Healthy Lifestyle & Weight Loss Blog | CONTRAVE® (naltrexone HCI/bupropion HCI)

The Lowdown on Low-Fat Foods

Written by CONTRAVE Care Team | Apr 26, 2023 9:07:38 PM
You may have been told by your healthcare provider when you first started CONTRAVE to avoid taking your medication with high-fat foods. This is because a high-fat meal slows your digestion, increasing absorption of the medication. Please see the CONTRAVE Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for more information. 
Remember, it is important to take your CONTRAVE exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
 

Save This List of Low-Fat Foods

To make sure you never run out of low-fat food options that you can take your CONTRAVE with, use this list originally shared by the American Cancer Society. A food is considered low-fat if it has 3g of fat or less per 100 calories.
 
And we have some good news—these naturally low-fat foods tend to be healthier for you in general! Incorporating them into your diet will most likely be in sync with your weight loss goals.
 
Dairy products
  • Low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) yogurt, cottage cheese, and cream cheese
  • Low-fat or skim milk (including plant-based milk—but check the nutritional facts to be sure)
  • Fat-free cheeses
Proteins
  • Egg whites 
  • Crab, white fish, shrimp, and light tuna 
  • Chicken and turkey breast, ground turkey breast
  • Beans, peas, and lentils
  • Veggie burgers
Grains and other carbohydrates
  • Oatmeal and cereals 
  • Brown rice or noodles 
  • Whole grain bagels, pita bread, English muffins
  • Low-fat crackers and bread (check the nutritional facts to be sure!)
  • Soft tortillas (corn or wheat)
Fruits and vegetables
  • All fruit (except avocados) 
  • All vegetables 
Other
  • Broths and brothy soups 
  • Salsa
  • Mustard
  • Light margarine and mayonnaise
  • Low-fat salad dressings
 
Creating meals with ingredients like these can help you lower the fat in your diet—to support both your medication journey and your weight loss goals. On top of that, there are several easy ways to reduce the overall amount of fat in your diet in general:
 
  • Choose leaner cuts of meat: For those who eat meat, select chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, and lean beef cuts like sirloin or tenderloin.
  • Use low-fat cooking methods: Instead of frying, try baking, grilling, or broiling. Use non-stick pans and cooking sprays instead of butter or oil.
  • Eat more plant-based foods: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into your diet—these plant-based are naturally low in fat.
  • Reduce your intake of high-fat dairy products: Choose low-fat or fat-free versions of milk, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Limit processed and fast foods: These foods are often high in fat, salt, and sugar, and can contribute to weight gain.
 
About Those Healthy Fats…
It's important to note that not all fat is bad for you, and your body needs some healthy fats (like those found in avocados) for optimal health. However, even foods with healthy fats can slow down your digestion and increase medication absorption—so please be cautious and check the nutrition facts.
 
If you’re still not sure if your meals are appropriately low-fat, you can also talk to your healthcare provider for advice in developing a well-rounded meal plan that meets your individual needs.
 
 
CON-1626-001 05/23