Presenting a mix of prepacked and cook-at-home meals as part of their diet plan, OPTAVIA’s rules can be overwhelming to some, especially when it comes to balancing aspects such as proteins with healthy fats.
An area of confusion is often cheese. Can you have cheese on an OPTAVIA diet? What kinds of cheese can you have? And when are they counted as a protein, when as a fat, and when as a condiment?
Can you have cheese on OPTAVIA?
Yes, you can have cheese on OPTAVIA. Depending on the type of cheese, how it is produced, and the quantity of the cheese, the categorization of a particular cheese under OPTAVIA’s system may differ.
A few can be counted as non-meat protein options for their ‘lean and green meals, while others are only considered condiments and as such, are additions in small quantities. Depending on circumstances, some cheese may be both a ‘lean’ and a condiment.
Can you have cottage cheese on OPTAVIA?
Yes, you can have cottage cheese on OPTAVIA. 12oz/340g of 1% cottage cheese is recommended as a non-meat protein on the OPTAVIA meal plan, putting it into their ‘leanest’ category. 340g of 2% cottage cheese also counts as a protein in the ‘leaner’ category.
Can you have feta cheese on OPTAVIA?
Yes, you can have feta cheese on OPTAVIA. 1 tablespoon of feta equals 1 condiment on the OPTAVIA meal plan, or 2 tablespoons of feta per condiment if it is reduced fat. Feta does not count as a protein or as a healthy fat on OPTAVIA.
Can you have goat cheese on OPTAVIA?
Yes, you can have goat cheese on OPTAVIA, provided that it is ricotta goat cheese. 80z or 226g of part-skimmed ricotta counts as a ‘lean’ protein option in the meal plan, without the need for additional healthy fats. Ricotta does not count as a healthy fat or as a condiment.
Can you have Laughing Cow cheese on OPTAVIA?
Yes, you can have Laughing Cow cheese on OPTAVIA. However, Laughing Cow Original Swiss cheese counts only as one healthy fat option per wedge of cheese.
All the other flavors, including light flavors, only count as condiments, not healthy fats, and one wedge equates to one condiment. Laughing Cow cheese does not count as a protein under OPTAVIA.
Can you have mozzarella cheese on OPTAVIA?
No, you can not have mozzarella or reduced-fat mozzarella on OPTAVIA. It is not listed in any of the categories in the official OPTAVIA meal plan guidelines.
Benefits of the OPTAVIA diet
The OPTAVIA diet is a meal plan that emphasizes healthy eating and portion control. It’s based on the premise that weight loss is best achieved by making small, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle.
There are many benefits to following the OPTAVIA diet, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, and increased energy levels. The diet can also help you develop healthier eating habits that will last a lifetime.
If you want to lose weight and improve your overall health, the OPTAVIA diet may be right for you. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to learn more about this healthy eating plan.
Understanding portion control when dieting
Portion control is a term used to describe the act of managing the amount of food that you consume in a given sitting. This can be done by measuring out servings in advance or simply being mindful of how much food you’re putting on your plate.
It is often recommended as a weight loss strategy and is a part of the OPTAVIA diet, as it can help to prevent overeating and promote healthy eating habits. It can also be helpful for those who are trying to maintain their weight, as it can help to prevent weight gain.
There are a few different ways to practice portion control. One way is to measure out servings in advance. This can be done by using a food scale or measuring cups/spoons. Another way to practice it is simply being mindful of how much food you’re putting on your plate. This means being aware of the serving sizes of the foods you’re eating, and making sure that you’re not overeating.
Portion control is a tool that can be used by anyone who wants to lose weight, maintain their weight, or simply eat healthier. It’s a simple concept, but it can be a powerful tool for promoting better health.
Conclusion
You can have cheese on the OPTAVIA diet. However, you cannot have all types of cheese, and not all cheeses are categorized in the same way.
Cottage cheese and reduced fat ricotta can be counted as proteins in ‘lean and green’ meals, while cheeses such as feta and Laughing Cow cheese can only be eaten as condiments, and therefore in much smaller quantities.
Some cheeses such as mozzarella are not counted by OPTAVIA, and can therefore be considered not recommended as part of the diet plan. Hopefully, having clearer, defined knowledge of cheeses on the OPTAVIA diets means that you can make healthier choices in the future.
