Optavia is a weight loss program that combines meal replacement products, coaching, and support to help people achieve their health and wellness goals. The program emphasizes low-calorie, low-fat, high-protein foods, and encourages participants to eat five to six small meals a day, including a mix of lean protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Participants are also encouraged to drink plenty of water, practice portion control, and engage in regular physical activity.
The Optavia program is designed to promote slow and steady weight loss, and help people develop healthy habits to maintain over the long term. The program is offered through a network of health coaches, who provide personalized support, guidance, and accountability to help participants reach their goals.
Optavia Dinning out Guide
Optavia is a meal delivery program that provides low-calorie, nutritionally balanced meals to support weight loss and healthy living. If you are following the Optavia program and need to dine out, here are some tips to stick to your plan:
- Plan ahead: Before heading out to a restaurant, check the menu online and decide what you will order so you are prepared and less likely to make an impulsive, unhealthy choice.
- Look for lean protein options: Grilled chicken, turkey, fish, or tofu are healthy options. Avoid breaded and fried foods, as well as fatty meat cuts.
- Green and Lean is a meal plan offered by Optavia that focuses on incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. The Green and Lean meal plan emphasizes the consumption of nutrient-dense, low-calorie, and high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein sources. The plan also restricts the consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.
- Fill up on vegetables: Order a side salad or ask for extra vegetables as a side dish. To fill up on vegetables, try incorporating them into as many meals as possible. For example, you can add vegetables to your breakfast by having a veggie omelette, or by adding spinach or kale to your smoothie. For lunch and dinner, try having a salad or roasted vegetables on the side. You can also incorporate vegetables into your main dish, such as a stir-fry or soup.
- Avoid high-calorie sauces and dressings: Ask for sauces and dressings on the side and use them sparingly, or opt for a vinaigrette instead of a creamy dressing.To stay on track with the Optavia program, it’s advisable to avoid high-calorie sauces and dressings, or use them in moderation. Instead, try using flavorful seasonings and spices, such as herbs, vinegar, lemon juice, or salsa, to add flavor to your meals. You can also make your own low-calorie sauces and dressings using mustard, low-fat yogurt, or avocado.
- Watch the portion sizes: Restaurants often serve large portions, so consider sharing a dish or taking half your meal to go. Portion control is a vital aspect of the Optavia program. Participants are encouraged to eat five to six small meals a day, and practice portion control to achieve their health and wellness goals. The Optavia program provides guidelines for the portion sizes of the various foods and meal replacement products included in the plan. For example, a serving of lean protein, such as chicken or fish, is typically 4-6 ounces. Serving size of low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as whole grains or vegetables, is approximately 1/2 to 1 cup. Healthy fats, such as nuts or avocado, are served in 1-2 tablespoons. In addition to portion size guidelines, Optavia also provides tools and resources to help participants learn about healthy portion sizes and portion control. For example, Optavia’s health coaches can provide guidance on how to measure and track food portions. They can offer tips and strategies for making healthy food choices while eating out or on-the-go.
- Drink water: Water is the most effective option to stay hydrated and avoid high-calorie drinks like soda, juice, and alcohol. Drinking plenty of water is a crucial aspect of the Optavia program. Staying hydrated can support healthy digestion, promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction, and prevent overeating.The Optavia program recommends drinking at least 8 cups of water per day. It encourages participants to drink water throughout the day, rather than all at once. Drinking water before, during, and after meals can support healthy digestion and prevent overeating. In addition to drinking water, Optavia also recommends avoiding sugary drinks, such as soda, fruit juice, and sweetened coffee drinks. Instead, it recommends choosing unsweetened beverages, such as herbal teas, black coffee, or unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
- Recommended beverages: The Optavia program recommends drinking plenty of water to support weight loss and overall health. Participants are encouraged to drink at least 8 cups of water per day to stay hydrated and support healthy digestion.
In addition to water, Optavia also recommends unsweetened beverages, such as herbal teas, black coffee, and unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Participants are encouraged to avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, fruit juice, and sweetened coffee drinks. These can add extra calories and sugar to the diet. Optavia also provides meal replacement products, such as shakes and bars, that can be used as part of the program. These meal replacement products are formulated to provide balanced nutrition and help participants feel full and satisfied between meals.
- Practice moderation: Remember that dining out should be a treat and not a regular occurrence. Stick to your Optavia meals as much as possible and enjoy restaurant meals in moderation.
- Keep on Track: Here are some tips to help you stay on track with the Optavia program:
- Follow the meal plan: Stick to the Optavia meal plan as closely as possible, and try to eat five to six small meals a day, including Optavia’s meal replacement products, along with whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
- Get active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, to help support weight loss and overall health.
- Connect with a health coach: Optavia’s health coaches can provide personalized support, guidance, and accountability to help you reach your goals.
- Celebrate your successes: Celebrate your progress and reward yourself for your hard work, but avoid using food as a reward.