Getting enough protein is essential to maintaining a healthy diet and achieving your health goals. Optavia is a weight loss program that emphasizes the importance of incorporating lean protein sources into your diet. To help you be as healthy and happy as possible, we’ve put together a list of Optavia-approved meats that are not only lean but also tasty and good for you.
Can You Eat Sausage on Optavia? The Ultimate Guide for Diet Success
Sausage fans, take heart! You can eat sausage while on the Optavia weight loss program. But it’s important to pick the right kinds of sausage and make sure they’re a healthy part of your meal plan. We will talk about everything you need to know about eating sausage on Optavia in this detailed guide.
We’ll cover
- The benefits of lean protein like sausage on Optavia
- How to pick the best sausage options
- Delicious sausage recipes that fit into your diet
- Tips for adding sausage to your meal plan
- Reviews of popular plant-based sausage brands
You’ll be sure you can reach your weight loss goals and still enjoy tasty sausage by the end of this guide. Let’s get started!.
The Benefits of Lean Protein on Optavia
Optavia is a healthy weight loss system that emphasizes lean proteins as a core part of the diet. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and certain cuts of red meat are recommended. But what about sausage?
Sausage can be a great lean protein source when chosen wisely. The right kinds offer these benefits:
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High in protein to promote satiety and preserve muscle mass. Optavia recommends getting 30% of your calories from protein.
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Provide important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
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Support weight loss when consumed in moderation and as part of an overall healthy diet.
The key is picking sausages made with lean meats, minimal added fat, and no unhealthy preservatives. Let’s look at the best options.
Choosing the Healthiest Sausage for Optavia
Not all sausages are created equal when it comes to nutrition and your Optavia goals. Here are some tips for picking the best options:
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Select turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage rather than pork, which tends to be fattier.
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Check the nutrition label and choose options lower in saturated fat and calories.
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Look for “uncured” sausages without added nitrates or nitrites.
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Avoid sausages with a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. Stick to simpler, natural options.
Some specific brands and types of sausage worth trying are:
- Jennie-O Oven Roasted Turkey Sausage
- Applegate Naturals Chicken & Apple Sausage
- Aidells Fully Cooked Chicken or Turkey Sausage Links
- Tofurky Plant-based Italian Sausage
- Beyond Meat Plant-based Breakfast Sausage
Follow the serving size on the package to keep portions and calories in check. Now, let’s look at some tasty ways to eat sausage on Optavia!
Satisfying Sausage Recipes for Your Optavia Plan
The right recipes make it easy to incorporate sausage into balanced Optavia meals. Here are some delicious ideas to try:
Turkey Sausage Scramble with Vegetables
Start your day right with this protein-packed scramble. Brown turkey sausage with onions and peppers, then scramble in eggs and spinach for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower Rice
Skip the starchy white rice and opt for low-carb cauliflower rice instead. Pair with chicken apple sausage and sauteed greens for a filling lunch or dinner.
Kale and Lentil Soup with Turkey Sausage
This hearty soup will keep you feeling full for hours. Turkey sausage adds a protein punch while lentils and kale provide fiber.
Veggie Frittata with Chicken Sausage
Whip up this easy baked frittata on your next meal prep day. Add chicken sausage, vegetables, and cheese for a grab-and-go breakfast or lunch.
Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
Pile chicken or turkey sausage with sauteed bell peppers and onions on a whole grain bun for a tasty lunch. Serve with vegetable crudites on the side.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless for enjoying sausage within a balanced Optavia plan! Just focus on lean options and experiment with recipes that incorporate veggies, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
Helpful Tips for Adding Sausage to Your Meal Plan
Here are some final tips to keep in mind as you integrate sausage into your Optavia diet:
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Stick to recommended serving sizes, usually 3-4 oz of cooked sausage. This provides sufficient protein without too many calories.
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Balance sausage-focused meals with plenty of non-starchy vegetables to provide volume and nutrients.
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Be mindful of sodium content, especially if enjoying cured or smoked sausages. Opt for lower sodium options when possible.
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Skip the sausage at breakfast if enjoying bacon or eggs, which also contain saturated fat and calories.
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Get creative with recipes! Sausage works well in scrambles, vegetable bakes, sandwiches, soups, and more.
With some mindful choices and delicious recipes, you can absolutely achieve your Optavia goals while still enjoying flavorful sausage. Let’s finish up with reviews of popular plant-based sausage brands.
Reviews of Meatless Sausage Options for Optavia
For those following plant-based diets, meatless sausages can be a tasty protein source for Optavia meal plans. Here are reviews of some top options:
Tofurky Plant-Based Italian Sausage – With 22g of protein and only 270 calories per serving, this sausage offers ample protein power. It has an authentic Italian flavor and meaty texture. The only downside is it contains gluten.
Beyond Meat Plant-Based Breakfast Sausage – Per patty, this breakfast sausage contains 10g of protein, 260 calories, and no gluten. However, the texture is a bit soft. The sage flavor is on point but could be stronger.
Lightlife Gimme Lean Sausage – With only 50 calories and a whopping 13g of protein per 2 oz, this soy-based sausage is a nutritional rock star! It lacks a natural meaty texture but has an savory flavor.
Overall, going meatless doesn’t mean sacrificing satisfaction. With some taste testing, you can find plant-based sausages that you love. They can be an excellent alternative when following Optavia or any diet.
The Bottom Line on Sausage and Optavia
There you have it – a complete guide to enjoying sausage as part of a healthy Optavia diet plan. With knowledge of the leanest options, delicious recipes, and smart meal planning tips, you can have your sausage and eat it too!
Just remember to emphasize quality nutrition from whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. When chosen carefully and consumed in moderation, sausage can be a delicious addition to a balanced Optavia lifestyle. Here’s to reaching your weight loss goals without sacrificing flavor!
Goat: A Lesser-Known Lean Meat Option
Goat meat isn’t as well known as some other types of meat, but it has a lot of protein and not much fat. Goat meat is also rich in important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Optavia-approved goat dishes include grilled goat chops and goat kebabs.
Beef: Choosing the Leanest Cuts for Optavia
Beef has a lot of protein, iron, and zinc, but it can also have a lot of omega-6 fats. Optavia recommends lean cuts of beef such as sirloin, flank, and round. There are fewer calories and fat in these cuts, but they still give your body the nutrients it needs. Optavia-approved beef dishes include beef stir-fry, beef tacos, and grilled beef kebabs.
How to maintain your weight loss after Optavia
FAQ
Can you eat pork on Optavia?
Can you eat turkey sausage on Optavia?
Is ham allowed on Optavia?
Can you have a meatless meal on OPTAVIA?
On OPTAVIA, there are meatless options, such as 14 egg whites (or two cups of liquid egg substitute), 1½ cups of 1% cottage cheese, and 1-1¼ cups of plant-based ‘ground beef’ replacement or six plant-based ‘sausage’ links. It’s possible to follow a vegetarian diet on OPTAVIA.
Can you eat eggs on OPTAVIA?
Eggs are one the best Optavia high-protein diet foods (and meatless options) that you can include in your lean and green meals. (For us, they are also a common choice for fuelings substitutes.) Here’s a photo of what my lean option looks like when using eggs. (This scrambled egg with tuna has a whopping 37 grams of protein.)
What foods can you eat on OPTAVIA diet?
APPROVED FOODS YOU CAN EAT ON THE OPTAVIA DIET Lean meats: chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, crab, lobster, scallops Eggs Nuts and seeds Beans Non-starchy vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, peppers, salad greens, snap peas, tomatoes, and zucchini
Is the OPTAVIA diet a healthy choice?
The Optavia Diet focuses on lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables and highly discourages sweets and higher calorie foods. However, experts do not recommend the diet. According to the 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Diets, the Optavia Diet ranks number 28 in Best Diets Overall and receives a score of 2.6/5.