Can You Have Pork Sausage on Optavia? A Complete Guide to Enjoying Sausage While Reaching Your Weight Loss Goals

Sausage lovers rejoice! You can absolutely enjoy delicious sausage while following the Optavia weight loss program Optavia encourages the intake of lean proteins, so by choosing the right sausage and incorporating it wisely into your meal plan, you can reach your health goals without sacrificing flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about having sausage on Optavia, including:

• The benefits of lean proteins on Optavia
• How to pick the best sausage for Optavia
• Creative ways to cook lean sausage
• Delicious sausage recipes that fit into the Optavia plan
• Tips for staying on track with your weight loss goals

So grab your favorite sausage seasoning and let’s get cooking!

Why Optavia Recommends Lean Proteins

The Optavia program emphasizes lean proteins as a key component of their healthy weight loss plan. Pork sausage which can be high in saturated fat may seem off-limits at first glance. However, Optavia understands the importance of food enjoyment and that deprived diets are difficult to sustain long-term.

By choosing leaner sausage options and keeping portion sizes reasonable, you can integrate sausage into your Optavia journey. Here’s why lean proteins are so beneficial:

• High in protein to promote satiety and maintain muscle mass
• Contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium
• 60+ calories per ounce, so about 5 oz per meal is recommended
• Naturally tender with less need for added fats during cooking
• Versatile to prepare in many delicious recipes

The Optavia philosophy is about balance, moderation, and finding long-term sustainable habits. With smart choices, sausage can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle.

How to Pick the Best Sausage for Your Optavia Plan

Not all sausages are created equal when it comes to fat and calorie content. Here are some tips for picking optimal sausage for your Optavia plan:

• Choose turkey or chicken sausage – These have significantly less fat than pork or beef sausage varieties. Opt for brands with 10g of fat or less per serving.

• Look for pre-cooked sausage – Many pre-cooked or smoked sausage options are pre-portioned into 60-80 calorie servings, making it easy to stick to plan guidelines.

• Read nutrition labels – Compare fat, calorie and protein contents to find the leanest options. Look for at least 5g protein per serving.

• Opt for low-sodium varieties – Many pre-cooked sausages are very high in sodium. Seek lower sodium options when possible.

• Go for quality – Look for sausage with short, recognizable ingredient lists. Sausage can often hide fillers, preservatives and other unhealthy additives.

Following these tips will lead you to delicious sausage options that align with your Optavia lean protein goals!

Creative Ways to Cook Lean Sausage on Optavia

Preparing sausage in healthy ways is key to integrating it into your Optavia plan. Here are some creative cooking methods to try:

• Add to omelets and frittatas – Mix in crumbled sausage to egg dishes along with veggies for a protein and fiber-packed meal.

• Sausage kebabs – Alternate sausage with chunks of vegetables on skewers for a fun and tasty option.

• Stir fries – Slice sausage and stir fry with broccoli, bell peppers, onions, etc. Serve over cauliflower rice.

• Pizza topping – Use pre-cooked sausage as a lean protein topping for homemade cauliflower crust pizzas.

• Salad topper – Crumbled sausage paired with veggies, eggs, beans makes a hearty salad.

• Soup starter – Brown sausage with aromatics like onions and garlic to kickstart flavor for soups and chilis.

With a little creativity, sausage can be incorporated into all types of Optavia-friendly dishes!

5 Delicious Sausage Recipes for Your Optavia Plan

Here are 5 nutrient-packed recipes featuring savory sausage to fuel your Optavia weight loss journey:

1. Italian Turkey Sausage with Zucchini Noodles

• Ingredients: Italian turkey sausage, zucchini, onion, garlic, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning
• Instructions: Brown turkey sausage and onion. Add minced garlic and seasonings. Toss with spiralized zucchini noodles and pasta sauce.

2. Chicken Apple Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash

• Ingredients: Chicken apple sausage, sweet potato, peppers, kale, onions, olive oil
• Instructions: Cook sausage. Roast sweet potato and peppers. Sautee kale and onions. Combine and serve.

3. Turkey Sausage Egg Muffins

• Ingredients: Turkey sausage, eggs, spinach, cheese
• Instructions: Brown sausage. Whisk eggs with spinach and cheese. Pour into muffin tins and bake.

4. Smoky Black Bean and Turkey Sausage Soup

• Ingredients: Smoked turkey sausage, black beans, onion, garlic, broth, seasonings
• Instructions: Saute onion, garlic, and sausage. Add beans, broth, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until thick and creamy.

5. Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner

• Ingredients: Chicken sausage, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, onion, olive oil, garlic
• Instructions: Toss vegetables and sausage in oil, garlic, and seasoning. Roast on sheet pan until browned and tender.

Tips for Staying on Track with Optavia While Enjoying Sausage

Here are some tips to integrate sausage successfully into your Optavia plan:

• Stick to recommended portion sizes, about 5 oz cooked lean sausage per meal
• Balance with plenty of non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats
• Skip the bun and enjoy sausage with veggie sides instead
• Choose pre-cooked sausages for ease if you lack cooking time
• Avoid overdoing oils, butter, cheese when cooking sausage
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Take your daily Optavia supplements as directed
• Keep nourishing snacks like nuts, seeds, or protein shakes on hand if hungry between meals

While sausage can absolutely be part of an Optavia diet, it’s important not to overdo it. Use it as a lean protein option 2-3 times a week and build balanced plates around it. This, paired with sticking to the Optavia habits, will lead to health and weight loss success!

Answering Common Optavia Sausage Questions

If you’re new to Optavia, you may still have some questions about how sausage fits into the program. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions:

Is sausage allowed on Optavia?

Yes! You can absolutely eat sausage on Optavia. The key is choosing leaner options like turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Read labels and aim for less than 10g fat per serving.

What kind of sausage can you eat on Optavia?

The best sausage for Optavia are poultry-based like turkey and chicken. Pre-cooked turkey kielbasa and chicken apple sausage are great choices. Opt for unprocessed, quality sausages.

Can you eat pork sausage on Optavia?

While pork sausage tends to be higher in fat and calories, you can still enjoy it in moderation on Optavia. Look for a high quality, uncured pork sausage and stick to a 3-4 oz portion a couple times a week.

Are vegetarian sausages ok for Optavia?

Yes, high protein vegetarian sausages can work for Optavia as long as they are relatively low in carbs. Optavia makes their own plant-based sausage that fits nicely into the program.

What is the best way to cook sausage on Optavia?

Roasting, grilling, baking and pan-frying are all great ways to cook sausage for Optavia. Limit added oils and butter. Boil in broth or use a nonstick pan instead.

Enjoy Delicious Sausage on Optavia the Healthy Way

Who says you have to give up flavorful foods like sausage to reach your health goals? With some simple guidelines, you can craft an Optavia plan that includes delicious, lean sausage options in healthy, balanced ways. You’ll feel satisfied, on track with your weight loss, and happy knowing you can still enjoy a wonderfully cooked sausage every now and then.

Here are some key tips for sausage success on Optavia:

• Stick to lean and pre-cooked chicken, turkey and vegetarian varieties
• Read labels and aim for less than 10g fat per serving
• Enjoy sausage in moderation, about 2-3 times per week
• Incorporate creatively into omelets, salads, sheet pan meals, etc.
• Skip fatty cooking methods and enjoy boiled, roasted or grilled
• Pair sausage with lots of low carb veggies and healthy fats
• Stick to recommended portion sizes around 5 oz per meal
• Stay hydrated and take Optavia supplements as directed

With these guidelines, you can craft a personalized Optavia plan that incorporates your favorite sausages while still hitting your health and weight loss goals. Get ready to enjoy delicious sausage concoctions galore!