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

Is there an Optavia Lean and Green cookbook? ›

Welcome to your exclusive, second edition Lean & Green cookbook featuring recipes from celebrity chef, Fabio Viviani, and our partners at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

What does a lean and Green meal look like on Optavia? ›

A Lean & Green meal includes 5 to 7 ounces of cooked lean protein plus three (3) servings of non–starchy vegetables and up to two (2) servings of healthy fats, depending on your lean protein choices. Enjoy your Lean & Green meal any time of day — whatever works best for your schedule.

How many eggs can you eat on Optavia? ›

Optavia recommends limiting egg consumption to one to two servings per day, depending on your specific meal plan and goals. By incorporating eggs into a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, you can enjoy their many health benefits while still achieving your weight loss and wellness goals.

Can I eat deli meat on Optavia? ›

Choose skinless chicken breast and turkey cutlets for the leanest options. Choose low–sodium lean turkey, roast beef or ham for sandwiches instead of processed deli meats such as bologna or salami. Trim away all of the visible fat from meats and poultry before cooking. Skip breading on meat, poultry or fish.

What food is equivalent to Optavia? ›

There are several store-bought alternatives to Optavia fuelings, such as SlimFast, Quest Nutrition, and No Cow. These brands offer a variety of products, including protein bars, meal replacement shakes, and low-calorie snacks, that can be used as substitutes for Optavia fuelings.

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.

What vegetables are not allowed on Optavia? ›

Optavia's weight loss plans do not allow higher carbohydrate vegetables such as carrots, corn, and potatoes. However, on the weight maintenance plan, all vegetables are allowed.

How do I know if I am in fat burn Optavia? ›

OPTAVIA recommends that you contact your healthcare provider before starting and throughout your weight loss journey. The best way to determine if you are in the fat burning state is by recognizing physical cues such as feeling less hungry and more energized and losing weight at a steady rate.

How many ounces of chicken can you have on Optavia? ›

Limit your portion sizes: Stick to a portion size of 3-4 ounces of cooked chicken per meal, which is about the size of a deck of cards. This will help you control your calorie intake and prevent overeating.

How long does it take to lose 40 pounds on Optavia? ›

I lost 40 lbs. in 4 months* 🎉 and the difference in weight is easy to see, but the change in confidence is the real transformation! 👀 Peep the scarf I wore trying to hide a body that didn't feel like me. The black dress that was supposed to make me feel less exposed.

What happens if you don't eat all 5 fuelings on Optavia? ›

It is important to consume all of your Fuelings plus the Lean & Green Meal(s) in each day; otherwise, you are not getting all the nutrition (calories, protein, and vitamins/minerals) required to maximize your plan's effectiveness.

What if I'm still hungry on Optavia? ›

If hunger persists, you may want to consider another OPTAVIA meal plan, like the Optimal Weight 4 & 2 & 1 Plan® or Optimal Weight 5 & 2 & 2 Plan®, that is slightly higher in calories. Talk to your independent OPTAVIA Coach for more information.

Can you eat pizza on Optavia? ›

OPTAVIA CAULIFLOWER CRUST PEPPERONI PIZZA LEAN AND GREEN

🍕 This recipe is an oldie but a goodie 💯 Don't make this an every night thing… but YES, you can have PIZZA on this plan!

Is Optavia safe for liver? ›

Also, older, sedentary adults and people who exercise more than 45 minutes a day should avoid the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan, according to the company, and people with serious illnesses like cancer, liver disease, kidney disease or an eating disorder shouldn't follow any plan unless their health care provider has ...

How does Optavia work so fast? ›

The Optavia diet uses meal replacements such as shakes, bars, pre-packaged foods, and other small, calorie-controlled meals to create a calorie deficit to induce weight loss. This diet claims to provide convenience while taking the guesswork out of weight loss.

How many calories should your lean and green meal 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.

Can you eat your own food on Optavia? ›

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").

Why did Optavia change their name? ›

The Rebranding of Medifast: Optavia

In 2016, Medifast announced that it was rebranding as Optavia. The new name was meant to reflect the company's focus on optimal health and wellbeing, rather than just weight loss.

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

Do not skip meals. Eat all of your Fuelings and the full portion of the Lean & Green meal to ensure you are getting the right balance of nutrients to prevent hunger. Weigh and measure portions for accuracy. Eat every 2-3 hours to prevent hunger and keep blood sugar levels stable.

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