Can You Eat Canned Tuna on Optavia? A Complete Guide

Optavia is a popular diet program that emphasizes nutritious lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. With its structured meal plans and prepared food options, Optavia makes it easy to lose weight. But can you eat canned tuna on Optavia? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Optavia and Lean & Green Meals

Optavia provides most calories from nutritionally balanced shakes bars and soups called “Fuelings.” These make up 5 small meals per day. Optavia also recommends one full “Lean and Green” meal which includes

5-7 ounces lean protein
3 servings non-starchy vegetables
Up to 2 servings healthy fats

Lean proteins include fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and select cuts of red meat The “Green” components are low-carb vegetables that provide volume and nutrients

Is Canned Tuna Allowed on Optavia?

Yes canned tuna is an approved lean protein source on Optavia. The program considers tuna one of the “leanest” protein options. Other leanest proteins are cod shrimp, crab, and egg whites.

Optavia recommends water-packed tuna, which is lower in mercury than fresh tuna. Canned tuna provides high-quality protein, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are beneficial on a calorie-reduced diet.

Portion size matters, so make sure to stick to 5-7 ounces of canned tuna per Lean & Green meal. Opt for low-sodium options and flavor it yourself with lemon juice, herbs, etc.

Benefits of Tuna for Optavia Dieters

Here are some key advantages of incorporating canned tuna into your Optavia Lean & Green meals:

High in protein: Tuna provides over 20g protein per 3 oz serving, helping to preserve muscle mass as you lose weight.
Low in mercury: Canned tuna contains less mercury than fresh tuna steak or sushi.
Nutrient-dense: Packed with omega-3s, B12, selenium, vitamin D, and other nutrients.
Satiating: High protein and healthy fats keep you feeling full.
Easy preparation: Canned tuna requires no cooking so it’s quick and convenient.
Budget-friendly: Canned tuna is affordable and widely accessible.
Supports heart health: The omega-3s in tuna help lower triglycerides and blood pressure.

Delicious Optavia Canned Tuna Recipes

Tuna salad is a go-to, but here are some more creative recipes to enjoy canned tuna as part of your Lean & Green meal:

Tuna poke bowl with avocado, mango, and crunchy veggies over cauli-rice.
Tuna stuffed peppers or zucchini boats paired with a side salad.
Italian tuna melt–tuna mixed with pesto and melted mozzarella on portabella mushroom caps.
Spicy tuna lettuce wraps with Sriracha mayo, shredded carrots, and cucumber.
Thai tuna burgers with ginger, lime, and cilantro served over zucchini noodles.
Mediterranean tuna salad over spinach with feta, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon vinaigrette.

Optavia Diet Tips for Eating Canned Tuna

Follow these tips to make the most of canned tuna in your Optavia plan:

Choose sustainably caught skipjack, tongol, or yellowfin tuna.
Opt for no salt added or low-sodium versions and flavor it yourself.
Include tuna in at least 2 Lean & Green meals per week for omega-3s.
Pair with antioxidant-rich veggies to combat mercury.
Mix it up with different seasonings, marinades, herbs and spices.
Substitute tuna for other proteins occasionally for variety.

The Bottom Line

Canned tuna can be a nutritious and satisfying protein choice for Optavia dieters. It provides ample protein, heart-healthy fats, and key micronutrients. Water-packed tuna is low in mercury and sodium, making it a smart choice. Get creative with preparation methods and flavor combinations to take advantage of this lean, budget-friendly protein approved for Optavia’s Lean & Green meals.

Is Canned Tuna Safe To Eat? Experts Weigh In On The Benefits Of Eating The Canned Fish | TIME

FAQ

Can I eat tuna fish on Optavia?

Fish: cod, flounder, haddock, orange roughy, grouper, tilapia, mahi mahi, tuna (yellowfin steak or canned in water), wild catfish Shellfish: crab, scallops, shrimp, lobster Game meat: buffalo, elk, deer Ground turkey or other meat: ≥ 98% lean Turkey: light meat Meatless options: 14 egg whites, 2 cups of liquid egg …

Can you eat rotisserie chicken on Optavia?

Elevate your Optavia meal plan with these mouthwatering rotisserie chicken recipes. Discover new ways to enjoy this healthy protein option and add variety to your diet.

How many eggs can you eat on Optavia?

Understanding Egg Consumption on Optavia Generally, Optavia recommends that you consume one or two whole eggs or four egg whites per serving. Additionally, it’s important to avoid high-fat cooking methods like frying and instead opt for healthier alternatives like boiling, poaching, or baking.

What foods are allowed on the OPTAVIA diet?

While the Optavia diet features an extensive food list as part of its lean and green meals, not all foods are approved. In this article, we will examine the allowed food choices on the Optavia diet, including restrictions on carbohydrates, fruits, grains, dairy products, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Is the OPTAVIA diet a good diet?

The diet focuses on lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables and highly discourages sweets and higher calorie foods. Experts do not recommend the diet. The 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Diets ranks the Optavia Diet number 28 in Best Diets Overall and gives it a score of 2.6/5.

Is OPTAVIA vegan?

There’s no plan for eating vegan. Fuelings contain a vitamin D mix derived from lanolin (sheep’s wool). See all vegan diets. Staying or going vegetarian is doable on OPTAVIA as most of its Fuelings are vegetarian-friendly. OPTAVIA provides resources for making your Lean & Green meals vegetarian.

Can you lose weight fast on the OPTAVIA diet?

It’s true, the Optavia diet allows you to lose weight fast, but you need to follow their strict 5 and 1 plan, which often restricts some of the most common food groups. Sure, you can indulge in high-protein meats and low-fat dairy products. But at the same time, you can forget about eating any type of bread, legumes, or oatmeal.