A Nutritional Guide: What to eat on Contrave to lose weight effectively

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Contrave's clinical trials, participants who followed a reduced-calorie diet and exercised lost two to four times more weight than those who did not, highlighting the importance of diet alongside medication. To maximize the effects of this prescription, understanding what to eat on Contrave to lose weight is crucial for success.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the optimal diet for individuals taking Contrave, detailing the types of nutrient-dense foods to include and high-fat items to avoid. It covers essential lifestyle factors, meal planning strategies, and addresses common nutritional questions related to the medication.

Key Points

Avoid high-fat meals: Do not take Contrave with high-fat meals like fried food, fatty meats, or full-fat dairy, as this can increase drug levels and raise the risk of seizures.
Prioritize lean protein: Incorporate lean protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes to boost satiety and support muscle maintenance.
Fill up on fiber: Focus on high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to feel full, aid digestion, and regulate blood sugar.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and help manage feelings of hunger.
Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcohol can interact dangerously with Contrave, increasing seizure risk and impacting mood, so it's best to minimize or abstain from it.
Combine with exercise: For optimal results, use Contrave alongside a regular exercise routine that includes both cardio and strength training.

Contrave, a prescription weight-loss medication containing naltrexone and bupropion, works by targeting the brain's appetite and reward centers to reduce hunger and control cravings. However, the medication is most effective when used as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, which includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. A mindful nutritional approach is essential not only to accelerate weight loss but also to minimize potential side effects and support overall health.

The Golden Rule: Avoid High-Fat Meals with Contrave

One of the most critical dietary considerations when taking Contrave is to avoid high-fat meals, especially around the time you take your medication. Consuming Contrave with a high-fat meal can significantly increase the drug's absorption, raising the risk of serious side effects, most notably seizures. The manufacturer's medication guide specifically advises against this.

High-fat foods that should be avoided include:

Fried items like french fries and fried chicken
Fatty cuts of meat, bacon, and sausages
Full-fat dairy products such as heavy cream, full-fat cheese, and ice cream
Rich pastries, cakes, and other baked goods
Large quantities of cooking oils, butter, and margarine

While some healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and salmon, are beneficial in moderation, it is best to avoid taking your dose with a very large portion of these. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance on what constitutes a safe amount.

What to Eat: A Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

Since Contrave helps control appetite, it is the perfect opportunity to focus on high-volume, low-calorie, and nutrient-dense foods that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals without an excess of empty calories that can derail your progress.

Prioritize Lean Protein

Protein is key for satiety and helps build and maintain muscle mass, which boosts metabolism.

Skinless chicken breast
Turkey
Fish (e.g., salmon, cod, tuna)
Tofu and tempeh
Legumes (beans, lentils)
Eggs (in moderation)

Fill Up on High-Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods are excellent for digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. They also help stabilize blood sugar, preventing the energy crashes that lead to cravings.

Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes
Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, whole-grain bread and pasta
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans
Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries

Incorporate Healthy Fats in Moderation

As mentioned, healthy fats are important, but portion control is essential, especially when taking your medication. Examples include:

Avocado
Olive oil
Nuts and seeds

Sample Meal Plan for Weight Loss on Contrave

To illustrate how these principles can be put into practice, here is a sample day of eating. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day, primarily with water.

Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and a small portion of nuts.

Lunch: Large salad with grilled chicken breast, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.

Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted broccoli and a side of brown rice.

Snacks: Greek yogurt, an apple, or a handful of almonds.

Food Choices Comparison for Contrave Users


Food Category	Better Choices	Worse Choices	Reason
Protein	Lean chicken breast, fish, tofu	Fried chicken, bacon, fatty cuts of meat	Lean options support satiety without increasing absorption risk. High-fat meats can increase side effects.
Carbohydrates	Whole grains, brown rice, legumes	White bread, pastries, sugary cereals	High fiber and nutrients stabilize blood sugar. Refined carbs contribute to fluctuations and cravings.
Fats	Small amounts of avocado, olive oil	Fried foods, butter, rich pastries, full-fat dairy	Healthy fats in moderation are acceptable. High-fat meals increase risk of seizures.
Beverages	Water, unsweetened tea, seltzer	Sugary soda, juices, alcohol	Hydration is crucial, and water has zero calories. Sugary drinks are empty calories and alcohol is a major risk factor.
Snacks	Berries, Greek yogurt, nuts	Chips, ice cream, candy bars	Nutrient-dense snacks help control cravings. Processed, high-sugar snacks undermine weight loss.

Important Lifestyle Habits Beyond Diet

While diet is a cornerstone, other habits support your weight-loss journey with Contrave.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially with increased exercise. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headache, and sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.
Exercise Regularly: Contrave is meant to be used alongside increased physical activity. Find a form of exercise you enjoy, whether it's walking, dancing, or strength training.
Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Contrave helps with appetite control, making it easier to eat mindfully and stop when you feel comfortably full.
Avoid or Limit Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can interact dangerously with Contrave, increasing the risk of seizures and mood instability. It's best to avoid it altogether.
Get Enough Sleep: Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep can positively impact metabolism and help manage weight loss goals.

Conclusion

For those wondering what to eat on Contrave to lose weight, the answer is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet rich in lean protein, high-fiber foods, and vegetables, while strictly limiting high-fat meals, refined carbohydrates, and sugary beverages. By combining this focused nutritional strategy with regular exercise, proper hydration, and moderation in high-fat food consumption, individuals can maximize the medication's effectiveness and achieve sustainable weight-loss results. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific health needs.

For more detailed information on Contrave and its usage, refer to the official site [https://contrave.com/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Consuming a high-fat meal with Contrave can significantly increase the drug's absorption in your body, which can elevate your risk of experiencing serious side effects, including seizures.

You should strictly avoid high-fat meals and significantly limit or completely avoid alcohol. Sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and heavily processed snacks should also be limited as they undermine weight-loss efforts.

To help manage nausea, avoid eating large, heavy meals, especially high-fat ones. Instead, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and focus on bland, nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, lean protein, and broth-based soups.

While some caffeine from coffee or green tea may be acceptable in moderation, excessive caffeine should be limited. Both Contrave and caffeine can increase the risk of seizures, so it is best to discuss your intake with your healthcare provider.

Staying hydrated is extremely important. Since you may be eating and drinking less overall, it's easy to become dehydrated, which can cause fatigue. Water helps support metabolism and can help you distinguish between thirst and hunger.

For safety, it is best to avoid taking your Contrave dose with any high-fat meal. However, you can incorporate smaller portions of healthy fats like avocado or nuts into your overall balanced diet, as recommended by your doctor.

Contrave is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Without a change in diet, the medication's effectiveness will be compromised, and you may not achieve your weight-loss goals.