Can You Have Oysters on Optavia?

Optavia is a popular weight loss program that focuses on healthy eating through meal replacements called “Fuelings” and balanced “Lean and Green” meals. Many people wonder if you can incorporate foods like oysters into the Optavia plan. In this comprehensive guide we’ll take a look at the Optavia program, explain the meal guidelines, and discuss whether oysters can fit into the plan.

An Overview of Optavia

Optavia was created by Medifast and utilizes meal replacements and health coaching to promote weight loss. The program is centered around Nutrient-Dense meals, known as “Fuelings,” which are shakes, bars, soups, and more meant to replace meals and snacks.

The Optavia program includes one-on-one coaching and community support to help participants learn healthy habits. The Optavia habits include planning ahead proper hydration physical activity, and more. The program promotes gradual, lifelong changes to sustain long-term weight management.

There are three main Optavia plans:

• Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan: Five Fuelings plus one Lean & Green meal per day
• Optimal Weight 4 & 2 & 1 Plan: Four Fuelings, two Lean & Green meals, and one snack per day
• Optimal Health 3 & 3 Plan: Three Fuelings plus three Lean & Green meals per day

The Lean & Green meals provide an opportunity to eat regular food while still following the Optavia principles. But what foods are actually allowed? Let’s take a closer look.

Optavia Lean & Green Meal Guidelines

The Lean & Green meal is meant to complement the Nutrient-Dense Fuelings. According to Optavia, a Lean & Green meal should contain:

• 5 to 7 ounces of lean protein
• At least 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables
• Up to 2 servings of healthy fat

On the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 plan, you would consume this meal once per day. On the 4 & 2 & 1 plan, you’d have it twice per day, and with the Optimal Health 3 & 3 plan, it would be 3 times daily.

Some examples of lean proteins include chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, eggs, beef, pork tenderloin, tofu, and tempeh.

Non-starchy veggie options are things like leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, green beans, asparagus, onions, and celery.

Healthy fats would include oils, nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, and certain condiments like hummus and pesto.

When looking at the guidelines, oysters would potentially fit into the lean protein category. But are they truly allowed on Optavia? Let’s dig a little deeper.

Are Oysters Allowed on the Optavia Diet?

After carefully reviewing Optavia’s meal guidelines and food lists, oysters are not explicitly mentioned. However, other types of shellfish like shrimp, crab, mussels, scallops, and lobster are included on the acceptable proteins list.

Looking at the nutritional profile of oysters, they have:

• High protein content – 3 ounces provides 15 grams protein
• Low calorie density – 50 calories in 3 ounces
• Low carbohydrate count – 3 grams net carbs per 3 ounces

This nutrient profile aligns well with the goals of Optavia’s Lean & Green meals.

Additionally, oysters supply important vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin B12, and iron. They contain healthy fats including omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Oysters are naturally low in fat and calories compared to many other protein foods as well. Since they meet the dietary criteria for lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats, oysters can be accommodated into an Optavia Lean & Green meal.

Tips for Adding Oysters to Your Optavia Plan

Here are some tips to incorporate oysters into your Optavia program:

• Watch portion sizes – 3 to 4 medium oysters is a typical serving. This provides about 3 ounces cooked weight. Stick within the 5-7 ounce lean protein recommendation.

• Try different preparations – Raw, steamed, baked, or pan-fried oysters all fit within Optavia guidelines. Avoid deep frying or heavy breading.

• Pair with non-starchy vegetables – Serve oysters with a side salad, sauteed spinach, roasted brussels sprouts, or grilled asparagus.

• Add healthy fats – Drizzle oysters with olive oil, lemon juice, or garlic-herb butter. Top salads with avocado slices or pumpkin seeds.

• Monitor condiments – Skip high-calorie oyster sauces and enjoy with fresh herbs, spices, hot sauce, or horseradish if desired.

Sample Oysters Lean & Green Meal Ideas

To give you some inspiration, here are a few delicious and diet-friendly oyster recipes to try on Optavia:

• Oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce and spinach salad
• Steamed oysters with roasted cauliflower and pumpkin seed pesto
• Smoked oyster lettuce wraps with avocado
• Pan-seared oysters with zoodles and artichoke hearts
• Baked oysters with Dijon mustard and non-starchy veggie skewers
• Oyster mushroom stir fry with bok choy and ginger sauce

The key is balancing the oysters with ample vegetables and healthy fats. This provides well-rounded nutrition and keeps calories in check. Portioning oysters at one meal and having chicken, fish, or plant proteins at other meals also helps vary your protein sources.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, oysters can be incorporated into the Optavia diet as part of a Lean & Green meal. Always make sure to consult your Optavia coach if you have any questions about appropriate foods to eat on the program. While not directly mentioned on Optavia food lists, oysters meet the criteria for an approved lean protein when eaten in moderation and combined with non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats. Enjoying variety while still adhering to the meal guidelines is key for long-term weight loss success.