Optavia is a weight loss program that encourages individuals to shed pounds by eating prepackaged Fuelings meals and home-cooked meals known as Lean and Green.
This low-calorie diet is popular with vegetarians, diabetics, and those with food allergies. Furthermore, it may help those with high blood pressure or gastrointestinal health concerns.
Korean Beef Bowl
Korean beef bowls are an irresistibly flavorful and sweet meal that takes only 30 minutes to prepare – perfect for a weeknight dinner on the go! Packed full of nutrients, these meals make the ideal start-to-finish experience.
This recipe features ground beef and an easy homemade Korean sauce that’s sure to please the entire family!
You can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it in a skillet. Additionally, the beef mixture and vegetables can be stored airtight in an airtight container for up to four days.
Serve this delicious beef with steamed rice or your preferred carb, such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. For an added touch, add some pickled broccoli slaw or kimchi to complete your meal!
For a fiery variation, add some gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to the sauce. Alternatively, you could also add extra brown sugar for sweetness if desired.
To cook the beef, first saute some minced garlic and ginger in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Once the beef has browned and cooked through, remove from the pan.
Next, stir in the remaining ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
To serve, assemble four bowls with rice, warmed beef mixture, fresh or sauteed vegetables and an over-easy egg if desired. Garnish each bowl with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before enjoying!
Italian Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles are a delicious substitute for pasta, and can be dressed up or left plain. Make them with an electric spiralizer, vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer; they make excellent low carb options for those on the keto diet.
To cook these pasta substitutes successfully, it’s important to drain away excess moisture. Otherwise, your zoodles will become very watery when pan fried.
I like to drain the zoodles in a colander over the sink and squeeze gently to remove any remaining water. After that, I rinse the noodles and pat them dry with a fresh towel.
Once you’re ready to begin cooking the recipe, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Once heated, toss in the zoodles and cook until they are al dente – approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Once the zoodles are cooked, stir them with tomato sauce and cheese until thoroughly coated and heated through. For extra flavor, you may wish to sprinkle some extra grated cheese (Parmesan optional) and fresh basil before serving the spaghetti.
For a healthier version of classic Italian pasta, try this delicious zucchini noodle dish that is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free! This pasta makes for an ideal date night or busy weeknight dinner – perfect for when you need something quick but satisfying at the same time!
This classic Italian recipe hails from Nerano on the Sorrento peninsula in southern Italy and it has a long-standing tradition. This dish is widely considered one of the best recipes for this delectable pasta!
This simple Italian fried zucchini recipe has gained widespread recognition in recent years. Invented by Maria Grazia at her restaurant in Nerano, it can now be found on many Italian websites.
Mediterranean Salad
The Mediterranean Salad is an easy, delicious side dish or main course option that’s packed with summer veggies and herbs. Plus, it keeps well in the refrigerator if you want to make it ahead of time!
For this salad, all you need are cucumber, tomato, red onion and cilantro. Season them with salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil for a light yet flavorful meal that’s ideal for the warmer weather.
This dish is ideal to bring along to a picnic or potluck! The flavors pair perfectly with grilled fish and meat.
This recipe requires three key ingredients: tomatoes, red onions and green bell peppers. Select tomatoes that are ripe as they release less liquid into the salad; if you can’t locate a red tomato, substitute with something smaller like a cherry or grape tomato instead.
Red onions provide the ideal bite and balance to this salad. You could substitute thinly sliced yellow or white onions, but their natural sweetness won’t be quite the same.
You can substitute cilantro for any fresh herb of your preference; dill, basil or mint all work well here.
This salad dressing is incredibly easy to make with just some pantry items: olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano and salt and pepper. Finally, stir everything together for an irresistibly flavorful homemade Greek vinaigrette!
This Mediterranean Chopped Vegetable Salad with Chickpeas is an easy and satisfying recipe that takes only 15 minutes to make! Enjoy this satisfying meal on repeat!
Chicken & Asparagus Frittata
Frittatas are a delectable breakfast dish made by baking eggs in an oven-safe skillet or pie plate. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch – and easy to make ahead of time – frittatas make great leftovers!
A delicate, creamy texture is key for a delicious frittata when baked. After 28-38 minutes in a 375deg oven, your frittata should have puffed up, risen and just set (it shouldn’t jiggle).
This asparagus frittata recipe is an ideal way to start your day off right with a nutritious breakfast. It only requires 8 ingredients and features fresh herbs, ricotta cheese and plenty of asparagus – making it one of the healthiest breakfast dishes you’ll ever try! Of course you can customize this delicious dish by adding other vegetables, cheeses or meats too!
For this light and healthy recipe, you’ll need chicken, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you’ll need kale, asparagus and red peppers.
Steaming asparagus makes it tender and flavorful. You may use frozen asparagus if desired, just be sure to wash it thoroughly before cooking.
Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that pairs perfectly with the creamy eggs in this recipe. To add an extra layer of flavor, chop up tomatoes and mushrooms for extra zest.
Serve your frittata topped with fresh herbs, ricotta cheese and prosciutto for an elegant presentation. This quick recipe can help you get a balanced meal on the table in just 30 minutes!
Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients in food, and baked dishes like omelettes, quiches and frittatas offer endless opportunities to add variety to your meals. For an even better flavor and creamy texture, experiment with adding mustard, Dijon or tarragon – these simple changes will make all the difference in your frittata!
Shrimp & Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta that’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s an incredibly low calorie meal everyone will love!
This shrimp scampi with spaghetti squash recipe is an easy and delectable weeknight dinner. Tender spaghetti squash is simmered in a buttery garlic white wine sauce before being combined with plump shrimp. The delicate flavors of shrimp and tender texture of the spaghetti squash come together to form an irresistible meal!
This Greek-style dish features salty feta and olives tossed with plump shrimp and buttery spaghetti squash strands. It’s simple to prepare and delicious whether hot or at room temperature!
Make this shrimp scampi with spaghetti squash ahead of time and reheat it in the oven as needed. This will guarantee that both ingredients stay fresh and crispy.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Brush insides with some oil, season with salt and pepper, then place cut sides down on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, or until squash can easily be pierced with a fork.
Once the spaghetti squash has cooled, scrape it with a fork into long “noodles.” Place these roasted spaghetti squashes into an oven-safe dish and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Add shrimp scampi sauce and top it off with parmesan cheese before serving for a delectable and nutritious dinner that’s ideal for the whole family!
You could easily add more seafood to this nutritious recipe if desired. Crab meat, white fish or salmon all work great in it!