OPTAVIA Fuelings Review: From Best To Worst - Optimal Weight Plan (2024)

OPTAVIA Fuelings are pre-portioned meal replacement products designed to support the OPTAVIA weight loss program. OPTAVIA Fuelings promote weight loss by encouraging frequent, small meals throughout the day to control hunger and boost metabolism. There are over 50 different options on the OPTAVIA Fuelings list available, including shakes, bars, cereals, crunchers, and other choices.

The Optavia Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake, Rich Dark Chocolate Shake, and Caramel Macchiato Shake are among the most popular OPTAVIA Fuelings due to their satisfying flavors and creamy textures. While taste preferences are subjective, some OPTAVIA Fuelings might be considered less desirable due to factors like overly sweet flavors, artificial aftertaste, or gritty consistency.

Are OPTAVIA Fuelings safe to eat? Yes, OPTAVIA Fuelings are safe to eat. However, for long-term health and sustainability, it’s advisable to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods you can purchase at the grocery store. OPTAVIA Fuelings average around $3.21 each (with most costing $23.25 for 7 servings), which can be significantly more expensive than preparing similar snacks yourself using whole foods.

At Optimal Weight Plan, our team of OPTAVIA coaches offers personalized support to help you reach your weight loss goals. Whether you prefer the original OPTAVIA plan or want to explore a DIY approach without purchasing Fuelings, we’re here to help.

What Are OPTAVIA Fuelings?

OPTAVIA Fuelings are a line of portion-controlled meal replacement products, including bars, shakes, desserts, and more. They offer a convenient way to manage weight loss through low-calorie, nutritionally balanced options. While OPTAVIA Fuelings are small, they play a crucial role in the OPTAVIA diet. So, how many OPTAVIA Fuelings per day should you eat? This number will depend on your specific plan and the number of boxes you order, but generally it ranges between 3 and 5, with each OPTAVIA box containing seven fuelings.

For example, the 5 & 1 plan involves consuming five OPTAVIA Fuelings spaced every 2-3 hours, along with one “Lean & Green” meal. This means you’d consume roughly five Fuelings per day, which translates to roughly 150 Fuelings per month. Based on this calculation, the plan creates a calorie deficit of approximately 800-1,000 calories per day to promote weight loss.

What Are the Different Types of the OPTAVIA Fuelings?

The different types of Fuelings are listed below.

1. Optavia Shakes
2. Optavia Hot Drinks
3. Optavia Bars
4. Optavia Crunchers
5. Optavia Soups
6. Optavia Oatmeals
7. Optavia Breakfast Cereals
8. Optavia Desserts
9. Optavia Snacks

Besides the different types of OPTAVIA brownies, pancakes, and cakes, OPTAVIA Fuelings can be divided into two main types, Essential and Select, with the main difference being that in OPTAVIA Select there are non-GMO ingredients like Bolivian chia seeds, Mediterranean rosemary, and Indonesian cinnamon. However, since launching new OPTAVIA ACTIVE line, the OPTAVIA Select Fuelings and snacks are no longer available, unless you buy them from third party websites such as eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook groups.

Do OPTAVIA Snacks Count as Fuelings?

No, OPTAVIA snacks do not count as Fuelings because they are generally lower in calories, ranging between 50-70 calories per serving, and have fewer macros such as proteins, carbs, and fats, compared to OPTAVIA Fuelings which are higher in calories, exceeding 100 per serving.

How Do OPTAVIA Fuelings Work?

The general rule is that you shouldn’t eat anything between Fuelings. If you miss one, it’s okay to eat two OPTAVIA Fuelings at once. Can you eat an extra Fueling on OPTAVIA? Yes, occasionally you can have six OPTAVIA Fuelings if you feel hungry. However, if you consistently find five Fuelings insufficient, it’s best to consult with your OPTAVIA coach to readjust your plan for greater sustainability. The principle behind OPTAVIA is to eat small and frequent meals. But is this pattern healthier than the traditional three meals a day? The answer isn’t clear-cut.

Some studies suggest potential benefits to eating smaller, more frequent meals. For example, a 1992 study in Rancho Bernardo, CA, found a correlation between eating four or more meals daily and lower total cholesterol levels. This aligns with a 2001 study in Norfolk, England, which showed a similar relationship between meal frequency and LDL cholesterol.

Eating smaller, frequent meals may also benefit those with early satiety or gastrointestinal issues, as suggested by a 2017 review by Hassan S Dashti and Kris M Mogensen. However, these studies largely rely on cross-sectional data, making it difficult to determine a direct cause-and-effect relationship between meal frequency and heart health risks.

What Is the Best Time to Eat OPTAVIA Fuelings?

The best time to eat OPTAVIA Fuelings is by spacing them out throughout the day, every 120-180 minutes. You should avoid intentionally skipping Fuelings. The worst times to eat OPTAVIA Fuelings are all at once or late at night, just before bed. But what happens if you run out of OPTAVIA Fuelings? In that case, we recommend using snacks that are nutritionally similar to OPTAVIA Fuelings.

At Optimal Weight Plan, we’re a team of OPTAVIA Coaches dedicated to helping clients reach their weight loss goals and maintain results through the application of healthy micro-habits. Call us today to schedule a complimentary discovery call and learn how we can support your journey.

What Is the List of OPTAVIA Fuelings?

The table below displays the Optavia Fueling List.

Out of over 50 OPTAVIA Fuelings, only 11 are soy-free. These are certified with the “No Soy” logo, in accordance with FDA rules and regulations. Only dessert-style and hearty Fuelings are soy-free; all OPTAVIA bars and shakes contain soy or are processed in a facility that handles soybeans.

Soy-free OPTAVIA Fuelings refer to meals and snacks within OPTAVIA’s product line that do not contain soy, soy protein isolate, or soy lecithin as ingredients. The following is the list of soy-free OPTAVIA Fuelings.

1. Optavia Velvety Hot Chocolate Drink Mix
2. Optavia Frothy Cappuccino Drink
3. Optavia Mint Chocolate Soft Serve Mix
4. Optavia Coffee Soft Serve Mix
5. Optavia Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
6. Optavia Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes
7. Optavia Cheesy Buttermilk Cheddar Mac
8. Optavia Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake Mix
9. Optavia Honey Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
10. Optavia Buttermilk Cheddar Herb Biscuit Mix
11. Optavia Cheddar Biscuit Mix

What Are the Best OPTAVIA Fuelings?

The concept of the “best” OPTAVIA Fuelings can be subjective, as it depends on factors like convenience, taste, how filling they are, and their versatility for use in hacks like pancakes, waffles, or brownies. In our testing, the best-tasting OPTAVIA bars are the Creamy Double Peanut Butter Crisp Bar and the Chocolate Mint Cookie Crisp Bar. For shakes, we recommend trying the Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake and the Caramel Macchiato. Below is a list of the most popular OPTAVIA Fuelings among our clients.

• Optavia Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake
• Optavia Rich Dark Chocolate Shake
• Optavia Caramel Macchiato Shake
• Optavia Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Optavia Coffee Soft Serve

What about the worst OPTAVIA Fuelings? In our testing, we found the OPTAVIA oatmeals, Cheesy Buttermilk Cheddar Mac, and OPTAVIA Wild Strawberry Shake to have unpleasant flavors and do not recommend them. However, don’t worry – there are several ways to hack your OPTAVIA Fuelings and make them taste better.

What Are the Best OPTAVIA Fueling Hacks?

OPTAVIA fueling hacks refer to making small but impactful changes to the texture or flavor of OPTAVIA foods. The goal is to make them more delicious without adding extra calories. These hacks involve adjusting sweetness, enhancing creaminess, or reducing any bitter aftertaste from sweeteners.

Hacking your OPTAVIA Fuelings adds variety by incorporating additional ingredients like coffee or almond milk. You can also change the consistency through blending or freezing, or even use them in cooking and baking to create waffles or pancakes. Our favorite OPTAVIA Fueling hacks include vanilla shake hacks, OPTAVIA chocolate shake hacks, and OPTAVIA strawberry shake hacks.

Are OPTAVIA Fuelings Healthy?

The answer isn’t straightforward. OPTAVIA Fuelings can contribute to weight loss and may improve some cardiovascular risk factors when used as part of a structured weight management program. For example, a 2021 study by Martin Halle from the Technical University of Munich (the ACOORH trial) found that participants using meal replacements in conjunction with a lifestyle intervention lost more weight (approximately 7 pounds more after 12 weeks and 4 pounds more after a year) and saw greater improvements in cardiovascular risk factors than those using lifestyle interventions alone.

However, it’s important to note that OPTAVIA Fuelings are highly processed. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition by Andrea L Pattinson from the University of Sydney compared the effects of a total meal replacement diet to a food-based diet in postmenopausal women. While both groups improved their diet quality, those on the food-based diet saw greater overall improvement. So what does this mean? Are OPTAVIA Fuelings bad for you? While OPTAVIA Fuelings can aid in weight loss, they likely don’t offer the same nutritional benefits as whole foods from the grocery store due to their highly processed ingredients.

What Are the Ingredients in OPTAVIA Fuelings?

The following list shows the ingredients found in OPTAVIA fuelings.

• Soy protein isolate
• Soluble corn fiber
• Brown rice syrup
• Polydextrose
• Milk protein isolate
• Rolled oats
• Erythritol
• Allulose syrup
• Almonds
• Water
• Natural flavor
• High oleic sunflower oil
• Guar gum
• Rice starch
• Soy lecithin
• Salt
• Maltodextrin

Other ingredients in OPTAVIA Fuelings include sugar, stevia, and steviol glycosides for sweetness; caffeine; fractionated palm and palm kernel oil, palm oil, and glycerine for texture; water; cocoa and rice flour for flavor; dextrose; Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 as a probiotic; and gum arabic as a stabilizer.

What Are the Nutrition Facts in OPTAVIA Fuelings?

OPTAVIA Fuelings, according to their nutritional facts, have a varied macronutrient composition. They generally offer 100-110 calories per serving, with protein and total carbs ranging from 11-15 grams and dietary fiber between 3-6 grams. Fat content varies from 1-4 grams, with minimal saturated fat. They are designed to be low in sugar, typically containing less than 5 grams per serving. Here’s a more detailed nutritional profile for OPTAVIA Fuelings.

In terms of micronutrients, OPTAVIA Fuelings contain 24 vitamins and minerals, including iron, niacin, biotin, zinc, and iodine. The most prominent vitamins in OPTAVIA Fuelings are vitamin D (10mcg), vitamin A (180mcg), and vitamin E (3mg) per serving. They also provide 200mg of calcium, 330mg of potassium, and 18mg of vitamin C.

What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of OPTAVIA Fuelings?

While there’s no definitive proof that OPTAVIA Fuelings are dangerous, it’s important to be aware of these potential side effects. Emily Sicinski, a registered dietitian from New York, raises concerns about potential long-term side effects of OPTAVIA, including gallstones, hormone imbalances, fatigue, diminished metabolism, and depression. Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, suggests a possible link between the OPTAVIA diet and acute telogen effluvium (TE), a form of hair loss. She attributes this potential link to severe deficiencies and caloric restriction common in very low-calorie diets.

So, is the OPTAVIA diet unhealthy? Any restrictive diet can have unintended consequences, including disordered eating or yo-yo dieting. Before starting any new diet program, it’s always best to consult your doctor. Additionally, discuss the various OPTAVIA plans with your coach to ensure it’s the right fit for you before investing in the program.

How Much Are OPTAVIA Fuelings?

The cost of OPTAVIA fuelings can be high. The standard cost is $23.25 per 7 servings ($3.32 per serving). For a recommended monthly supply of 154 servings, the cost rises to $415.05. Only two fueling types (Dark Chocolate Dream Bar and Cookies & Cream Shake) offer a slightly lower price of $21.75 per 7 servings ($3.10 per serving).

So, is OPTAVIA overpriced? Many people find OPTAVIA costly and seek more affordable alternatives like Skinny Box, which costs only $11.00 per box of 7 servings. While OPTAVIA is more than twice as expensive as Skinny Box, it remains less pricey than Ideal Protein meal replacements, which cost $4.50 – $5.50 per serving. It’s important to note that OPTAVIA Fuelings are primarily sold through OPTAVIA coaches via the official website. There are no discounts on Fuelings beyond the initial order, regardless of whether you enroll in OPTAVIA Premier. However, you might find OPTAVIA products listed on other websites.

Where to Buy OPTAVIA Fuelings?

There are two main ways to buy OPTAVIA Fuelings. You can purchase them directly from OPTAVIA, either on the official website or through an Independent OPTAVIA Coach. Buying through a coach provides support, the option to return products if needed, but also means they earn a commission on your purchases. Alternatively, websites like eBay, Facebook Groups, or Poshmark often have OPTAVIA Fuelings listed by individual sellers. Prices might be lower, but be aware of shorter expiration dates or a lack of return guarantees compared to buying directly from OPTAVIA. You cannot buy OPTAVIA Fuelings from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Costco, or Walgreens.

Are Expired OPTAVIA Fuelings Still Good?

Yes, expired OPTAVIA Fuelings can generally be consumed without safety concerns. Their expiration dates primarily indicate optimal quality and taste rather than food safety. However, whether expired OPTAVIA products are suitable for consumption depends on factors such as how long they’ve been expired, whether they’ve been stored correctly, and if they show any signs of mold, off-odors, or discoloration (especially if the packaging has been opened).

Can You Return OPTAVIA Fuelings?

Yes, you can return OPTAVIA Fuelings if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase. Consumable products, including Fuelings, must be returned within 30 days of receipt for a refund, excluding shipping fees, by generating a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number through your Client account.

What Are the Cheaper Alternatives to OPTAVIA Fuelings?

Optavia Fueling substitutes refer to cost-effective and customizable snack options for those following the DIY Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan, with choices like beef jerky, protein puffs, and yogurts all under 150 calories and containing at least 10 grams of protein. These OPTAVIA Fueling alternatives not only provide savings but also cater to various dietary preferences and needs, such as soy-free options and higher protein content, making them accessible through local stores and eliminating the need to order through an OPTAVIA coach.

How to Store OPTAVIA feelings

To store OPTAVIA fuelings effectively and preserve their freshness, taste, and nutritional value, it’s recommended to keep them in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight, using airtight containers or desiccant packs to guard against moisture. We like organizing OPTAVIA fuelings with solutions like mini fueling stations, glass containers with sealing lids, and door-hanging pantry organizers, which are suggested to help extend the shelf life and ensure the quality of OPTAVIA products.

How To Make your Own OPTAVIA Fuelings

To make your own OPTAVIA fuelings, focus on assembling a variety of healthy, low-calorie snacks, such as raw vegetables like carrot and cucumber sticks, fruits like blueberries and watermelon balls, and proteins including hard-boiled eggs and canned tuna fish in water. Combine these items in balanced portions to align with the OPTAVIA diet plan, ensuring you meet your nutritional needs without exceeding calorie limits.

How Can I Do the Optavia Diet Without Purchasing the Fuelings?

You can definitely do the OPTAVIA 5 and 1 plan without purchasing the pre-packaged fuelings! At Optimal Weight Plan, our team of certified OPTAVIA coaches understands that weight loss is a long-term journey, and we focus on providing guidance on healthy meal planning. We can help you create a customized plan using whole foods that aligns with the OPTAVIA principles. Call us today to schedule a free discovery call and learn how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals!