Best Lean and Green Meals (Easy Optavia Recipes) (2024)

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Published by Izzy

on Nov 29, 2022, Updated Nov 19, 2023

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The Optavia program is a weight loss plan that emphasizes the importance of “Lean & Green” meals. To help their clients feel their best while losing weight, the meals they eat should contain appropriate amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats.

Best Lean and Green Meals (Easy Optavia Recipes) (2)

Optavia is a low-carb and low-calorie diet with many nutritious ingredients. To save money, you can make these Optavia recipes at home instead of purchasing pre-packaged meals.

In this post, we’re sharing 16 easy Lean & Green meals that are Optavia-program friendly, easy to make, healthy, and delicious!

What is a Typical Lean & Green Meal?

According to the Optavia program, a Lean & Green meal should have 5 to 7 ounces of cooked lean protein,3 servings of non-starchy vegetables, and no more than 2 servings of healthy fats. The amount of fat servings is dependent on the type of lean protein in the meal.

Easy Optavia Lean & Green Meals

Baked Chicken Breast with Vegetables

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This recipe has everything you need for a tasty weeknight mealchicken, potatoes, and green beans. It’s delicious and dinner’s on the table in just 30 minutes!

Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wrap

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Save yourself some carbs and enjoy these fajitas on lettuce instead! They have all of the authentic flavors you love and are a healthier option.

Mini Mac Salad

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If you love McDonald’s iconic Big Mac burger, you have to give this salad a try. It has all of the tasty flavors, and is ready to enjoy in just 15 minutes. You won’t even miss the bun!

Chicken Shrimp Gumbo

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Instead of serving this authentic-tasting gumbo with rice, cauliflower is used for texture and flavor. It’s just as delicious and much lower in carbs!

Blackened Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

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This healthy and delicious meal is ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned and topped with a crema made with avocado, Greek yogurt, and lime juice.

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

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Chicken cacciatore is often served with pasta, but you can keep it low carb by using zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead! The recipe uses chicken thighs so you know they’ll be tender and juicy when it’s time to eat.

Grilled Fajita Bowls

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Enjoy this tasty fajita dish on a bed of crisp lettuce to save carbs. It’s full of flavor and texture, and is a healthy choice for a weeknight meal!

Pork Chops with Spinach and Tomatoes

This hearty and rich dish is made with a can of cream of chicken soup! Serve it with your favorite green veggie for a delicious meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Mini Pepper Nachos

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The next time you’re hosting game night, serve this healthier version of nachos to the gang. Each mini bell pepper is stuffed with a tasty chicken mixture and topped with shredded cheese!

Baked Cod with Vegetables

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This sheet-pan dish means everything cooks in the pan at the same time! It’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Chicken Paella

If you love paella but are counting carbs, this is the recipe for you. Instead of using white rice, this dish is made with riced cauliflower! Each serving has just 13 grams of carbs.

Shrimp Scampi

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You’ll impress your guests when you serve this dish. The shrimp is tender and plump, and instead of pasta, it’s served on a bed of good-for-you spaghetti squash.

Chicken Parmesan

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You’ll love the flavor of this tender chicken parmesan. Everything is homemade, including the tomato sauce and the zucchini noodles.

Cauliflower Pizza with Chicken & Tzatziki

This cauliflower crust pizza takes about an hour to make but we think you’ll love the results! It’s much lower in carbs compared to traditional pizza, and is also a good choice if you’re sensitive to gluten. To make it easier, buy riced cauliflower from the grocery store.

One Pan Lemon Pepper Salmon Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

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This is a wonderful dish to make when fresh asparagus is in season. The salmon is perfectly seasoned and is a delicious and lean source of protein.

Tuna Nicoise Salad

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This recipe is quick and easy to make thanks to the canned tuna. It’s also refreshing, delicious, and a good source of protein!

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Easy Lean and Green Meals

By: Izzy

This recipe has everything you need for a tasty week-night meal – chicken, potatoes, and green beans. It’s delicious and dinner’s on the table in just 30 minutes!

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 3

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Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts skinless, boneless
  • 1 lb baby red potatoes halved or quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lemon sliced into rings
  • 3 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary optional
  • 3/4 lb green beans trimmed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Set aside a large baking sheet.

  • Pat dry chicken breasts and rub with oil. Then place them on the baking sheet.

  • Add potatoes and tomatoes around the sheet pan and arrange them in one layer. Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano across the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  • Toss to mix well. Place several lemon slices on top of chicken.

  • Bake for 18 to 20 minutes (add green beans during the last 10 minutes).

  • Broil for the last 5 minutes, if your chicken breasts look too pale.

  • Remove chicken breasts from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Cover with aluminum foil while resting. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

Read More About Me

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Best Lean and Green Meals (Easy Optavia Recipes) (2024)

FAQs

What is a good lean and green meal on OPTAVIA? ›

Buffalo Chicken is a classic combo, and it makes this lean and green meal creamy and delicious. Chicken is paired with low-fat cream cheese and cauliflower florets. The cauliflower bulks up the meal and takes on the buffalo flavor. Casseroles are easy too, so it's a great recipe for meal prep.

What foods are not allowed on OPTAVIA? ›

Foods to avoid — unless included in Fuelings
  • Fried foods: meats, fish, shellfish, vegetables, sweets like certain pastries.
  • Refined grains: white bread, pasta, biscuits, pancakes, flour tortillas, crackers, white rice, cookies, cakes, pastries.
  • Certain fats: butter, coconut oil, solid shortening.
Aug 31, 2022

How many calories should your lean and green be on OPTAVIA? ›

Optavia Lean and Green Meals Nutrition Quality

These meals are low in calories and in carbohydrates and high in protein. A meal averages around 300 calories, 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat which helps your body absorb certain fat-soluble vitamins.

What is the OPTAVIA 5 and 1 meal plan? ›

Our clinically proven Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan teaches you to eat six small meals a day – one every two to three hours – an important habit to help you maintain a healthy weight. With the support of your independent OPTAVIA Coach and our Community you will start making progress right away.

Can you skip the lean and green meal on Optavia? ›

It is important that you consume all of your Fuelings and the full portions of your Lean & Green Meal(s) each day. If you miss a meal, you may need to space the rest of your meals closer together to make sure you get the rest of your meals in before the end of the day.

Does Wonderslim work as well as Optavia? ›

Both Optavia and Wonderslim have helped individuals achieve weight loss success. However, individual results may vary depending on factors such as adherence to the program, personal metabolism, and starting weight. It is important to note that while both programs may lead to weight loss, they differ in their approach.

What is the downfall of Optavia? ›

Cons of the Optavia Diet

6 In addition to restricting calories, Optavia plans limit food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—all of which provide essential vitamins and minerals. Sales pressure: Coaching "support" can also be a drawback.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight? ›

During an interview with “The View” host Whoopi Goldberg on Monday's “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Clarkson admitted to taking a weight loss drug to lose weight. In January, Clarkson told People magazine that diet and exercise helped her slim down.

What are the negative reviews on Optavia? ›

Low-calorie meals can slow metabolism and cause extreme fatigue. The most common complaints about Optavia on Better Business Bureau include poor customer service and billing issues. Some customers also say they experienced unexpected weight gain after the program or felt bloated and sick while on it.

How to speed up weight loss on Optavia? ›

7 Effective Ways to Speed Up Weight Loss on Optavia
  1. The Importance of Eating Enough Protein. ...
  2. Boost Your Health with More Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. The Benefits of Staying Hydrated. ...
  4. Why Black Coffee Can Be Good for You. ...
  5. The Power of Eating Slowly and Mindfully. ...
  6. How Writing Down What You Eat Can Help You Lose Weight.

How many eggs can you eat on Optavia? ›

Understanding Egg Consumption on Optavia

Generally, Optavia recommends that you consume one or two whole eggs or four egg whites per serving. Additionally, it's important to avoid high-fat cooking methods like frying and instead opt for healthier alternatives like boiling, poaching, or baking.

Can you eat fruit on Optavia? ›

Examples of low-GI fruits include berries, apples, oranges, and grapes. High-GI fruits like watermelon and pineapple should be avoided or consumed in moderation. It's important to note that while fruits are a healthy addition to any diet, they should still be consumed in moderation on the Optavia plan.

What is Oprah taking for weight loss? ›

Winfrey, who in December admitted to using weight loss medication, empathized with the guests who shared why they turned to prescription medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza and Wegovy. "This is what I got for the first time after I took the medication.

What is the average monthly weight loss on OPTAVIA? ›

The average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks. OPTAVIA recommends you contact your healthcare provider before starting a weight-loss program.

What did OPTAVIA used to be called? ›

Once known as Medifast, Optavia is a diet that promises weight loss with a very structured diet made up of mostly prepackaged Optavia-branded meals and snacks.

Can you split lean and green on Optavia? ›

Split the Lean & Green Meal in half if you are unable to tolerate the full portion at one time. Have half of the meal at one of your six meal times and the other half with a Fueling. For example, you could have 3 oz. cooked chicken breast with a ¾ cup broccoli at lunch, and 3 oz.

Can you eat eggs for lean and green Optavia? ›

Optavia's Guidelines for Eating Eggs

Firstly, you should aim to consume eggs as part of your Lean and Green meal, which is the meal of the day where you consume non-starchy vegetables and healthy proteins. Additionally, you should try to vary the types of eggs you eat to keep things interesting.

What's a healthy fat on Optavia? ›

Healthy Fat Recommendations

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like olive oil, olives, nuts & seeds and avocado are more beneficial to your health than saturated fats. We recommend choosing most of your healthy fat servings from those two categories.

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