Can You Eat Canned Tuna on Optavia? A Complete Guide

The Optavia diet program has helped many achieve successful weight loss Optavia provides nutritious meal replacements called Fuelings But the plan also allows you to incorporate your own healthy lean proteins and vegetables through “Lean and Green” meals.

If you’re an Optavia follower, you may be wondering: can I eat canned tuna for my Lean and Green meals? Or is tuna off-limits on Optavia?

This guide will cover everything you need to know about eating canned tuna with the Optavia diet We’ll look at the benefits of tuna, recipes to try, and tips to integrate it while staying true to Optavia principles.

Why Choose Canned Tuna on Optavia?

Canned tuna can be a smart Lean and Green protein pick while following the Optavia program. Here are some of the main benefits tuna provides:

• High protein – A 3 oz serving of tuna packs 20-25g protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

• Low calorie – With only around 110 calories in 3 oz drained tuna, it fits into Optavia’s reduced calorie approach.

• Nutrient dense – Tuna provides omega-3s, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, niacin, and iron.

• Easy quick option – No cooking required! Tuna is ready to eat straight from the can for effortless Lean and Green meals.

• Budget friendly – Canned tuna is typically one of the most affordable fish options at the grocery store.

With its stellar nutrition stats, canned tuna is an optimal Lean protein to incorporate into your Optavia plan.

Is Canned Tuna Approved on Optavia?

Yes, plain canned tuna packed in water is approved and recommended as a Lean protein source on Optavia.

The Optavia ‘Yes’ list includes several types of fish and seafood, and tuna is one of the top picks. Optavia recommends looking for tuna canned in water to avoid added oils or flavors.

You’ll want to avoid tuna canned in vegetable or olive oil. And skip flavored tuna packed with mayo, spices or other add-ins, as those extra ingredients add calories.

When purchasing canned tuna, go for simple tuna packed in water for a lean, yet tasty Optavia protein option.

How Much Canned Tuna Per Day on Optavia?

Optavia recommends 3-7 oz of Lean protein per Lean and Green meal. A standard 3 oz can or pouch of tuna fits nicely into this amount.

It’s best to stick to just one serving of tuna (around 3 oz) per day as part of your Lean and Green meal.

Consuming tuna daily long-term may increase exposure to mercury. By limiting tuna to just 3-7 oz per day a few times a week, you can enjoy it safely as part of a balanced Optavia diet.

Best Canned Tuna for Optavia Lean & Green Meals

Look for these top tuna picks that work perfectly for Optavia Lean and Green meals:

• Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna – Sustainably caught, no salt added.

• Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna – Low mercury, non-GMO.

• StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water – Classic affordable option.

• Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna – MSC certified sustainable.

• Kirkland Signature Albacore Tuna – Good quality, good value.

Choose tuna canned in water and look for eco-friendly fishing practices like pole and line caught. This provides the healthiest, most sustainable tuna option for Optavia.

Creative Optavia Tuna Recipes to Try

Tuna isn’t just for sandwiches! Use it in creative ways with these delicious Optavia-approved tuna recipes:

Tuna Cakes – Combine tuna, egg whites, Greek yogurt, chopped veggies, and spices. Then form into patties and pan fry.

Tuna Poke Bowl – Dice tuna and mix with avocado, edamame, cucumbers, cabbage, radishes, and ponzu sauce.

Tuna Lettuce Wraps – Stuff butter lettuce leaves with tuna mixed with a bit of light mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dill.

Tuna Casserole – Make this comfort food classic with tuna, cauliflower rice, peas, Greek yogurt, and crushed up crackers or baked pita chips.

Tuna & White Bean Salad – Flake tuna and mix with cannellini beans, tomatoes, onion, kalamata olives, fresh basil, and red wine vinegar.

Tips for Incorporating Tuna Into Optavia

Here are some quick tips to incorporate canned tuna into your Optavia Lean & Green meals:

• Choose tuna canned in water and drained well to remove excess liquid and reduce sodium.

• Count a standard 3 oz can or pouch as your 3-7 oz Lean protein serving.

• Mix with lots of vegetables like greens, tomatoes, beans, avocado, etc. to increase fiber and nutrients.

• Use light, fresh condiments like mustard, lemon juice and herbs to add flavor. Avoid heavy sauces or dressings.

• Limit tuna to once per day as part of your Lean & Green, no more than 3-7 oz.

• Rotate in other Lean proteins like chicken, salmon, turkey, eggs, and 90/10 ground meat.

The Bottom Line – Enjoy Tuna on Optavia

Canned tuna can be a tasty, nutritious addition to your Optavia Lean and Green meals. Skip the oils and flavors and choose tuna canned in simple water instead.

Stick to just 3-7 oz portion per day as part of a veggie-packed meal. Then rotate with other Lean proteins for variety. Tuna provides a omega-3s and protein punch to help you stay satisfied on your Optavia weight loss journey.