Dr. David’s Picks

Products I Recommend

These are products I personally recommend to my patients — tools, books, supplements, and everyday essentials that support the four pillars of healthy weight management:

Nutrition
Physical Activity
Behavior
Overall Wellbeing

I only include things I genuinely believe in. Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

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Nutrition

Physical Activity

Behavior & Mindset

Overall Wellbeing

Nutrition

Meal Prep Essentials

Having healthy food ready and accessible removes the biggest barrier to good choices — decision fatigue when you’re tired and hungry. These simple kitchen tools support the meal prep habits that make healthy eating sustainable.

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

Meal preparation is one of the most important habits my patients can build. I recommend glass over plastic for food storage. These containers are durable, microwave-safe, airtight, and make the weekly prep habit much easier to maintain.

Protein — Dr. David Approved

Getting adequate protein is essential for preserving muscle during weight loss — especially for patients on GLP-1 medications. I recommend 90–125 grams of protein per day depending on your size and goals. All products below are free of sucralose and artificial sweeteners, and contain BCAAs to support muscle preservation.

Naked Whey — 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein (Unflavored)

If you want the cleanest protein powder available, this is it — one single ingredient: grass-fed whey. No sweeteners, no fillers, no additives of any kind. 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of BCAAs per serving, NSF certified for purity. I recommend this for patients who want to add protein to smoothies, oatmeal, or coffee without changing the flavor.

Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Levels is my top recommendation for patients who want a flavored protein powder without any compromise on ingredient quality. 25 grams of protein, 5.6 grams of BCAAs, no sucralose, no artificial flavors — sweetened naturally with stevia and monk fruit. The vanilla and chocolate flavors blend beautifully into shakes and smoothies.

Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

For patients who are lactose-sensitive or want a more easily digestible protein, whey isolate is the better choice. Momentous is NSF certified, sourced from grass-fed European dairy, and enhanced with digestive enzymes for even better absorption. A premium option for patients who want the cleanest, most bioavailable protein possible.

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes (26g)

These are my go-to ready-to-drink recommendation, especially for GLP-1 patients who need something quick and easy when appetite is low. 26 grams of high-quality protein from ultra-filtered milk, low sugar, no prep required. Keep a few in the fridge for the mornings when cooking or blending feels like too much.

Oikos Pro Protein Shake — Vanilla (30g)

This is genuinely my go-to most mornings on my way to work — I grab a vanilla Oikos and I’m set. 30 grams of complete protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, vitamins A and D, only 1 gram of sugar, and sweetened with stevia — no artificial sweeteners, no sucralose. It’s shelf stable so you can keep a case in your car, office, or pantry without needing refrigeration. For patients who need a fast, high-protein option with no prep time, this is one of my top picks.

Oikos Pro Protein Shake — Chocolate (30g)

The chocolate version of my morning staple — same great nutrition profile as the vanilla, with a rich chocolate flavor that doesn’t taste like a compromise. 30 grams of protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, stevia-sweetened, shelf stable and ready to drink anywhere. For patients who struggle to get protein in early in the day, keeping a few of these on hand is one of the easiest habits you can build.

OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake (20g) — Dairy-Free

OWYN — which stands for Only What You Need — is my top recommendation for patients who are dairy-free, vegan, or simply want a plant-based protein option they can feel completely confident in. 20 grams of protein from pea, pumpkin seed, and flax, with naturally occurring BCAAs, prebiotic fiber, and a superfoods greens blend. Sweetened with monk fruit only — no sucralose, no sugar alcohols, no artificial anything. Top 9 allergen friendly, which means no dairy, soy, gluten, peanuts, or tree nuts. A genuinely clean option for patients with sensitivities.

OWYN Pro Elite Plant-Based Protein Shake (32g) — Zero Sugar

For patients who want maximum protein with zero sugar, the OWYN Pro Elite delivers 32 grams of plant-based protein with 0 grams of sugar and 0 net carbs — making it ideal for patients managing insulin resistance or following a lower-carb approach. Same clean ingredient philosophy as the standard OWYN — no artificial sweeteners, no sugar alcohols, monk fruit sweetened only, top 9 allergen friendly. A premium plant-based option for patients who are serious about their protein intake.

Supplements — Dr. David Recommends

I recommend supplements selectively and based on individual patient needs. The products below are ones I reach for most frequently in my practice. Always consult with your physician before starting any new supplement.

Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement (Ages 18–44)

Hair thinning during GLP-1 therapy is one of the most common concerns I hear, and something we can address proactively. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement — physician-formulated, NSF certified, and backed by clinical studies. For women under 45, this is the formula I recommend.

Nutrafol Women’s Balance Hair Growth Supplement (Ages 45+)

For my perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients, Nutrafol Women’s Balance specifically addresses the hormonal root causes of hair thinning that come with menopause — DHT sensitivity, metabolic shifts, and declining estrogen. The only hair growth supplement with published clinical studies specifically in menopausal women.

Magnesium Glycinate (Thorne or Pure Encapsulations)

Magnesium glycinate is one of the most underused supplements in my practice. It supports sleep quality, muscle relaxation, stress response, and insulin sensitivity — making it relevant for nearly every patient I see, and especially important for those managing menopause symptoms. The glycinate form is the most bioavailable and gentlest on the stomach.

Hydration Essentials

I recommend that all my patients drink at least 2 liters of water per day. These tools and products make that goal easier and more enjoyable.

Ulla Smart Hydration Reminder Light

I recommend this to almost every patient. Ulla attaches to any water bottle and blinks gently when you haven’t had a drink in 30–40 minutes. No app, no charging — just a quiet, effective nudge. Staying hydrated supports metabolism, energy, and even hunger control. It also makes a wonderful gift.

Motivational Glass Water Bottle with Time Markings (32 oz)

A glass water bottle with time markings turns your hydration goal into a visible, trackable habit. My patients find that simply seeing where they should be by noon or 3pm keeps them on track throughout the day. I recommend borosilicate glass for durability and a wide mouth for easy cleaning.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle (32 oz)

A great all-day water bottle — leakproof, virtually indestructible, and keeps water cold for hours. The wide mouth opening makes it easy to add ice and clean thoroughly. I recommend the 32 oz size because it holds exactly the amount of water most patients should be drinking by mid-afternoon. A classic that lasts for years.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler (40 oz)

The Stanley Quencher has become a favorite among my patients — and for good reason. The 40 oz size encourages all-day hydration, the straw lid makes it easy to sip without thinking about it, and the tapered base fits in most car cup holders. For patients who tend to forget to drink water, having a bottle this size visible on your desk is a powerful reminder.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle (32 oz)

The Owala FreeSip is a fantastic option for patients who want versatility — the unique lid lets you sip through the built-in straw or chug from the wide opening. Double-wall insulated, leakproof, and compact enough to fit in most bag pockets.

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix — Variety Pack

Electrolyte replacement is especially important for patients on GLP-1 medications, where reduced appetite can mean reduced sodium, potassium, and magnesium intake. LMNT is my top pick — no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and a serious electrolyte profile. The variety pack is a great way to find your favorite flavor.

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder

Ultima is my recommendation for patients who prefer a lighter, subtler flavor. Plant-based, stevia-sweetened, with all 6 electrolytes. Patients who stay consistent with hydration are the ones who feel the difference — and having a flavor you enjoy makes all the difference.

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets

Nuun tablets are my go-to recommendation for patients who travel or are always on the go. Toss a tube in your bag and you have electrolytes anywhere — just drop a tablet in water. Convenient, effective, and one less reason to skip hydration when you’re busy.

WAAY Protein Water

For my GLP-1 patients especially, getting enough protein when appetite is suppressed is one of the biggest challenges. WAAY protein water delivers 20 grams of protein in a light, refreshing drink that doesn’t feel heavy. A great option for mornings when a full meal or shake feels like too much.

Physical Activity

Move More — Home & Desk Fitness

Research shows that three 10-minute bouts of movement throughout the day can be 16 times more effective for improving insulin sensitivity than one long workout per week. These tools make it easy to build movement into your workday without carving out extra time.

Cubii JR1 Under-Desk Elliptical

The Cubii fits under any desk, runs whisper-quiet, and keeps legs moving during calls, emails, or TV time. This is my most-recommended tool for work-from-home patients who want to build consistent daily movement without disrupting their schedule.

DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

For patients who prefer a true cycling motion, the DeskCycle 2 is the best option on the market — 4.7 stars and thousands of reviews. The high-inertia flywheel creates a smooth, natural pedaling feel easy to sustain for hours. Extremely quiet and low-profile enough to fit under most standard desks.

LifePro FlexStride Plus Under-Desk Elliptical

If you want to track your movement data with app connectivity, the LifePro FlexStride is a step up — Bluetooth tracking, a carry handle for easy storage, and a lifetime warranty. A great investment for the patient who wants to take their home movement habits seriously.

WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill

94% of people who keep weight off for 5 or more years average 7 or more hours of walking per week. A walking pad makes it possible to accumulate those steps without carving out extra time. Pair it with a standing desk and you genuinely change your daily movement baseline.

Flexispot Electric Standing Desk

Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day improves circulation, reduces fatigue, and pairs perfectly with a walking pad. Flexispot offers the best value for a dual-motor electric desk with memory presets — simple to assemble, sturdy, and one of the most practical investments a work-from-home patient can make.

Fitness Trackers

People who track their movement, move more. A fitness tracker is one of the simplest tools for building the movement awareness that supports long-term weight management.

Garmin Vivosmart 5

The Garmin Vivosmart is slim, comfortable, and has up to 7 days of battery life — one of the most practical all-day trackers for patients who want reliable step and sleep data without the bulk of a smartwatch.

Fitbit Charge 6

The Fitbit Charge 6 is my recommendation for patients new to activity tracking who want something approachable and affordable. Steps, sleep, heart rate, and an easy-to-use app that makes your trends visible over time.

Behavior & Mindset

Books I Recommend

Reading is one of the most powerful tools for shifting the mindset around weight and health. These are books I recommend to nearly every patient.

Enough — Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Ania Jastreboff

This is the book I wish every one of my patients would read. Dr. Jastreboff is one of the country’s leading obesity medicine researchers, and together with Oprah she has written something that truly changes how you see weight — not as a failure of willpower, but as the medical condition it is. The audiobook, narrated by both authors, is outstanding.

The Simply Real Health Cookbook — Sarah Adler

Sarah Adler is a Seattle-based nutritionist whose approach to food perfectly mirrors my philosophy — keep it simple, keep it real. This cookbook has 150 gluten-free recipes, most with 5 ingredients or less and ready in 15 minutes. A staple for any patient just getting started with healthier eating.

Simply Real Eating — Sarah Adler

Sarah’s second book goes even deeper — part cookbook, part lifestyle guide, with 100+ anti-diet recipes woven together with the mindset shifts and daily rituals that make healthy eating a lifestyle you can sustain. For patients who are ready to build a whole relationship with their health, not just follow a meal plan.

Don’t Think About Dinner — Jenn Lueke

Meal prep is one of the most powerful habits my patients can build for long-term success — and this book makes it genuinely approachable. 125+ recipes, 8 weeks of shopping lists, and practical strategies for keeping your fridge stocked and your choices easy.

Overall Wellbeing

Sleep Better — Tools & Support

Sleep is one of the most powerful levers we have for weight management and hormonal health. Research shows that less than 7 hours of sleep per night doubles hunger hormones and slows metabolism. These are the sleep tools I recommend most.

Oura Ring Gen 4

The Oura Ring tracks sleep stages, heart rate variability, body temperature, and daily readiness in a discreet ring form factor that patients actually wear consistently. I recommend it for patients who want to truly understand their sleep and make informed changes.

Manta Sleep Mask — 100% Blackout

Complete darkness is one of the simplest and most effective sleep improvements you can make. The Manta mask creates total blackout without any pressure on the eyes — a small change that makes a real difference in sleep quality, especially for patients dealing with menopause-related sleep disruptions.

Hatch Restore 2 Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm

The Hatch Restore combines white and brown noise, a gentle sunrise alarm, and a wind-down routine that helps your nervous system shift into sleep mode. Particularly valuable for perimenopausal patients dealing with disrupted sleep patterns and early waking.

Vibration Therapy — Lymphatic & Circulation Support

Whole-body vibration is one of the most important non-surgical tools I recommend for patients with lipedema. The oscillating motion stimulates lymphatic drainage and improves circulation. It is also beneficial for any patient looking to reduce stiffness and improve overall circulation.

LifePro Waver Vibration Plate

The LifePro Waver’s oscillating motion stimulates lymphatic drainage, improves circulation, and helps reduce the heaviness and swelling characteristic of lipedema. Published research shows low-frequency vibration significantly improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage. Even 10–15 minutes a day, three to five times per week, makes a meaningful difference.

LifePro Rumblex 4D Vibration Plate

For patients who want a more advanced vibration therapy experience, the Rumblex 4D offers triple motor technology — oscillation, linear, and pulsation modes — giving more ways to target different areas and intensity levels. A worthwhile step up for patients committed to making vibration therapy a regular part of their wellness routine.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through a link, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and believe in. Commissions help support the time I invest in creating free educational content for my patients and community.