Can You Have Pork Sausage on Optavia? A Complete Guide

Pork sausage is a breakfast staple for many people. But if you’re following the Optavia weight loss program, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy juicy sausage patties or links In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at Optavia’s guidelines for lean meats and whether pork sausage can fit into your meal plan

Optavia’s Recommendations for Lean Protein

First, let’s review Optavia’s general recommendations when it comes to protein. Optavia meal plans focus on lean protein sources such as:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Beef
• Pork

When choosing pork, Optavia recommends selecting leaner cuts such as pork loin, tenderloin, or center loin. These cuts are lower in fat and calories compared to other pork options.

Optavia also suggests limiting lean meats to around 5 oz per meal, as they contain over 60 calories per ounce Consuming too much, even if it’s lean, can lead to excess calories

The Problem with Traditional Pork Sausage

So where does pork sausage fall in Optavia’s guidelines? Traditional pork sausage can be high in fat and calories compared to leaner pork cuts. For example, a standard pork breakfast sausage link contains around 80 calories and 7 grams of fat per ounce. Eating just 5 oz would provide nearly 400 calories and 35 grams of fat.

This is significantly higher than the leanest pork options. Pork tenderloin, which is 5 ounces, has only 250 calories and 5 grams of fat.

Pork sausage doesn’t fit as well with Optavia’s suggestions for lean meats because it has more fat and calories. While tasty, traditional pork sausage is not the most diet-friendly choice.

Healthier Sausage Options for Optavia

However, this doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to sausage entirely if you’re following Optavia. There are some healthier sausage options that can fit into your meal plan:

Turkey Sausage

Turkey sausage typically contains less fat and calories than pork sausage. For example, Jennie-O lean turkey breakfast sausage has 50% less fat than traditional pork sausage. Choosing turkey sausage is an easy swap to lighten up your breakfast.

Chicken Apple Sausage

Chicken sausage flavors like apple are another great option. They provide a serving of fruit along with lean protein in one convenient package. Plus, the flavor is a nice change from plain chicken.

Plant-Based Sausage

Optavia also offers their own plant-based sausage made with pea protein. With 27g of protein and only 230 calories per serving, it aligns perfectly with their lean protein recommendations. It’s a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to cut back on meat.

Tips for Adding Sausage to Your Optavia Plan

When choosing a sausage to add to your Optavia meal plan, keep these tips in mind:

• Focus on lean turkey or chicken sausage – Limit pork sausage for an occasional treat.
• Watch your portion size – Stick to around 1-2 oz of sausage per meal.
• Pair with veggies – Add a serving of non-starchy veggies to help fill you up.
• Compare nutrition labels – Look for sausages with less fat and calories per serving.
• Try plant-based options – Optavia’s vegetarian sausage works great in a pinch.

Can You Have Pork Sausage on Optavia?

Turkey or chicken sausage, plant-based sausage, and keeping servings small are all great ways to add flavor while sticking to your Optavia meal plan. With a few simple swaps, you can still enjoy delicious sausage as part of your balanced breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Have you tried adding sausage to your Optavia plan? Share your thoughts and favorite recipes in the comments!