Can You Have Bacon on Optavia? Tips for Enjoying Bacon in Moderation

The Optavia diet is a popular weight loss program that emphasizes portion control and balanced nutrition Many bacon lovers wonder – can you have bacon on Optavia? The answer is yes, you can work bacon into the Optavia plan, but within guidelines.

Bacon is high in fat sodium and calories so it should be eaten in moderation. Understanding Optavia diet guidelines for lean proteins and incorporating bacon sparingly allows you to enjoy the flavor while still losing weight.

Read on for expert tips on fitting bacon into an Optavia diet recommendations for healthier bacon options, and ways to replicate bacon’s savory taste using lower-calorie foods. With the right approach you can still enjoy an occasional slice of bacon without derailing your weight loss goals!

An Overview of the Optavia Diet

Optavia is a commercial weight loss program that replaces regular meals with portion-controlled shakes, bars, and prepared entrees called “fuelings.” These provide around 800-1000 calories per day to promote weight loss through calorie restriction.

The Optavia plan also incorporates one “lean and green” meal per day. These contain 3-7 ounces of lean protein plus three servings of non-starchy vegetables. The goal is a balanced, low-calorie diet with proper nutrition.

Optavia discourages counting calories or macros. Instead, the plan focuses on developing healthy lifelong habits guided by Optavia coaches. While rapid initial weight loss is expected, the program aims for sustainable long-term results.

Can You Have Bacon on Optavia?

Traditional bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which are limited on Optavia. However, you can incorporate bacon in moderation as part of a lean and green meal or condiment. Guidelines include:

• Use Canadian bacon rather than regular bacon. It’s lower in calories, fat and sodium.

• Limit bacon to 1-2 times per week at most, and 1 ounce portions.

• Bake or microwave instead of frying to reduce fat and calories.

• Balance bacon’s saltiness with fruit, vegetables and water.

• Flavor veggies, eggs or salads with a few bacon bits instead of bacon being the main meal component.

Following these tips allows you to enjoy a touch of bacon flavor without overdoing unhealthy components. Moderation and balance are key!

Healthier Bacon Options for Optavia

To work bacon into your Optavia plan, opt for a healthier bacon style:

Canadian Bacon – Lower in fat and calories than American-style bacon. Choose naturally smoked Canadian bacon.

Turkey Bacon – Uses lean turkey meat instead of pork. Look for low-sodium turkey bacon.

Prosciutto – Dry-cured Italian ham is lower in fat than bacon. High in sodium though.

Center-Cut Bacon – Removes some extra flank fat. Still high in sodium.

Reduced-Sodium Bacon – Lowers salt content substantially compared to regular bacon.

Nitrate-Free Bacon – Cured without nitrates or nitrites. May be less processed.

Choosing a lower-fat, lower-sodium bacon variety makes it easier to work into an Optavia meal plan in moderation.

Get the Bacon Flavor Without the Fat

Want that salty, smoky bacon essence without all the calories and fat? Try these flavor hacks:

• Add smoked paprika to meals. Provides a bacon-y taste without the fat.

• Use bacon seasoning like Bacon Salt. Gets the flavor without the pork.

• Top with bacon bits. Sprinkle real or soy bacon bits instead of bacon strips.

• Make bacon extract. Simmer bacon in water, strain and use the fat-free liquid to flavor dishes.

• Use smoked sea salt. Smoked salt adds a bacon vibe.

• Sauté mushrooms or tofu in a little bacon grease for smoky flavor without the fat calories.

With creativity and portion control, you can enjoy subtle bacon flavor on the Optavia diet without sabotaging your weight loss!

Tips for Enjoying Bacon in Moderation

If you love bacon, a few small tweaks make it possible to enjoy it occasionally on Optavia:

• Get coach guidance on allowed portion sizes and frequency.

• Choose lower-sodium Canadian bacon or turkey bacon.

• Use bacon as a garnish or flavoring instead of the main focus.

• Balance bacon’s saltiness with fruit, veggies and water.

• Opt for baked or microwaved bacon instead of fried.

• Pair bacon with eggs or salads rather than carbs like toast.

• Add extra spices to mimic smoky, salty flavor in meatless meals.

With smart incorporation, bacon can be an occasional treat that adds flavor and satisfaction to your Optavia diet.

Delicious Low-Fat Recipes with a Touch of Bacon

You can incorporate a bit of bacon flavor into Optavia-friendly recipes. Try these tasty options:

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Bacon Dressing

Brussels sprouts roasted with a splash of balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with 2-3 chopped bacon pieces.

Spinach Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Baby spinach, hard-boiled egg, and red onion dressed in an olive oil and bacon fat vinaigrette.

Breakfast Egg Cups

Eggs baked in a muffin tin with a sprinkling of bacon bits and green onions.

Cauliflower Soup with Bacon Crumbles

Pureed cauliflower soup garnished with a spoonful of chopped cooked bacon.

With smart recipes, you can highlight bacon as a flavor booster instead of the main ingredient.

The Bottom Line on Bacon and Optavia

While traditional bacon is high in unhealthy fats and sodium, incorporating it sparingly can add enjoyable flavor. Stick to recommended 1 ounce portions just 1-2 times per week. Substitute Canadian bacon or turkey bacon for a healthier option. Or mimic smoky, salty bacon essence using spices, salt and cooking techniques.

With the right guidelines and creativity, bacon can be an occasional treat enjoyed in balance and moderation on the Optavia diet. Emphasize more lean proteins, veggies and smart substitutions, then complement them with a touch of bacon flavor. This allows you to have your bacon and eat it too while losing weight!