If you’re starting GLP-1s, you’ve probably read a million articles about what to eat—but still feel like you’re guessing every time you open the fridge. For Kristin Kirkpatrick, a nationally recognized dietitian and OrderlyMeds’ go-to nutrition expert, helping you quiet the food noise and build real-world habits is what makes the difference between short-term weight loss and a sustainable, healthy life.
In this feature, you’ll learn how Kristin’s practical, science-backed approach helps OrderlyMeds customers navigate everything from protein goals to cravings, plus her real advice for building a plate that works for you, not against you.
A Trusted Voice in Nutrition and Wellness
Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and best-selling author with over 20 years of experience helping people eat better, feel better, and break the cycle of confusion around what healthy really means. She trained and spent her entire career in integrative medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and brings that same evidence-based mindset to OrderlyMeds—translating the latest data into real-world strategies that don’t feel overwhelming.
Kristin has led popular webinars for OrderlyMeds on topics like Nutritional Considerations for GLP-1s, Menopause and GLP-1s, and Food Noise, helping patients feel more confident, informed, and supported at every stage of their journey.
Her Role at OrderlyMeds
As OrderlyMeds’ lead dietitian, Kristin does more than answer the question “What should I eat?” She helps patients make daily food decisions that protect muscle, support gut health, and reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies while on GLP-1s.
One standout resource is her new 7-Day Meal Plan, designed to take the guesswork out of building balanced, protein-forward meals. Kristin encourages everyone to see it as a flexible guide—a Mediterranean-inspired base you can adapt to your cultural, religious, or personal preferences.
Patients come to me thinking I’m going to force them to eat kale every day,” she laughs. “But you have to eat what works for you. We find alternatives that keep nutrient density in every bite, so you actually enjoy your meals.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN
OrderlyMeds Nutrition Expert
Expert Insights: Real Talk on Protein, Food Noise, and Food Freedom
Nutrition advice for GLP-1 users:
Telling people they can’t have something is the wrong place to start,” she says. “Pick one veggie you like—let’s start there. Small shifts are how you break the noise and the all-or-nothing thinking.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN
OrderlyMeds Nutrition Expert
Kristin’s top piece of advice, though? Understand that GLP-1s can quiet cravings, but that doesn’t mean you should fill up on empty calories.
GLP-1s change your relationship with food,” she says. “People think, ‘I’m eating so little, this is awesome…I can have a bag of gummy bears and still lose weight.’ But you need to get nutritional bang for every buck. Every bite counts, so aim for protein, fiber, antioxidants, and whole foods that fuel you, not just fill you.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN
OrderlyMeds Nutrition Expert
How much protein do you really need?
Protein is one of the biggest questions Kristin gets—and one of the biggest myths she busts. “You don’t need so much protein that it’s popping out of your ears,” she says. “It’s about balance in every snack, and every meal.”
So, what does enough look like? Kristin says a simple guideline is about 1.1–1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for someone on GLP-1s. For a 200-pound person, that’s roughly 100 grams per day (200 lbs ÷ 2.2 = ~91 kg × 1.1). Don’t let the math trip you up; the goal is to build familiarity around what adequate protein looks like.
In real life, that could look like:
- Greek yogurt with breakfast (20g)
- A scoop of protein powder in a smoothie (20g)
- Grilled chicken or tofu salad for lunch (30g)
- Salmon, beans, or lentils for dinner (30g)
Kristin reminds patients to think in “protein buckets,” pulling from animal, plant, and supplemental sources to build meals they enjoy.
Why Her Work Matters at OrderlyMeds
Nutrition advice is everywhere, but Kristin wants patients to understand that not every TikTok tip is backed by science. “There’s so much misinformation out there,” she says. “At OrderlyMeds, every recommendation is grounded in real data. We explain not just the strengths of studies but the limitations too, so you know exactly what’s worth trying and what’s just hype.”
She’s part of a team that believes you shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. From webinars and meal plans to one-on-one consults, Kristin’s role is to make sure you have resources for every stage, along with a plan for what comes next when you transition off GLP-1s.
A Closing Note From Kristin
When she’s not meeting patients or breaking down nutrition myths, you’ll find Kristin weight lifting, practicing breathwork in short spurts throughout her day, or cooking family meals that bring back the joy and togetherness of food.
One moment that reminds her why
She told me, ‘I never realized how bad I felt until I finally felt good.’ So many of us roam the earth feeling tired and off. You deserve to feel good again, and food is a huge part of that.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN
OrderlyMeds Nutrition Expert
Takeaway for You
If you’re investing in GLP-1s, you deserve nutrition support that helps you get the most out of every bite so you can feel your best long after the meds. Start with Kristin’s 7-Day GLP-1 Friendly Meal Plan, tune in to her next Expert Support Series webinar, or reach out for a one-on-one consultation when you’re ready.
