We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. PlateJoy, Inc. is owned and operated by Healthline Media. Here’s our process.
The Optavia diet provides packaged foods that you can cook or eat prepared. They offer low calorie and reduced-carb meals, as well as help you lose weight with personalized coaching. The exact food you get will depend on your choice of plan.
It might be appealing to you if you don’t like cooking or don’t have time to make meals. This is because you might not want to spend as much time in the kitchen.
The Optavia diet does just that. It helps people lose weight by giving them one-on-one coaching, some simple home-cooked meals, and low-calorie packaged foods.
This article talks about the pros and cons of the Optavia diet and how well it works to help you decide if it’s right for you.
The Optavia diet is a low-calorie, low-carb plan that uses ready-made meals, packaged foods, and personalized coaching to help people lose weight.
People can choose from different plans that all include a mix of ready-made meals called “Lean and Green meals” and packaged Optavia Fuelings.
Flavors of Home, the company’s line of ready-made low-carb meals, can be used instead of Lean and Green meals by people who don’t want to cook.
Eating Oysters on the OPTAVIA Program: How to Make it Work
Oysters are a classic indulgence that many people love. Their rich, briny flavor makes them an appealing appetizer or entree. But can you still enjoy oysters while following the OPTAVIA weight loss program? The answer is yes, with some modifications.
OPTAVIA is designed to promote rapid yet sustainable weight loss through meal replacements and healthy lean and green meals. Oysters can fit into an OPTAVIA plan, but require some caution to keep your calories, carbs and fats in check. Here’s what you need to know to make oysters work on OPTAVIA.
The Nutritional Profile of Oysters
Before determining how oysters can fit into OPTAVIA let’s look at their basic nutrition facts
-
Oysters are low in calories and carbs but relatively high in fat – about 10 grams of fat and 50 calories per 3 oz serving. The majority is healthy unsaturated fat.
-
They provide vitamins and minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, copper, vitamin B12. However, they are not a significant source of protein, with just 7 grams per 3 oz serving.
-
When oysters are fried or breaded, they take on more calories than when they are raw. Raw oysters are the best option for OPTAVIA.
-
Serving sizes range from 2-6 medium oysters A3 oz cooked serving equals about 6 medium oysters
How Oysters Fit Into OPTAVIA Lean and Green Meals
As part of the OPTAVIA program, you should eat 5-7 oz of lean protein and 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables every day. Here is how oysters can work:
-
6 medium oysters provide 7 grams protein. While light on protein, this serving combined with vegetables makes a filling, low-carb meal.
-
Pair oysters with 3 servings of “green” non-starchy veggies like spinach, kale, mushrooms, celery, bell peppers, etc. You choose the veggies based on your preferences.
-
Add a healthy fat like 1 tsp olive oil or 1/4 of an avocado. Healthy fats enhance flavor and satisfaction.
-
For example: 6 medium raw oysters, 1 cup sautéed spinach, 1/2 cup roasted mushrooms, 1/4 avocado.
-
Skip bread, rice, pasta and other starchy sides. These raise carbs and calories without boosting nutrition.
Tips for Incorporating Oysters Into OPTAVIA
Follow this expert advice to enjoy oysters without derailing your OPTAVIA weight loss:
-
Limit oysters to twice per week at most to keep fat and calories controlled.
-
When dining out, choose raw oyster appetizer portions rather than fried main dishes. Ask for lemon instead of cocktail sauce to limit carbs.
-
Savor the natural flavor of oysters by using lemon juice rather than heavy sauces. Avoid breaded, fried preparations.
-
Resist the urge to add starchy sides like bread, crackers or fries which boost carbs. Fill up on veggies instead.
-
Be mindful of portion size. Stick to 6 medium oysters or less per meal. It’s easy to overeat high-fat foods.
-
Balance days when you eat oysters with very lean proteins like chicken breast, fish, or egg whites on other days.
-
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water with your meal to avoid dehydration and overeating.
Oysters can be part of special occasion meals or dining out within an OPTAVIA program. With smart portions, veggie sides, and lean proteins on your other meals, you can still achieve your weight loss goals. Savor the buttery, rich taste of oysters in moderation along with primarily clean, simple OPTAVIA foods.
Occasional Indulgences on OPTAVIA
What about having oysters and other favorite foods more regularly on OPTAVIA? The program offers flexibility to incorporate “free choice” meals or foods a few times per week. Here’s how it works:
The Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan
This plan allows one “lean and green” meal daily, plus a “fueling” like a shake. The other 4 meals are OPTAVIA shakes or bars. You can substitute oysters for your lean and green meal up to 2 times per week. This allows room for an occasional indulgence without derailing your progress.
The Optimal Health 3&3 Plan
This plan for maintenance maximizes nutrition through 3 balanced meals and 3 OPTAVIA fuelings daily. You have more flexibility to work in favorite foods like oysters in moderation.
-
Make oysters one of your 3 lean and green meals for the week. Balance them by choosing very lean proteins or meatless meals the rest of the week.
-
Or use oysters as one of your “free choice” items allowed per week. Free choices average 100 calories and 15 grams carbs. About 6 medium raw oysters work for a free choice.
-
You can also exchange oysters for a dairy serving or healthy fat from the program’s food lists.
The Bottom Line on Oysters and OPTAVIA
Oysters can be part of an OPTAVIA program in moderation. Stick to best practices like:
-
Choosing raw oysters and keeping portions in check
-
Balancing them with very lean proteins and non-starchy veggies
-
Limiting higher fat choices to 1-2 times per week at most
-
Making oysters a “free choice” item on maintenance plans
Savoring oysters and other favorite foods occasionally rewards your hard work and dedication. But be sure to follow OPTAVIA the majority of the time to stay on track toward your health goals.
Versions of the diet
The Optavia diet includes two weight loss programs and a weight maintenance plan:
- Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan. This is the most popular plan because it comes with five Optavia Fuelings and one healthy Lean and Green meal every day.
- Optimal Weight 4&2&1 Plan. This plan comes with four Optavia Fuelings, two Lean and Green meals, and one snack every day for people who need more calories or more food options.
- Optimal Health 3&3 Plan. This plan is for maintenance and comes with three Optavia Fuelings and three healthy Lean and Green meals a day.
The Optavia program provides additional tools to aid weight loss and maintenance, including tips and inspiration via:
- text message
- community forums
- weekly support calls
- an app that helps you remember to eat and keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise
The company also has special programs for teens, pregnant women, people who are nursing, and people with diabetes or gout.
Optavia does offer these specialized plans, but it’s not clear if this diet is safe for people with certain health problems. Also, teens and women who are nursing have different calorie and nutrient needs that the Optavia diet might not meet.
May be incompatible with other eating patterns
The Optavia diet includes specialized programs for vegetarians, people with diabetes, and people who are nursing. Plus, about two-thirds of its products are certified gluten-free.
However, options are limited for those on specific diets. Optavia Fuelings are not good for vegans or people who are allergic to dairy, for example, because most of them contain milk.
Plus, the Fuelings use numerous ingredients, so people with food allergies should read the labels carefully.
Last but not least, the Optavia program is not suggested for women who are pregnant or nursing because it does not meet their nutritional needs.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Oysters? A Doctor Answers
FAQ
Can you have sushi on Optavia?
Can you eat mussels on Optavia?
Can I have lobster on Optavia?
What foods can you eat on OPTAVIA?
On Optavia, most of the food you eat is packaged, Optavia-branded meals and snacks. Additionally, you can eat one or two meals per day consisting of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and minimal carbs. The Optavia diet promotes weight loss via low calorie packaged foods, low carb homemade meals, and one-on-one coaching.
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 fatty fish can I eat on OPTAVIA?
Fatty fish include: Anchovies. Halibut. Herring. Mackerel. Salmon. Sardines. Trout. Tuna. This is the most flexible meal plan OPTAVIA offers. Each day, you’ll eat four Fuelings, two Lean & Green meals and one healthy snack, such as a fruit or baked potato. This plan is also designed to help people achieve a healthy weight.
How many meals does OPTAVIA eat a day?
Depending on the Optavia Diet plan you select, you’ll eat between two and five of the company’s pre-made meal replacements (“fuelings”) per day. You’ll also eat one to three of your own low-calorie meals, which are primarily lean protein and non-starchy vegetables (“lean and green”).