t stopped me from getting on with my day, but it’s there. Sipping water helps… a lot! I also keep peppermint tea in the cupboard, and it’s surprisingly soothing when my stomach’s feeling delicate. I’m taking it slow, listening to my body, and reminding myself that these early side effects usually calm down after a few weeks.
Around 2:30 in the afternoon, I keep hitting a wall. Not a real one, obviously, that would be painful, but that sleepy dip that makes your brain think it’s bedtime. I’m guessing it’s down to the sudden drop in calories. A small coffee usually does the trick, and if I can sneak outside for five minutes of fresh air, even better. The cosy autumn weather isn’t helping my mid-afternoon nap fantasies, but I’m resisting. Mostly.
Is Anyone Being Judgemental?
One of my biggest worries before starting was what people would think. The phrase medicated weight loss can attract opinions faster than free doughnuts in an office. I wondered how my friends and family would react, and I braced for judgment, but instead, I got support. Real, kind, genuine support. Honestly? It’s been such a relief.
There’s still a bit of stigma around using weight loss injections like Mounjaro, and I do sort of get it since they are the new kid on the weight loss block, but here’s my truth: I’ve tried everything else. Calorie counting, meal prepping, step tracking, joining programs, quitting programs, trying again, and still feeling stuck. So, if this helps me finally shed weight and keep it off, I’m all for it. And at the end of the day, the choices I make about my health are between me and my healthcare providers, and judgemental opinions from those without medical degrees aren’t welcome here.
What’s Next?
Speaking of programs, I’m planning to re-join Slimming World this week. I know that they’re not for everyone, and their methods aren’t perfect, but I find their approach much easier to work with than strict calorie counting, plus the weekly meetings give me the accountability I need to stay in this for the long-haul.
Speaking of the long-haul, I’m doing my best to keep the big picture in mind and not let slip-ups completely ruin me. If I can step on the scales on Wednesday evening and see a little progress since my initial weigh-in, I’ll be thrilled. If not, I’ll keep going. This isn’t a sprint. It’s more like planting a garden and checking in every day. I won’t see much change day-to-day, but if I keep with it, over time I’ll see and feel a real difference. Unfortunately, I’m not very good at gardening (I once managed to kill mint, a plant that is notoriously hard to kill), so we’ll leave that analogy there
A few small habits have been helping so far. I’m slowing down when I eat, and I stop at “comfortable” rather than “stuffed.” I try to build protein into every meal, I say yes to fibre, which is both friendly and filling, I sip my water throughout the day, and I’m trying to get to bed at a sensible time, because I’ve heard that there’s a direct link between sleep and weight loss. I’m not sharing this as medical advice by the way; I’m not a doctor, just one person figuring out what works for her while her body adjusts to something new.
As for side effects, if the queasiness stays mild, we’ll coexist peacefully, and if it doesn’t, I’ll have a chat with my healthcare provider. Hydration stays non-negotiable. Greasy foods are benched for now, not because they’re “bad,” but because they just don’t sit well with my tummy issues at the moment.
Socially, having a plan helps. Checking menus before going out saves me from panic-ordering, and letting friends know I’m trying to lose weight ensures they’re on board with my journey and takes the pressure off. I’m still saying yes to the fun stuff, but I’m just choosing options that make me feel good afterwards. The world doesn’t end when I skip dessert. Who knew?
So where am I on day four? I feel hopeful. I feel steadier around food. I feel a bit queasy before breakfast. I feel sleepy mid-afternoon. I feel supported by the people who matter to me. Most of all, I feel proud that I’m doing the thing I said I’d do, even when it’s new and unfamiliar.
My plan from here is simple: re-join Slimming World, keep my meals balanced and enjoyable, drink water like it’s my side hustle, move in ways that feel good, sleep properly, and celebrate small wins. I’ll check back in on Friday to reflect on my first week on Mounjaro, and, for the curious, to share whether the number on the scales has shifted. If it has, amazing. If not, that’s fine too. Either way, you’ll get the truth.
If you’re starting Mounjaro too, I’m sending you a big hug and cheering you on! These first few days are a learning curve, but they’re also full of small signs that change is possible. Drink your water, be gentle with yourself, and if you find yourself staring at the pudding menu without the usual tidal wave of desire, raise your glass to Jaro for me. We’re doing our best, and for today, that’s more than enough.
See you Friday for the week-one recap. I’ll bring the tea.
Quick Note
This blog is based on my personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. If you’re considering Mounjaro or any other prescription weight loss treatment, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
