You like sausage but are afraid it might not work with your Optavia weight loss plan? Don’t worry!
We’ve done the research and found some delicious and healthy ways to incorporate sausage into your Optavia meals. Whether you prefer traditional Italian sausage or are looking for a plant-based option, we’ve got you covered.
We will talk about the benefits of lean meats, give you some delicious recipes, and even talk about a popular meatless sausage option. Take it easy, and get ready to learn how to eat sausage and still reach your Optavia weight loss goals.
Sausage lovers listen up! You may be excited to know that you can in fact enjoy sausage while following the Optavia program. However, not all sausages are created equal when it comes to their nutritional value and ability to fit into your Optavia plan This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about eating sausage on Optavia
An Overview of Optavia
For those who are new to Optavia it is a healthy living and weight loss program that utilizes scientifically designed fuelings and lean and green meals. The Optavia fuelings provide an optimal balance of protein and healthy fats to promote weight loss. The lean and green meals incorporate lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables.
Optavia recommends choosing lean protein options like skinless chicken breast, fish, shellfish, turkey breast, eggs, beef loin, pork tenderloin and game meat. Processed and high fat meats like bacon, sausage, cold cuts and ribeye steak do not align as well with Optavia’s nutrition principles.
However, you can still enjoy sausage in moderation by selecting lean varieties and making sure to balance it out with vegetables in your lean and green meals.
The Benefits of Lean Protein on Optavia
Lean protein is a very important part of the Optavia program. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Helps preserve and build muscle mass while losing fat
- Provides satiety to help control hunger and cravings
- Boosts metabolism since protein requires more calories to digest than carbs or fat
- Contains essential amino acids the body needs and cannot produce itself
- Helps stabilize blood sugar levels which can further control hunger
Choosing lean and unprocessed protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, eggs and lean red meat ensures you get quality protein without excess calories or fat.
Can You Really Eat Sausage on Optavia?
The answer is yes, you absolutely can eat certain types of sausage while following the Optavia diet. But it’s important to choose wisely and incorporate them properly into your meal plan.
Optavia recommends limiting processed meats like sausage, but they can be consumed in moderation. The key is opting for lean sausage varieties such as:
- Chicken apple sausage
- Turkey sausage
- Chicken chorizo sausage
- Pork tenderloin sausage
These options provide plenty of protein with less fat and calories compared to traditional pork sausage options like breakfast sausage or Italian sausage links which are higher in fat content.
It’s also important to note that meatless or plant-based sausages are not recommended, as they are highly processed and often contain unhealthy additives and fillers.
Delicious Sausage Recipes for Optavia
The key to enjoying sausage on Optavia is all about balance. By selecting lean sausages and pairing them with plenty of non-starchy vegetables, you can create delicious and diet-approved meals. Here are some tasty recipe ideas:
Sausage, Kale and Squash Bowl
- 1 lean Italian turkey sausage, sliced
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Saute sausage and garlic in olive oil. Add kale and cook until wilted. Top bowl with roasted butternut squash.
Turkey Sausage Scramble
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 pre-cooked turkey sausage, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese
Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add eggs and scramble until almost set. Add sausage and spinach and continue scrambling until eggs are fully cooked. Top with shredded cheese.
Chicken Sausage and Brussels Sprouts
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 oz pre-cooked chicken apple sausage, sliced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts and cook 5-7 minutes until beginning to brown. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 2-3 more minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Tips for Enjoying Sausage on Optavia
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when incorporating sausage into your Optavia plan:
- Read nutrition labels and look for sausages with 10g of fat or less per serving
- Calculate the protein, fat and calories to ensure it fits into your lean and green meal
- Stick to a 3-5 oz serving size of sausage
- Avoid sausages with a lot of added sugars or fillers
- Pair with non-starchy veggies like broccoli, spinach, zucchini to balance it out
- Turkey sausage is a lean protein powerhouse with less fat than pork
- Try alternate forms like turkey sausage crumbles in recipes
The Bottom Line on Eating Sausage with Optavia
The bottom line is that leaner sausage varieties like turkey and chicken can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy Optavia diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes, choose lower fat options and always combine with non-starchy vegetables for balanced nutrition. With the right choices, sausage lovers can still satisfy their cravings while achieving their weight loss goals on Optavia!
Can You Eat Sausage On Optavia?
The short answer is yes, you can eat sausage on Optavia. But it’s important to pick the right kind of sausage and cook it in a healthy way in your meals.
Optavia recommends lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, crab, lobster, and scallops. If you want to eat sausage, choose turkey or chicken sausage over traditional pork sausage, which can be high in fat and calories.
Plant-Based Sausage Options For Optavia
For those following a plant-based diet, there are also options available. There is a plant-based sausage from Optavia that is great for vegetarians and people who want to eat less meat. This sausage is made from plant-based foods and has only 230 calories per serving while still having 27 grams of protein.
If you’ve tried other plant-based sausages, you may have noticed that some lack in taste and texture. There are, however, many people who really like Optavia’s plant-based sausage because of how good it tastes and feels.
If you’re looking for other plant-based sausage options, Simple Truth Chorizo is another great choice. It has been noted to have better taste and texture than Beyond Meat sausages. But it’s important to know that Simple Truth Chorizo has wheat gluten in it, so people on Optavia who don’t eat gluten may not be able to eat it.
When incorporating plant-based sausage into your Optavia meal plan, it’s important to consider the nutritional content. This plant-based sausage has 27 grams of protein per serving, but it might not have as much fiber as other choices. It’s best to make sure you get enough fiber by adding more leafy greens to your meals.
Eating 6 times a day to lose weight with Optavia
FAQ
Can you eat pork on Optavia?
Can you eat sausage if you’re trying to lose weight?
Can you eat sausages on a carb free diet?
Is OPTAVIA a good diet?
The Optavia diet program restricts your calorie intake considerably. Allowing your body to shed weight fast. But, some people have initial reactions to this restriction. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and tired as your body adjusts to eating at a deficit. Depending on the meal plan you choose, your daily calories may be as low as 800 to 1,000.
What foods should I avoid if I am on OPTAVIA?
Avoid the following foods if you are on the Optavia plan: Meat: Full-fat cuts of meat, red meat, and processed meats like bacon, sausage, and cold cuts. Poultry: Any skin-on poultry. Fish and shellfish: King Mackeral, tilefish, Bluefin tuna, or farm-raised fish. Meat-based ingredients: Any high-sodium or highly processed meat.
How many OPTAVIA fuelings should I eat a day?
Optimal weight 5 & 1 Plan: The most popular plan consists of five Optavia Fuelings and one home-cooked Lean and Green meal each day. Optimal weight 4 & 2 & 1 Plan: For those needing more calories and flexibility, choose this plan for four Optavia Fuelings, two home meals, and one snack every day.
What foods can you eat on the OPTAVIA diet?
The Optavia diet food list features a variety of foods. Below, you will find foods that are acceptable on the Optavia diet: Fruits: Fresh whole fruit (apple, pear, orange), fresh chopped fruit, canned fruit (no sugar added), 100% fruit juice, dried fruit, tangerines, plums, grapes, cherries, berries, dates, kiwis, melons, and bananas.