Beginning Reta

emiliook

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Hey everyone, I just wanted to say this forum has been incredibly helpful. I’m on the younger end of Reta users and have spent about a month learning about peps.

I recently placed an order for my first 30mg vial of Reta, and I have all the supplies I need. My biggest questions are: what diet should I aim to follow, and which foods can support digestion and help with side effects?
 
Constipation may become a problem, so make sure your fibre intake is sufficient or take a supplement such as metamucil
 
Protein. We're on Reta. We're following a low-carb approach, not eliminating them entirely. Essentially avoiding anything white—potatoes, bread, pasta, and similar items. For breakfast, an egg white muffin (my wife prepares these) alongside a homemade sausage patty. Midday meal is a protein shake containing whey protein (roughly 24G), oat bran, and collagen peptide. Evening meal consists of a modest portion of some meat paired with cottage cheese, or a salad or steamed veggie. When I prepare large chicken breasts, that covers two meals; now just 1 thigh, split pork steaks, or a pork chop per person. Occasionally we have steak, but perhaps a 4oz portion. My wife experienced constipation initially, though that has resolved. One practice I follow, though it's your choice, is weighing myself just once weekly to avoid getting discouraged. The folks here possess far more expertise than I do, but I did extensive reading before beginning. I also created a spreadsheet logging the shot mg, weight, and date of the pin, plus reconstitution amounts and pin volume. Good luck
 
Metamucil gets my vote too — though my routine is 1 cup both morning and night. It genuinely acts as the lubricant your gut requires!
 
BNLFL said:

Protein. We're on Reta. We're following a low-carb approach, not eliminating them entirely. Essentially avoiding anything white—potatoes, bread, pasta, and similar items. For breakfast, an egg white muffin (my wife prepares these) alongside a homemade sausage patty. Midday meal is a protein shake containing whey protein (roughly 24G), oat bran, and collagen peptide. Evening meal consists of a modest portion of some meat paired with cottage cheese, or a salad or steamed veggie. When I prepare large chicken breasts, that covers two meals; now just 1 thigh, split pork steaks, or a pork chop per person. Occasionally we have steak, but perhaps a 4oz portion. My wife experienced constipation initially, though that has resolved. One practice I follow, though it's your choice, is weighing myself just once weekly to avoid getting discouraged. The folks here possess far more expertise than I do, but I did extensive reading before beginning. I also created a spreadsheet logging the shot mg, weight, and date of the pin, plus reconstitution amounts and pin volume. Good luck
You really seem to know your stuff haha, thanks. I'll definitely aim for a diet high in protein since meats and similar foods make that pretty straightforward. Do you have any juices or protein shakes? I'm considering buying a bunch because I often don't get a chance to eat until 12pm (my shift starts at 5am).
 
brah389 said:

Metamucil gets my vote too — though my routine is 1 cup both morning and night. It genuinely acts as the lubricant your gut requires!
So it's just a powder that gets mixed with water, and that's what I should try?
 
RETA requires carbohydrates to function as intended, so don't remove them from your diet.

If you believe iron will be necessary, go ahead and supplement with it.

Avoid ramping up your dose or titrating too fast. Unlike other GLP1's, where weight loss only happens by not eating, Reta works differently.
 
Psyllium husk does the trick for me — fibre is 100% key.

On top of that, I aim for really high protein, which for me is over 100g daily. To hit that number I have to use wpi. If protein isn't kept up, you'll lose muscle alongside fat while dropping weight. Some exercise is definitely required.

All that protein can back you up, which is why psyllium becomes necessary.

Green veggies and other coloured ones, salad — keep those coming. A clean diet too. Reta makes this easier.
 
emiliook said:

BNLFL said:

Protein. We're on Reta. We're following a low-carb approach, not eliminating them entirely. Essentially avoiding anything white—potatoes, bread, pasta, and similar items. For breakfast, an egg white muffin (my wife prepares these) alongside a homemade sausage patty. Midday meal is a protein shake containing whey protein (roughly 24G), oat bran, and collagen peptide. Evening meal consists of a modest portion of some meat paired with cottage cheese, or a salad or steamed veggie. When I prepare large chicken breasts, that covers two meals; now just 1 thigh, split pork steaks, or a pork chop per person. Occasionally we have steak, but perhaps a 4oz portion. My wife experienced constipation initially, though that has resolved. One practice I follow, though it's your choice, is weighing myself just once weekly to avoid getting discouraged. The folks here possess far more expertise than I do, but I did extensive reading before beginning. I also created a spreadsheet logging the shot mg, weight, and date of the pin, plus reconstitution amounts and pin volume. Good luck
You really seem to know your stuff haha, thanks. I'll definitely aim for a diet high in protein since meats and similar foods make that pretty straightforward. Do you have any juices or protein shakes? I'm considering buying a bunch because I often don't get a chance to eat until 12pm (my shift starts at 5am).
Steer clear of juices.

emiliook said:

brah389 said:

Metamucil gets my vote too — though my routine is 1 cup both morning and night. It genuinely acts as the lubricant your gut requires!
So it's just a powder that gets mixed with water, and that's what I should try?
Amazon is where I get mine, and there are plenty of flavor options. From the fridge dispenser, I pour 8-10oz of water. Since oat bran counts as fiber, it aids with the pooping issue. Regarding that carb remark, he's correct — carbs are still necessary. It's just about being selective with which ones we consume. The powder linked below is the one we currently use. I believed it had 28g of protein, but the actual amount is 24.


https://a.co/d/03YBsGuk
 
BNLFL said:

emiliook said:

BNLFL said:

Protein. We're on Reta. We're following a low-carb approach, not eliminating them entirely. Essentially avoiding anything white—potatoes, bread, pasta, and similar items. For breakfast, an egg white muffin (my wife prepares these) alongside a homemade sausage patty. Midday meal is a protein shake containing whey protein (roughly 24G), oat bran, and collagen peptide. Evening meal consists of a modest portion of some meat paired with cottage cheese, or a salad or steamed veggie. When I prepare large chicken breasts, that covers two meals; now just 1 thigh, split pork steaks, or a pork chop per person. Occasionally we have steak, but perhaps a 4oz portion. My wife experienced constipation initially, though that has resolved. One practice I follow, though it's your choice, is weighing myself just once weekly to avoid getting discouraged. The folks here possess far more expertise than I do, but I did extensive reading before beginning. I also created a spreadsheet logging the shot mg, weight, and date of the pin, plus reconstitution amounts and pin volume. Good luck
You really seem to know your stuff haha, thanks. I'll definitely aim for a diet high in protein since meats and similar foods make that pretty straightforward. Do you have any juices or protein shakes? I'm considering buying a bunch because I often don't get a chance to eat until 12pm (my shift starts at 5am).
Steer clear of juices.

emiliook said:

brah389 said:

Metamucil gets my vote too — though my routine is 1 cup both morning and night. It genuinely acts as the lubricant your gut requires!
So it's just a powder that gets mixed with water, and that's what I should try?
Amazon is where I get mine, and there are plenty of flavor options. From the fridge dispenser, I pour 8-10oz of water. Since oat bran counts as fiber, it aids with the pooping issue. Regarding that carb remark, he's correct — carbs are still necessary. It's just about being selective with which ones we consume. The powder linked below is the one we currently use. I believed it had 28g of protein, but the actual amount is 24.


https://a.co/d/03YBsGuk
Once my current container is empty, I'll pick some up for sure — the price is genuinely good. It should definitely make things easier in the bathroom, and I'll likely combine it with psyllium husk as others have suggested.
 
emiliook said:

brah389 said:

Metamucil gets my vote too — though my routine is 1 cup both morning and night. It genuinely acts as the lubricant your gut requires!
So it's just a powder that gets mixed with water, and that's what I should try?
Raw psyllium husk with water is much more economical if you're able to stomach it, and I've noticed I feel better overall.

Add a few teaspoons, combine with cold water, then down it fast — like a tequila shot — before it thickens into jelly.
 
Get the protein and fibre in, plus plenty of water. Carbs haven't hurt me — reta dealt with those easily enough — so long as I keep servings small.
 
Sid the SeaGull said:

emiliook said:

brah389 said:

Metamucil gets my vote too — though my routine is 1 cup both morning and night. It genuinely acts as the lubricant your gut requires!
So it's just a powder that gets mixed with water, and that's what I should try?
Raw psyllium husk with water is much more economical if you're able to stomach it, and I've noticed I feel better overall.

Add a few teaspoons, combine with cold water, then down it fast — like a tequila shot — before it thickens into jelly.
Alright haha I’ll tough it out—if there’s any way to cut costs, I’ll take it haha.
 
This week my eating has been terrible. Cinnamon rolls, totinos party pizza, pasta, KFC sandwich, dr pepper zeros..... Normally I focus on protein, fiber, and total calories, plus getting electrolytes and water (I get leg cramps).

After you're on Reta for a while, you'll hit a point where you're full. Eating beyond that will literally feel uncomfortable, maybe even awful. In my case, that's around 500 calories per meal. If food has always been something you enjoy, the psychological piece that matters most is accepting you'll slip up. Food can taste great! There's no point in being hard on yourself about it. Savor it in the moment, and keep putting effort into building good habits. Not everyone was taught to eat well or cleanly. Sometimes the place you live makes healthy food hard to find. This is the best opportunity to work on that. Make those 500 calories per meal hit your macros and still taste good.

A cinnabon cinnamon roll comes in at roughly 800 calories. Zero regrets.
 
Hambocommando said:

This week my eating has been terrible. Cinnamon rolls, totinos party pizza, pasta, KFC sandwich, dr pepper zeros..... Normally I focus on protein, fiber, and total calories, plus getting electrolytes and water (I get leg cramps).

After you're on Reta for a while, you'll hit a point where you're full. Eating beyond that will literally feel uncomfortable, maybe even awful. In my case, that's around 500 calories per meal. If food has always been something you enjoy, the psychological piece that matters most is accepting you'll slip up. Food can taste great! There's no point in being hard on yourself about it. Savor it in the moment, and keep putting effort into building good habits. Not everyone was taught to eat well or cleanly. Sometimes the place you live makes healthy food hard to find. This is the best opportunity to work on that. Make those 500 calories per meal hit your macros and still taste good.

A cinnabon cinnamon roll comes in at roughly 800 calories. Zero regrets.
Honestly this resonates with me a lot haha — could you share what your approach with Reta has looked like? No judgment at all, because right now while I'm not on Reta I pretty much eat whatever too, and the only thing keeping me from being obese is that I'm semi active lol. What I'm after is a diet that's really simple to stick with, with the occasional pleasure food thrown in here and there.
 
emiliook said:

Hambocommando said:

This week my eating has been terrible. Cinnamon rolls, totinos party pizza, pasta, KFC sandwich, dr pepper zeros..... Normally I focus on protein, fiber, and total calories, plus getting electrolytes and water (I get leg cramps).

After you're on Reta for a while, you'll hit a point where you're full. Eating beyond that will literally feel uncomfortable, maybe even awful. In my case, that's around 500 calories per meal. If food has always been something you enjoy, the psychological piece that matters most is accepting you'll slip up. Food can taste great! There's no point in being hard on yourself about it. Savor it in the moment, and keep putting effort into building good habits. Not everyone was taught to eat well or cleanly. Sometimes the place you live makes healthy food hard to find. This is the best opportunity to work on that. Make those 500 calories per meal hit your macros and still taste good.

A cinnabon cinnamon roll comes in at roughly 800 calories. Zero regrets.
Honestly this resonates with me a lot haha — could you share what your approach with Reta has looked like? No judgment at all, because right now while I'm not on Reta I pretty much eat whatever too, and the only thing keeping me from being obese is that I'm semi active lol. What I'm after is a diet that's really simple to stick with, with the occasional pleasure food thrown in here and there.
Tirz gave me a really rough reaction — the kind that left me with PTSD-like symptoms — so my approach with Reta has been to raise the dose gradually, 2 times per week. The shotsy app puts me somewhere in the 4-6 mg range for Reta at this point. At today's weigh-in I was down roughly 4 lbs compared to a week and a half earlier. All told, since September I've dropped from 289lbs to around 245lbs, and there was a 1-month gap between the Tirz and the Reta. If I can pull it off, I'd like to land near 200. Since I'm fairly sendentary, I aim for 1500-1800 calories per day.

My psychology and my weight loss philosophy line up with each other. If I truly want something, I won't forbid myself from having it — I'll just have a smaller amount than I used to. For example: 1 slice of pizza rather than the entire pizza. On my brother's birthday, a thin sliver of cake with the majority of the frosting scraped off. A cinnamon roll when there's calorie room for it and my face is asking for one. To me, denial feels too close to self-punishment. Whenever it's affordable, I pick up Factor75 meals, since the protein, calories, and carbs come already calculated, and nearly all of them land in the 5-600 calorie window. It also gets me eating stuff I'm not skilled at preparing, vegetables included, in ways I'd never bother to make on my own. Plus, 2 mins in the microwave and it's done. I'm not telling anyone they -should- go with meal plan food — it just happens to work for me. Another thing I do is wrap food in high fiber wraps/tortillas, which turns it into portable fiber filled food tubes. Breakfast has never been my strength, so I've relied on both Huel and Soylent meal replacement drinks; they sit fine in my stomach, and once again the calories, macros, and vitamins are already worked out. No idea whether any of this sounds useful to you, but my main takeaway is this: if you overhaul everything and 'punish' yourself whenever you slip, sticking with those changes later becomes far less likely. Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.
 
Hambocommando said:

emiliook said:

Hambocommando said:

This week my eating has been terrible. Cinnamon rolls, totinos party pizza, pasta, KFC sandwich, dr pepper zeros..... Normally I focus on protein, fiber, and total calories, plus getting electrolytes and water (I get leg cramps).

After you're on Reta for a while, you'll hit a point where you're full. Eating beyond that will literally feel uncomfortable, maybe even awful. In my case, that's around 500 calories per meal. If food has always been something you enjoy, the psychological piece that matters most is accepting you'll slip up. Food can taste great! There's no point in being hard on yourself about it. Savor it in the moment, and keep putting effort into building good habits. Not everyone was taught to eat well or cleanly. Sometimes the place you live makes healthy food hard to find. This is the best opportunity to work on that. Make those 500 calories per meal hit your macros and still taste good.

A cinnabon cinnamon roll comes in at roughly 800 calories. Zero regrets.
Honestly this resonates with me a lot haha — could you share what your approach with Reta has looked like? No judgment at all, because right now while I'm not on Reta I pretty much eat whatever too, and the only thing keeping me from being obese is that I'm semi active lol. What I'm after is a diet that's really simple to stick with, with the occasional pleasure food thrown in here and there.
Tirz gave me a really rough reaction — the kind that left me with PTSD-like symptoms — so my approach with Reta has been to raise the dose gradually, 2 times per week. The shotsy app puts me somewhere in the 4-6 mg range for Reta at this point. At today's weigh-in I was down roughly 4 lbs compared to a week and a half earlier. All told, since September I've dropped from 289lbs to around 245lbs, and there was a 1-month gap between the Tirz and the Reta. If I can pull it off, I'd like to land near 200. Since I'm fairly sendentary, I aim for 1500-1800 calories per day.

My psychology and my weight loss philosophy line up with each other. If I truly want something, I won't forbid myself from having it — I'll just have a smaller amount than I used to. For example: 1 slice of pizza rather than the entire pizza. On my brother's birthday, a thin sliver of cake with the majority of the frosting scraped off. A cinnamon roll when there's calorie room for it and my face is asking for one. To me, denial feels too close to self-punishment. Whenever it's affordable, I pick up Factor75 meals, since the protein, calories, and carbs come already calculated, and nearly all of them land in the 5-600 calorie window. It also gets me eating stuff I'm not skilled at preparing, vegetables included, in ways I'd never bother to make on my own. Plus, 2 mins in the microwave and it's done. I'm not telling anyone they -should- go with meal plan food — it just happens to work for me. Another thing I do is wrap food in high fiber wraps/tortillas, which turns it into portable fiber filled food tubes. Breakfast has never been my strength, so I've relied on both Huel and Soylent meal replacement drinks; they sit fine in my stomach, and once again the calories, macros, and vitamins are already worked out. No idea whether any of this sounds useful to you, but my main takeaway is this: if you overhaul everything and 'punish' yourself whenever you slip, sticking with those changes later becomes far less likely. Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.
This perspective really resonates with me, no question — folks tend to be way too strict on themselves when they start cutting calories, which makes sticking with it much tougher. I'm definitely going to check out those Factor 75 meals, since I'm often hunting for frozen options I can just warm up while I'm at work. Nice work on what you've achieved so far, it sounds like things are going really well for you! Thanks so much for all the guidance, it's honestly helped me see this whole process in a different light.
 
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