This is ONE SERVING and is a COMPLETE Lean and Green meal!
Ingredients:
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Complete Lean and Green Meal - Noodles + Peanut Sauce |
If you haven't heard of Optavia , here's a brief overview. If you're considering Optavia , the first thing you need to do is cha...
This is ONE SERVING and is a COMPLETE Lean and Green meal!
Ingredients:
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Complete Lean and Green Meal - Noodles + Peanut Sauce |
I know I have gone on and on about how I prefer not to "hack" the Fuelings, and I still choose not to add stuff to them - I eat my five Fuelings plus my full Lean and Green every day.
HOWEVER, I was tired of seeing the Girl Scout cookies peanut butter patties on my counter, so this was my alternative. You mix a Brownie Fueling with 3T-4T of water, pour it into a silicone candy mold, top it with 2T of PB2 (prepared as directed)
It made eight heart shaped "candies" in this Wilton silicone mold.
They aren't really easy to eat when they're frozen, but once they soften enough to eat them, they're sticky and messy and it just seems like more work than it's worth for the benefit.
HOWEVER, the taste is worth it, if you're wanting that chocolatey-peanut buttery mix of flavors!
This isn't something I'll do often at all, but it was fun to try it and see that it does work.
I started following the 5&1 program on October 12. That’s less than 4 months ago if your sense of time is skewed like mine right now.
My goals were more about how I felt rather than my weight. My dream goal was to fit into size 10 jeans again - I’m 5’10” so that is (I thought) a comfortable size for me.
Today I pulled out some size 8 jeans. They fit perfectly. It’s extra funny because just yesterday I shared this first picture - size 16 to size 10 jeans (same brand, style, rise, etc) and I knew the 10s were getting big but didn’t think the 8s would fit yet.
This program works!
OPTAVIA Smashed Potato Fueling Hack |
This last week has been a little rough - hormones, stress, doctors - all of it playing a part in my overall health. I absolutely believe weight is just a number on a scale, and not an indicator of anything specific to health. I also weigh myself daily because for me, it is a representation of my body, and I like being able to acknowledge "okay, maybe I had too much xxx yesterday" or "wow I can tell that I wasn't as relaxed as normal yesterday" and see how those things affect my body.
I'm sharing these three graphs because for me, it is so telling how that number on the scale reflects my overall health.
The far left graph is my weight since I bought a scale in 2017. You can see the ups and downs, over and over, as I cycled through trying to find my health.
The middle graph is since I started this program in mid-October - straight down since then! This works!
The far right graph is just this month - the little ups and downs that reflect all the external factors that were affecting my health.
I am SO GRATEFUL I am learning habits of health to help mitigate these factors! I am able to acknowledging that what I eat isn't the whole picture, and what is going on in my life also plays a role in my overall health. I am so glad I'm learning how to focus my day, make choices that are in my own best interest, and I am absolutely LOVING coaching others on their own health journeys - the positivity I both give and get from this community is making such a huge difference in all aspects of my life.
All that to say...look at the bottom image. I am in tears typing this because I never, ever, ever in a million years would have thought this was possible. Ever. I didn't know. I didn't believe in myself. I figured I was too tall, too "big boned", too whatever, to ever be healthy. I was psyching myself out before I even got started - self-sabotage is real, you guys. I'm so glad I found this program, it has quite literally given me back my life. I feel more like ME than I have in a long time, and I love it. I feel like it radiates out from me, and I want to share it with everyone I know. I'm ready to help you get started on your own journey to health. Let's go!
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I lost 50 pounds on OPTAVIA in 3.5 months! |
Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits - Complete Lean and Green Meal (makes 1 portions)
I adapted this from the Optavia recipe here.
Ingredients:
12 oz peeled and deveined frozen shrimp = 7 oz cooked shrimp (1 LEANEST)I am SO CLOSE to reaching the 50 pounds GONE mark - and I can hardly believe it.
14 weeks.I really wanted scrambled eggs today, and I had some extra veggies to use up, so I mixed up this Breakfast Scramble. It is a complete Lean and Green meal. I had some leftover ground beef from a previous meal, so I split the protein between the eggs and the beef, and added veggies. You could easily substitute other veggies (be sure to weigh/measure) and a different healthy fat, depending on what you have on hand. I will include some suggestions below.
PLEASE use the Vegetable Conversion Chart to WEIGH your foods!
If you work out strenuously, or work long hours, you might have questions about how Optavia can and will fit into your life. Here are some guidelines.
On adding extra fuelings:
If clients are going to be up for later hours, we do not recommend adding extra Fuelings, as this contributes extra carbohydrates and may take the client out of the fat-burning state. Instead, we recommend that clients either utilize the optional snack or 2-3 oz. of additional protein if staying up for later hours.
On skipping fuelings:
It is important that clients get in 5 Fuelings and a full lean and green every day. We do not recommend that clients skip Fuelings or any of their lean and green meal. Skipping any of these options could potentially inhibit a client’s weight loss results, as getting too low of calories can send our body into a conservation state.
On spacing fuelings:
If clients start their day later than usual and feel that they’re going to have a hard time getting all of their Fuelings in for the day, we would recommend that they shorten their time intervals to get everything in (i.e. eat every 1.5-2 hours instead of every 2-3 hours). If a client feels that they are going to miss their 5th Fueling later in the day due to emergency circumstances, we would rather them double up on their last two Fuelings for the day than to skip a Fueling.
On longer days:
For clients who are up for longer hours regularly (i.e. nurses or those who have shift work), we recommend they spread out their eating times to every 3 hours, split their lean and green meal into 2 portions, utilize the optional snack, and add an extra 2-3oz. of protein. If they feel this is not enough food or they find themselves hungry throughout the day, we could potentially switch them to the 4&2 plan. This plan would give them 2 lean and green meals to split into two portions.
On timing fuelings:
It is okay for clients to eat right before bedtime (including eating their lean and green meal right before bedtime), as long as they are physically comfortable doing so (unless they have a pre-existing medical condition such as acid reflux, which may prevent them from eating so close to bedtime).
Exercise info:
The Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan® is designed to only support up to 45 minutes of light to moderate intensity activity per day. We describe light to moderate intensity activity as something you can do while holding a conversation comfortably with someone, or as something that keeps your heart rate maximum under 65%. This may include activities such as brisk walking, gentle yoga, light resistance training, etc. If clients feel they are a bit more hungry on the days they do an activity that falls within these parameters, they can add an additional 2-3oz. of protein to their day. If the client is doing more activity than what falls within these parameters (whether in terms of intensity or duration), then we would have to switch them to a higher calorie program altogether in order to support that activity and see results.
Fuelings come ready to eat, and as a powdered mix that you prepare before eating. Keep this process simple!
DASH WAFFLE MAKER:
Any “baked good” type fueling can be made into a waffle. Use the recommended amount of water on the packet, or substitute liquid egg whites for the water. Using water makes 1 waffle; using egg whites “puffs” the batter up, and makes 2 waffles. My favorite things to Dash are the Buttermilk Cheddar Herb Biscuit, Mashed Potatoes, Brownie, Cookie, Blueberry Biscuit, Cinnamon Cake, and Sweet Potatoes.
See my tips here: http://www.myjourneytoahealthyme.com/2020/11/dash-mini-waffle-maker-optavia-fuelings.html
SOUPS AND PASTAS:
I find the texture and taste to be best when I add the soup mix to an insulated container or insulated mug, pour boiling water over the top, stir, and cover for at least an hour. I often make a thermos of soup while I’m making my first Fueling, and set it on a counter or in my bag, and save it for my 3rd Fueling. So simple and easy to take on the go!
MICROWAVE:
Mix as directed on the packet. I microwave baked goods for between 15-30 seconds, rather than the recommended time. I like the baked goods a little gooey. It’s ok to eat all of the fuelings as a batter, too!
TOASTER or OVEN:
Use the provided paper cup, and bake as directed.
Have I mentioned before that I am LOVING this program? I think I might have π
I breezed through the New Years holiday on plan - a big part of that is because I didn't leave my house due to the pandemic, but regardless, I stayed on plan, I made a choice to fuel my body with the food it needs and wants, and I FEEL AMAZING. I sat down and wrote out my goals for the year.
I have been tracking my measurements also, and let me just say - I am blown away by the difference between October 12 and today. I look at myself in the mirror and I still see me, but I put on clothes I wasn't even close to fitting into before and they're big. I am wearing shirts that are two sizes smaller than what I was wearing before. My jeans have dropped almost 3 full sizes. My watch is on a much smaller setting, so is my belt. I can't say it enough, this program WORKS, and it is EASY. The formula is so simple - follow the program, eat 5 Fuelings plus 1 Lean and Green a day, and lose weight and inches while also feeling better. Fat-Burn is an awesome place to be!
I've changed my goal recently - when I started, I was hoping to lose 20 lbs. I didn't honestly think it was possible. Then I changed it to 60 lbs. Now I'm going for a healthier weight and BMI for my height. I will get there, and you know what? It'll be THIS YEAR that I get to that goal, and then THAT'S IT - I never have to do this again! All these little daily choices are leading me to big lifelong changes, and I couldn't be happier about it.
Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.
I have been trying to use up some of the food in my fridge before it goes bad, so I pulled this Lean and Green together today and it was quite yummy! If you eat snacks, you could also use a dill pickle spear for the crunch with the tuna, or just on the side! I mixed the cucumber and mayo in with the tuna, and made myself sandwiches and wraps with the lettuce and sandwich thins. It was so filling and tasty!
3 Outer Aisle Cauliflower Sandwich Thins (3 thins = 1/2 Lean + 1 Green)![]() |
Lean and Green - Tuna, Romaine, Cucumber, Outer Aisle Cauliflower Sandwich Thins |
I'm not much for resolutions, but today - for the first time ever - I wrote down goals for myself for January, and for all of 2021 (all related to my health, my finances, and travel goals post-pandemic). I also balanced my bank account, organized my planner (ha!), and made a list of things I need to do every day to stay on top of things and be productive.
Are you a resolutions person? Do you set goals for yourself? Do you write them down? How do you stay organized in life?
I feel like for years I’ve been doing ALL THE THINGS to get healthy, and yet I kept running into a wall. I’ve gained and lost the same 10-20 pounds countless times in the last few years.
I was following the formula. I knew what to do. Eat healthy + exercise = healthy body/weight. It should have worked.
But it didn’t.
I spent a lot of time listening to my body to determine what foods hurt and what didn’t. I forgot to find the foods that helped.
When eating healthy + exercise ≠ healthy body/weight, even when I was doing everything “right”, I told myself I must not be trying hard enough, and to keep trying. I worked out at ridiculous-dark-o’clock every morning. I cut some foods out of my diet, and added others. I ate less (then more). I tried intermittent fasting. I bought all the vitamins and supplements to try to feel better and feel healthy. I was sleeping like crap, exhausted, and barely surviving on caffeine.
It wasn’t working. NOTHING was working. I kept hitting that wall. I needed a new formula. I found it in October. I am going into the new year more than 40 pounds lighter and feeling a million times better than just 2.5 months ago. I FEEL AMAZING and I WANT THIS for all my friends who have not only struggled with their health, but are also doing the mental gymnastics to simply keep your head above water. I would love to help you find your health!
I forgot to do my measurements yesterday, so I'm a day off on my post today - so it's really Week 11 + 1 Day
This is going to be short but AWESOME this week. I made it through the Christmas holiday on plan, with only mild cookie temptation. I hit the 40 pound weight loss mark. I'm excited to share this program with people in 2021.
It was a good week!
Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.
How are you feeling after the holiday weekend? Are you tired and exhausted and worn out from all the holiday excitement? Did you take a nap? Did the stress and chaos give you a headache? Are you rejuvenated and ready to go today?
I used to *need* a strong kick of caffeine just to get through the day - that afternoon slump around 3pm was awful. When I had several busy and/or stressful days in a row, I’d tell myself I earned a nap - and then I would prioritize that nap on weekends. I have never had a lot of luck with sleeping in (so I’m always up around the same time every day), but for a long time (years!) I would wake in the middle of the night, and lay in bed for an hour or more trying to fall back asleep. No matter when I went to bed, I wasn’t getting enough sleep. That constant cycle of being tired, and needing caffeine, and then being even more tired, and then getting a headache from being so tired, was…exhausting.
I didn’t even know it was possible to break that cycle…but I did! I changed my diet. I prioritized myself. I am sleeping solidly and soundly 8-9 hours a night (yes, for real!) now. I take Natural Vitality Calm, a powdered form of magnesium, at bedtime and I swear it helps with my sleep. I haven’t had a headache in months.
Look at my eyes in these pictures. There’s no filters on them. Look how tired I am in the photo on the left, with circles under my eyes. I wasn’t healthy! My sleep wasn’t healthy! I was so bloated and inflamed!
Look at me on the right - awake, alert, and I feel like my eyes are brighter and clearer. It’s not just about surviving each day, it’s about living each day. Join me in living each day, I would love to share this program with you and help you feel amazing and get the good sleep too!
I love cooking and baking. I especially love the tradition I have with my children to bake holiday cookies - peanut butter blossoms, cut-out sugar cookies with frosting, snickerdoodles, oatmeal chocolate chip, and sometimes even more. We bake everything dairy-free, and often gluten-free also, and it is something we all enjoy.
I'm not going to lie, it was REALLY difficult this year to not taste-test the batter (especially the oatmeal chocolate chip batter) or the cookies (the peanut butter blossoms are my favorite!) but I asked myself one simple question and it helped me refocus: "What do I want more - that cookie, that I already know how it tastes (and honestly, it's probably not as good as I'm imagining it to be), OR to keep feeling amazing and not destroy my stomach by eating foods it isn't used to?" The answer was simple at that point. Maybe some day it won't be simple, but this year, it was easy to choose ME over the cookies. It was easy to put myself first, and break that habit, and remind myself it was things like those cookies that got me to where I was in the first place. There is a time and place for choosing to indulge in a sweet treat, but I am not at that time nor that place right now, and I made a very conscious and intentional choice to NOT taste-test the sweets this year.
But what about dinner?
I know there are tons of ways to create Optavia-compliant holiday meals and side dishes. Several are listed here. Much like Thanksgiving, I just don't have the same sentimental attachment to holiday foods that a lot of people seem to have. I don't need the meat and cheesy side dishes. As a kid, I would only eat mashed potatoes (no gravy) and pumpkin pie and cookies.
I know a lot of people make the conscious choice to go off-plan for the holidays, to splurge a little bit, or take small tastes of foods that they would normally not eat while following Optavia. All of that is fine, especially when it is an intentional decision.
So what did I eat?
I had my five Fuelings - I added a dash of nutmeg to a creamy vanilla shake and it was delicious! - and I ate seafood and spaghetti squash, with salad, for my Lean and Green. It was yummy, it was filling, and it kept me in Fat-Burn!
I bought the dress on the right to wear for an event a few years ago. I loved it - the material, the fit, the way the bottom hem looks. When I got home though, it was a little too snug to wear comfortably. I called all over town looking for another store with the same dress in a bigger size - found it - and went and bought it. That's the dress on the left. I don't have many occasions to get dressed up (especially this year), but I last wore the larger size dress to a Roaring 20s party last December, and absolutely loved being dressed up and out with my friends and felt good in what I was wearing (despite hiding behind a shawl).
I tried on dresses last night so my daughter and I could take silly pictures in front of the tree (you've seen the pics from the 50s and 60s floating around of women decked out posing with their trees, right?) and the larger size dress was falling off me, so I tried on the smaller size, and that's what I'm wearing in the picture. It actually has too much room in it now, but I still love the material and the way the dress flares, and that's the dress my daughter chose for me to wear last night for our silly pictures because she likes the hem too.
So, I'm officially retiring the dress on the left, and probably need to retire the dress on the right too, and buy myself some new fancy clothes for the off-chance of getting dressed up and going out someday ever again. If you're like me and have a closet full of clothes you hold on to, on the off chance of maybe possibly fitting into them again someday, let me help you get your someday sooner rather than later. It took me 2 years to decide to commit to this program, and choose myself and my health; don't wait as long as I did. Give yourself the gift of health this holiday season. I'd love to celebrate you fitting into your "someday" clothes in a few weeks!