Finding Optavia-Approved Sausage Options for Your Diet Plan

Finding the Best Optavia-Approved Sausage Options

The Optavia diet program emphasizes nutritious lean proteins as a key component of reaching your weight loss goals. Sausage can be included in moderation as part of an Optavia plan, but not all types of sausage align with the program's principles. Knowing what to look for when selecting approved sausage options is key.

Opt for Turkey, Chicken or Vegetarian Sausages

Optavia generally recommends choosing lower fat turkey or chicken sausages over pork or beef sausages. Going with vegetarian soy-based sausages is also an aligned choice for non-meat eaters. These lighter sausage options fit better nutritionally within an Optavia plan:

• Jennie-O Turkey Breakfast Sausage
• Applegate Organics Chicken & Apple Sausage
• Aidells Cajun Style Chicken & Pork Sausage
• MorningStar Farms Original Sausage Patties
• Tofurky Italian Sausage
• Lightlife Gimme Lean Sausage

Watch Out for Hidden Carbs

Be ingredient savvy when selecting sausages to avoid excess hidden sugars, starches and other carbohydrates. Optavia limits net carbs to 80-120 grams per day depending on your plan, so account for sausage carbs in your daily budget.

Some sausages to be cautious of for higher carbs include:

• Flavored chicken sausages with added sugars or maple syrups
• Pre-cooked breakfast sausages with starchy binders
• Brats and other sausages with dextrose or cornstarch
• Cajun or heavily seasoned sausages with added sugars

emphasize Leaner Sausage Options

Optavia focuses on incorporating healthy lean proteins as fuel sources. When buying sausage, read nutrition labels and look for options that are:

• High in protein (at least 15g per serving)
• Low in fat and saturated fat (5g or less per serving)
• Contain no more than 45mg of cholesterol per serving
• Minimally processed without excess sodium

Sausage that fits these nutrition parameters includes:

• Uncured chicken sausages with minimal seasoning
• Extra lean turkey sausages with 1-2g sat fat
• Organic reduced sodium vegetarian sausages

Avoid High Sodium Varieties

Optavia meal plans limit sodium intake to 2000-2300mg daily for heart health. Many sausages and smoked sausage varieties are very high in sodium content:

• Kielbasa (up to 900mg in one link)
• Beef Smoked Sausage (up to 580mg per link)
• Cheese-Filled Sausage (around 350mg per link)
• Italian Chicken Sausage (up to 590mg per link)

Compare nutrition labels and go for low sodium sausage options whenever possible while following your Optavia plan.

Watch Portion Sizes

Even healthy sausages should be enjoyed in moderation on Optavia plans. Overdoing portion sizes can lead to excessive calories, fat, sodium and other nutrients in excess of plan allowances:

• Optimal portion is 1-2 oz or about 1 small link
• Count servings toward your lean protein allowance for the day
• Round out meals with non-starchy veggies and complex carbs

Cook Safely Without Added Fats

Optavia encourages lean, nutritious cooking methods. Avoid frying sausages or cooking with added oils, butters or creams. Healthy cooking tips include:

• Grill or pan cook on a rack to allow fat drainage
• Roast in the oven on a lined sheet pan
• Boil or poach sausages to reduce fat content
• Microwave on a paper towel lined plate
• Cut added fats by misting pans with cooking spray

Top Optavia Diet Approved Sausage Picks

It is possible to incorporate tasty, satisfying sausages into Optavia meal plans. Here are some of the top recommended and Optavia-aligned sausage options:

1. Jennie-O Lean Turkey Breakfast Sausage

With a stellar nutrition profile of just 1g fat, 0g carbs and 50mg sodium per link, this tasty lean breakfast sausage is a winner. Plus 10g of protein per link keeps you fueled.

2. Applegate Organics Chicken & Apple Sausage

ATouch of sweetness from apples and maple make this juicy chicken sausage delicious. With no nitrates or nitrites and 110mg sodium per link, it's a cleaner choice.

3. MorningStar Farms Original Sausage Patties

At just 50 calories, 1.5g fat and 350mg sodium per patty, these savory, protein-packed vegetarian sausages are Optavia approved.

4. Jones Dairy Farm Turkey Sausage Links

Made from quality turkey breast meat with no fillers or artificial flavors, these links offer a solid 11g protein and just 280mg sodium each.

5. Aidells Cajun Style Chicken & Pork Sausage

With bold Cajun flavor yet only 2g fat per link, this chicken and pork sausage brings the taste without the guilt.

6. Al Fresco Chipotle Chicken Sausage

The smoky chipotle and chicken combo satisfies flavor cravings with 7g protein and just 2.5g fat per link.

7. Butterball Turkey Sausage Patties

Convenient pre-made turkey sausage patties provide 9g protein, 1.5g fat and just 60 calories each.

8. Tofurky Italian Sausage

Made from soy protein instead of meat, each vegan link has 140 calories, 7g protein and 1.5g fat with robust pizza-worthy flavor.

9. Chicken Apple Sausage by Al Fresco

Tangy apple notes liven up the savory chicken sausage links with no nitrates/nitrites and just 2.5g fat per piece.

Tips for Adding Sausage to Optavia Meal Plans

Following Optavia habits and fuelings but craving a little sausage? Here are some tips for incorporating it into your meal plan:

Choose Lean Varieties

Stick with chicken, turkey or vegetarian sausages with at least 15g protein, minimal fat, low carbs and limited sodium per serving.

Count Towards Lean Protein

Figure 1-2 oz. sausage links into your allotted daily lean protein portions on your Optavia plan.

Add to Vegetables

Sautee diced sausage with spinach, peppers, onions and mushrooms for an easy breakfast hash or scramble.

Feature in Optavia Recipes

Use crumbled sausage in approved Optavia soup, salad, skillet and slow cooker recipes for extra flavor and protein.

Top Salads

Seared or baked sausage medallions or sliced links make tasty salad protein toppings.

Pair with Veggie Sides

Serve roasted or grilled sausage links alongside non-starchy vegetables to balance your meal.

Enjoy Sausage Scrambles

Cook turkey sausage crumbles or slices into your egg scramble along with veggies.

Add to Kabobs

Thread sausage chunks and vegetables onto skewers for easy kabobs on the grill or in the oven.

Optavia-Friendly Sausage Recipes

Sausage & Kale Frittata

Whisk 6 eggs with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Heat 1 tsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 3 oz diced chicken sausage and 1 cup chopped kale for 5 minutes. Pour in egg mixture and make frittata by cooking 4-5 minutes until set. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Serve with sliced tomatoes.

Sausage stuffed Peppers

Cut tops off 4 small bell peppers; remove seeds. In a skillet, cook 4 oz lean Italian turkey sausage, 1 tsp oregano, 1 garlic clove (minced), and ?? onion (chopped) until sausage is browned. Add ?? cup low sodium marinara sauce and heat through. Divide mixture between peppers. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until peppers are tender.

Cauliflower Rice Bowls

In a pan, stir fry 1 cup riced cauliflower, ?? cup diced onion, and 1 cup sliced mushrooms. Add 2 pre-cooked chicken apple sausage links, sliced. Season with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until heated through. Top with 2 fried eggs.

Should You Eat Sausage on Optavia? The Bottom Line

Sausage can be part of an Optavia plan in moderation by selecting leaner, low carb, lower sodium options and controlling portions. Turkey, chicken and vegetarian sausages tend to be more diet-approved picks. Always stick to proper cooking methods and incorporate sausages as part of balanced Optavia fuelings and meals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.