The Eli Lily Surmount 1 Study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, has given us an eating plan to follow where we do not need to get caught up in the infighting and misinformation over 'what to eat' while taking Tirzepatide for weight loss. It's right there for us.
These studies were conducted to validate the amazing success of this drug. Eli Lily scientists developed this medicine, wanted to prove it was effective, but most important was their obtaining FDA approval. Therefore it makes sense that they would have nutrition experts create a simple food plan that would allow test participants to achieve the absolute greatest degree of success.
One challenge with GLP-1 medications is that appetite drops so much, it’s easy to fall short on key nutrients — especially protein. It's also very easy to overthink food choices, as while fighting obesity for years we have tried every combination of foods via Atkins Low Carb, Whole 30, Paleo, Carnivore, Cabbage Soup, Jenny, Weight Watchers, South Beach, Keto, Everything in Moderation and even time our food with Intermittent Fasting. They all work. For a while. Then, we gain it back. None are a good way to live.
We think it's a trick when told to simply eat healthy balanced plates that even include the good carbs many have cut from our lives. Some of us haven't eaten bread or potatoes in decades.
The Surmount 1 study protocol that participants followed was not high protein low carb - but is instead balanced and based on eating 500 calories a day fewer than our body needs to remain at the same weight. This puts us firmly on track to lose a modest 52 pounds a year.
In fact, in the Surmount 1 study, only 20% of daily calories came from protein. That might not sound high, but when your appetite is low, it can still be tricky to hit. A scoop of Glow Protein adds 20g of high-quality whey isolate in just a few sips — making it much easier to stay on track without overthinking meals.
The calculator below will calculate your divide your calories as per the study with 20% from protein, 30% from fat and 50% from carbs.
Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is an estimation of how many calories you burn per day when exercise is taken into account. It is calculated by first figuring out your Basal Metabolic Rate, then multiplying that value by an activity multiplier.
To determine your personal protein carb calorie plan as per the Eli Lily study, plug in your info into the TDEE Calculator and hit return on your keyboard.
Once you’ve calculated your daily protein goal, you’ll know exactly how much you’re aiming for. If you’re falling short, Glow Protein is an easy, tasty way to close the gap — especially on days when food just isn’t appealing.
Why Protein Still Matters – Even in a Balanced Plan
The Surmount 1 study shows us that we don’t need to eliminate carbs to lose weight on Tirzepatide — but it doesn’t mean we can slack on protein. In fact, getting enough protein is critical while on GLP-1 medications because these drugs reduce appetite so much that it’s easy to under-eat.
When protein intake drops too low, your body can break down muscle along with fat. That’s the opposite of what we want — we want to lose fat while keeping muscle to maintain a strong, healthy metabolism.
The challenge?
Most people on GLP-1s struggle to hit even the modest 20% protein target from the study. That’s where Glow Protein comes in.
Glow Protein was created specifically for people on GLP-1 medications and bariatric patients, with a clean, high-quality whey protein isolate that’s:
- Easy to digest – perfect when big meals aren’t appealing
- Bariatric approved & GLP-1 compatible – gentle on the stomach
- Quick to make – so you can meet your protein needs without forcing large portions
- Delicious – because the last thing you need is another chalky shake you dread
How to use it with the Surmount 1 plan:
Once you calculate your daily protein target in the TDEE calculator, use Glow Protein to fill the gap between what you’re eating from whole foods and what you actually need. For many, this means just one scoop a day — which gives you a smooth, easy 20g boost of protein without the bulk of a heavy meal.
You can check out Glow Protein here and see how it fits perfectly with the study’s balanced approach.
