Fast food refers to meals that are prepared quickly, often in a fast-food chain or restaurant, and are typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
Fast food options are often low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy diet. Thus, consuming fast food on a regular basis can hinder weight loss efforts and have negative effects on overall health.
The Optavia Fast Food Guide is a resource that provides a list of options for people who need to eat on the go while following the Optavia program. The Optavia dining out guide includes popular fast food chains, food courts, buffet restaurants, snack bars, and street food markets as viable options for eating out.
Whether you’re following the 5 and 1 or 3 and 3 plan, these resources can assist you in making healthier fast food choices and staying on track with your weight loss journey.
For the Optavia 5 and 1 plan and Optimal Health 3 and 3 plan, the fast food restaurants recommended will differ as they have different nutritional requirements.
The Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide provides specific guidelines for selecting fast food meals compatible with the Optavia program.
In addition, if you do Optavia on your own, the Optavia Dining Out Guide includes information for navigating menus, serving sizes, types of meals, and foods to avoid to stay within the recommended calorie, protein, carb, and fat limits.
By following these guidelines, you can be certain that your meals align with the nutritional requirements of your chosen plan and help you achieve your weight loss goals quickly.
What is the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide?
The Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide is a resource that provides a list of approved fast-food restaurants that offer meals that are compatible with the Optimal Weight 5 and 1 Plan.
These restaurants offer meal options that are in line with the nutritional requirements of the Optavia program, which emphasizes lean protein sources, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
The question of whether you can eat fast food on Optavia is a common one. The answer is yes, but only in approved places listed in the Optavia Restaurant Guide.
This is because traditional fast food options are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, which can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems.
By limiting fast food consumption to the approved restaurants, you can still enjoy the convenience of fast food while staying on track with your weight loss goals on the Optavia program.
How does Optavia Fast Food Restaurant guide help with weight loss?
The importance of using the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant guide becomes evident when considering the implications of fast food consumption on obesity severity.
A study published in Obesity Surgery Journal has shown a significant rise in extreme forms of obesity and an increase in bariatric surgery as a treatment option. To better understand the behavioral factors contributing to obesity severity, particularly in relation to fast food consumption, researchers conducted a study in the San Antonio area.
Through a meticulous study of 270 preoperative bariatric surgery patients, the behavioral and attitudinal effects on obesity outcomes were analyzed.
The results revealed that fast food consumption had the most significant influence on higher levels of obesity, even after controlling for various social and demographic factors. This finding highlights the connection between higher rates of fast food consumption and the increasing prevalence of severe obesity.
In light of these findings, the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide becomes a valuable tool. By providing specific guidelines and recommendations for healthier choices at fast-food restaurants, the guide aims to address and mitigate the negative impact of fast food consumption on obesity.
What is the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide for Optavia 3 and 3 plan?
The Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide for the Optavia 3 and 3 plan offers specific recommendations and guidelines tailored to individuals following this particular plan.
The Optavia 3 and 3 plan differs significantly from the stricter Optavia 5 and 1 plan. In the Optavia 3 and 3 plan, you have more flexibility when it comes to eating in fast food establishments, and you can do so more frequently.
This plan allows for a higher calorie intake and permits the inclusion of fruits, grains, and even alcohol in moderation.
The Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide serves as a valuable resource for those on the Optavia 3 and 3 plan, helping them make informed choices while dining out and successfully maintaining their weight.
What meals are included in the Optavia Fast Food Guide?
The Optavia Fast Food Guide provides a selection of meals that align with the Optavia 5&1 Plan and its specific nutritional requirements. These meals are designed to help you stay on track with your weight management goals while dining at fast food establishments.
Each meal in the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide adheres to certain criteria, such as containing no more than 400 calories, at least 25 g of protein, and no more than 15 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat.
The guide includes recommendations for various fast food chains and their menu items, ensuring you have options when it comes to popular choices like hot dogs, pizza, fried chicken, tacos, burritos, fried fish, chicken nuggets, onion rings, fried shrimp, corn dogs, breakfast sandwiches, donuts, and milkshakes.
For example, a meal that fits the Optavia requirements could be a Subway six-inch turkey breast sandwich without cheese, loaded with veggies.
Alternatively, you might choose a grilled chicken sandwich from Wendy’s paired with a side salad. Panera Bread could offer a small chili alongside a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread as another nutritious option.
What restaurants are included in the Optavia Fast Food Guide?
The following fast food restaurants are included in the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide.
| Optavia Fast Food Restaurant List | What can you eat? | Serving size |
|---|---|---|
| Au Bon Pain | Chicken Cobb with Avocado Salad Chicken Caesar Asiago Salad | Regular |
| Baja Fresh | Baja Ensalada with Grilled Chicken | Regular |
| Blaze Pizza | BYO Salad with Mixed Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Green & Red Bell Peppers Grilled Chicken, Shredded Mozzarella, & Greek Salad Dressing | Regular |
| Bojangles | Roasted Chicken Bites Salad Grilled Chicken Salad | Half Regular |
| Boston Market | Caesar Salad with Chicken Breast & Caesar Dressing Rotisserie Chicken Quarter White | Regular |
| Cafe Rio | Salad with Shredded Chicken, Fire Grilled Chicken, Chile Roasted Beef, or Fire Grilled Steak | Regular |
| Cafe Zupas | Garden Protein Bowl Mediterranean Protein Bowl Steak Cobb Protein Bowl Southwest Protein Bowl Avocado Chicken Chop Salad California Cobb with Ranch Dressing | Half Regular |
| California Tortilla | Mixed Grill Bowl California Sunset Bowl | Regular |
| Captain D’s | Grilled Tilapia Salad Skewer Shrimp Salad Wild Alaskan Salmon Salad | Regular |
| Chick-Fil-A | Spicy Southwest Salad 12 Count Grilled Chicken Nuggets | Regular |
| Chipotle | Burrito Bowl Paleo Salad Bowl | Regular |
| Chopt | Kale Caesar with Chicken Palm Beach Salad with Wild Caught Shrimp or Grilled Chicken | Regular |
| Corefile Eatery | Chicken Cobb Bowl Kale Caesar Chicken with Dressing | Regular |
| Crazy Bowl & Wraps | 2 Caesar Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Chicken, Salmon, or Tofu with Dressing Fajita Bowl with Grilled Chicken, Salmon or Tofu | Regular |
| Jack in the Box | Chicken Club Salad with Grilled Chicken, Salmon, or Tofu Strips | Regular |
| Jersey Mike’s Subs | Grilled Chicken Salad | Half |
| KFC | Kentucky Grilled Chicken: 3 whole wings Nashville Hot Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast with a Side House Salad, Side Caesar Salad, or Green Beans | Regular |
| Noodles & Company | Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing | Regular |
| Panda Express | Black Pepper Angus Steak with Super Greens Entrée Grilled Asian Chicken with Super Greens Entrée | Regular |
| Panera Bread | Caesar Salad with Chicken & Caesar Dressing Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Green Goddess Dressing | Regular |
| Pei Wei | Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with Ginger-Sesame Vinaigrette (no crispy wontons) | Half |
| El Pollo Loco | Double Avocado Salad with Grilled Chicken 1 Fire-grilled Chicken Breast with double side order of Broccoli | Regular |
| Protein Bar & Kitchen | Kale Chicken Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing Healthy Club Salad with Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing | Half |
| Qdoba | Create Your Own Bowl: Grilled Adobo Chicken with Fajita Vegetables and Romaine Lettuce Create Your Own Bowl: Pulled Pork with Fajita Vegetables and Romaine Lettuce | Double |
| Subway | Grilled or Oven Roasted Chicken Protein Bowl (includes lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, cucumbers, & olives) with Oil & Vinegar or MVP Parmesan Vinaigrette Steak & Cheese Protein Bowl (includes lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, cucumbers, & olives) | Regular |
| Viva Chicken | Viva Salad with Pulled Chicken (white meat) | Regular |
| Wahoo’s Fish Taco | Kale Kai Salad with Charbroiled Fish, Blackened Fish, Charbroiled Chicken, Blackened Chicken, Shrimp, or Salmon | Regular |
| Wendy’s | Parmesan Caesar Chicken Salad (includes dressing) | Half |
| Zoe’s Kitchen | Regular Chicken, Salmon, or Shrimp Kabobs with Roasted Vegetables | Regular |
What restaurants are not included in the Optavia Fast Food Guide?
Below is a compilation of fast food restaurants that are not included in the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide including sandwich shops, ice cream parlors, donut shops, and more.
- Arby’s
- Carl’s Jr.
- Dairy Queen
- Del Taco
- Domino’s Pizza
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Five Guys
- Hardee’s
- IHOP
- Jimmy John’s
- Little Caesars
- Long John Silver’s
- McDonald’s
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Pizza Hut
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Sonic Drive-In
- Tim Hortons
- White Castle
How to use Optavia Fast Food Guide?
below is the list of tips on how to use the Optavia fast food restaurant guide.
- Look up the restaurant’s nutritional information before you go.
- Choose grilled or baked protein options instead of fried ones.
- Ask for dressing and sauce on the side and use sparingly.
- Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water or unsweetened tea instead.
- Choose side dishes like salads, fruit cups, or vegetables instead of fries.
1. Look up the restaurant’s nutritional information before you go
To achieve mastery in the art of dining out, one must possess the knowledge and foresight to consult the nutritional information of the restaurant beforehand.
By delving into the calorie content, macronutrient composition, and other pertinent details of the menu items, one can make informed decisions that align with their dietary goals and Optavia’s recommended calorie limits.
Such mastery demands a deep understanding of one’s unique nutritional requirements and restrictions, and the ability to leverage that knowledge to make suitable choices while indulging in a fast food meal.
2. Choose grilled or baked protein options instead of fried ones
When using the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide, it is advisable to opt for grilled or baked protein options instead of fried ones.
Grilled or baked proteins typically offer a healthier alternative as they are prepared with minimal added fats or oils compared to their fried counterparts. By choosing grilled or baked options, you can reduce your intake of unhealthy trans fats and excess calories commonly found in fried foods.
Grilled proteins, such as grilled chicken or fish, are often cooked over an open flame or on a grill, allowing excess fats to drip away. This cooking method helps retain the natural flavors of the protein while keeping it moist and tender.
Similarly, baked proteins, like oven-baked chicken or fish, are prepared by dry heat in an oven, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful meal.
3. Ask for dressing and sauce on the side and use sparingly
This approach allows you to have better control over the amount of dressing or sauce added to your meal, ultimately supporting your adherence to the Optavia program’s recommended nutritional guidelines.
By asking for dressings and sauces on the side, you can visually assess the quantity provided and decide how much to incorporate into your meal.
Many dressings and sauces can be high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excess calories, which may hinder your progress toward achieving your desired health and weight goals.
By using them sparingly, you can enjoy the flavor-enhancing benefits they offer while minimizing the potential negative impact on your nutritional intake.
4. Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water or unsweetened tea instead
When following the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide, avoid sugary drinks such as sodas, sweetened iced teas, and fruit juices. Instead, choose water or unsweetened tea as healthier alternatives.
These sugary drinks often contain added sugars that increase calorie intake without significant nutritional benefits. Opting for water provides hydration without adding calories, and it helps maintain proper bodily functions.
Unsweetened tea is a refreshing choice that may offer health benefits like antioxidants. By choosing water or unsweetened tea, you align with the Optavia program’s focus on a balanced and nutritious diet.
These options keep you hydrated and prevent unnecessary calorie intake from sugary beverages. Make it a habit to opt for water or unsweetened tea when dining out using the Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide.
5. Choose side dishes like salads, fruit cups, or vegetables instead of fries
Opt for healthier side dishes like salads, fruit cups, or vegetables instead of fries. Choose a salad as a side dish, focusing on options with fresh greens, colorful vegetables, and lean protein if available.
Consider ordering a fruit cup as a nutritious alternative to fries, providing natural sweetness and essential vitamins. Prioritize vegetable sides such as steamed or roasted vegetables, which offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals to complement your meal.
When reviewing the restaurant’s menu, look for these healthier side options recommended by the Optavia Fast Food Guide.
How can I navigate fast food options while following Optavia on my own?
When you’re doing a 5 and 1 plan on your own, it’s time to tap into your inner detective and make fast food dining an exciting investigation.
Take a moment to research the nutritional information and ingredient lists of your favorite fast food joints. Look for those magical words like “grilled,” “baked,” or “steamed” that can lead you to healthier options.
Unearth those hidden gems on the menu that perfectly align with your Optavia goals. Unleash your inner food artist and customize your fast food orders. Most places are totally cool with you personalizing your meal, so don’t be shy!
Swap out those fries for a crisp side salad, ask for sauces on the side to control your portions, or pile on extra veggies in your sandwich.
This is your chance to take control of your nutrition and create a masterpiece on your plate that nourishes both your body and your soul.
Can Optavia Fast Food Restaurant Guide help me lose weight faster on Optavia?
Yes, the Optavia Fast Food Guide can help you lose weight faster on Optavia becasue it raises your awareness about healthier food options available at fast food establishments. It also helps you control your calorie intake by providing information on the nutritional content of fast food options.
The Optavia Fast Food Guide assists you in maintaining a state of fat burning, a crucial aspect of losing weight on Optavia.
By selecting meals from the guide, you can make choices that are low in unhealthy fats and sugars, keeping you in the fat-burning mode. This allows your body to utilize stored fat as a source of energy, facilitating faster weight loss on the Optavia program.
