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MyFitnessPal Community

Optavia - Habits of Health

sjcook23

Just started Optavia 6 days ago. I did Keto for 5 months and lost weight, but it made my cholesterol go up. My sisters are doing Optavia and have had great success.

I like it so far because I don't have to think about food so much because of the prepackaged food. I am learning what portions look like through weighing my food. I feel better: breath easier, more energy, less cravings. It requires hydration, which I've never been good at.

I like that it integrates reading and journaling. I've learning that we live in a world that mostly doesn't care about making or serving healthy food/portions, but only cares about making money. I've learned that my body is wired to be a hunter/gatherer and because of that I eat a certain way.

I've learned that I have to choose health for the right reasons or I'll end up yo-yo dieting.

I've learned that I didn't want a coach, but they assigned me one and I like her a lot and like the support.

My son's fiance is doing the Hard 75 challenge: no alcohol, 1 outside workout, 1 inside workout, staying in your calorie goal for eating, reading 10 pages of a self help book - for 75 days. I'm beginning to incorporate the exercise portion. I don't drink alcohol anyway. I'm reading the Optavia books, but will push to read 10 pages a day. Obviously, I'm trying to meet my food calorie goals as I'm on a set meal plan with Optavia.

How has your optavia journey gone?

Replies

L1zardQueen

Looking up Optavia on Google, it says you need to watch you calorie intake and exercise. When you reach your goal weight, how will you maintain your weight? What is your exit strategy from optavia?

Terytha

Optavia is an MLM. Pyramid scheme products are frequently low quality and extremely expensive compared to the non-MLM stuff you can get.

Also MLM products are unethical, imo. I would never support companies that are that predatory and cultish.

Further, while people do lose weight on it, having learned nothing useful the frequency of people regaining the weight after stopping is very high.

Nbaker0909

I have a coworker that lost her 30 pounds of baby weight on it and has kept it off for about a year now. She seemed to really like the program. She said the transition phase is what really makes the difference and helped her keep the weight off.

sjcook23

I guess I will see what happens. I feel good on it so far. More energy and I'm losing weight. No cravings. Not hungry all the time. The food isn't bad. It is expensive, but I can afford to pay for a program that is working for me. I like having a coach that checks up on me and answers questions.

sjcook23

I like that it is a plan for optimal health and not a weight loss program. Losing the weight is just phase 1. It also incorporates weight management, motion, sleep, mind, and surroundings.

psuLemon

Out of curiosity, what part of your cholesterol went up?

sjcook23

For Keto - Every part of my cholesterol went up. So much so that the doctor wanted to put me on meds immediately. I told her that I could get it under control with diet. It's been three months and I have brought it down quite a bit. My problem was that I was eating real eggs instead of egg substitute. I don't have a problem with egg substitute or just using the egg white, so not a big deal.

sjcook23

For the past 2 days I have been adding a bit of the 75 Hard https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info . I've been trying to do one workout inside and one workout outside, read 10 pages of non-fiction a day, I've really got to up my H2O to 1 gallon (128 oz). I'm only doing 64 oz via Optivia. I read that dehydration works against your metabolism. The WebMD said that we need 1 oz per lb of weight - that would be a lot for me. So aiming for the 1 gallon is my newest change to incorporate.

psuLemon

sjcook23 wrote: »

For Keto - Every part of my cholesterol went up. So much so that the doctor wanted to put me on meds immediately. I told her that I could get it under control with diet. It's been three months and I have brought it down quite a bit. My problem was that I was eating real eggs instead of egg substitute. I don't have a problem with egg substitute or just using the egg white, so not a big deal.

Like your triglycerides and fasting blood glucose went up? It's not unusual for total cholesterol to increase because HDL and even LDL can increase. But that doesn't mean you are in a worse metabolic position. If weight is trending down, fasting blood glucose and triglycerides are improving, while HDL is increasing, you are are ok. My LDL went up to 178 from 99, but my HDL doubled, my triglycerides went down to 40 and fasting blood glucose was 80. Some people, like myself, can be a hyper responder to the increase fatty acids from keto.

breefoshee

So.. Just my opinion here:I think that if this works for you, then do it. I've thought about it only because I love packaged junk foods and it seems like these might have more protein than the 100 calorie snacks in the stores. But I'm cheap and don't want to be told what to do by a coach.

Weight loss is not sustainable-- ever. We aren't supposed to live in a calorie deficit forever. I think that it just has do be doable until the weight is off.

Every single person who hits maintenance will have to have an exit strategy, because the majority of people will gain the weight back. No matter if they did it slow, quick, ate carbs, no carbs.

And the examples of people who keep it off are across the board. As much as "this needs to be something you can do forever" is said, those people who make "small changes" gain the weight back too!

I think you have to have a really good plan for when the weight loss stops and maintenance begins.

sjcook23

I hear you about not wanting someone to tell me what to do. I wanted on the program, but didn't want a coach. However, having had the coach for 1.5 weeks now. She really is just sending helpful info and answering questions, which is really helpful. I quit WW because I felt it was too smothering. I felt that I had the knowledge and willpower to do it on my own. Having said that. I really like Optavia. I like most of the food, esp the snack-like food and smoothies/shakes. I'm not hungry. I'm losing weight. I like that they are trying to install healthy habits, like hydration, mindful eating, knowing my portions thru weighing food.

My latest disappointment is that while in Phase 1 (getting to a healthy weight) Myfitnesspal doesn't really work, because the calorie input is less than 1000 per day, so it won't post your completed food diary. However, Optavia has it's own app that has you check a box for each fueling, register you water consumption, report mindfulness, as well as complete other tasks, e.g., clearing the pantry of junk food, eating from 6 inch plates, etc. However, the lean and green meal won't even fit on a 6 inch plate - it is a LOT of food. 3 oz of lettuce, which is 2 of the 3 vegetables is a 10-12 inch plateful of salad. 6 oz of chicken breast is more than I can eat in a setting. Who knew that 1 serving of protein could be so much food.

sjcook23

3 weeks in 10 lbs loss.

Go_Deskercise

sjcook23 wrote: »

I hear you about not wanting someone to tell me what to do. I wanted on the program, but didn't want a coach. However, having had the coach for 1.5 weeks now. She really is just sending helpful info and answering questions, which is really helpful. I quit WW because I felt it was too smothering. I felt that I had the knowledge and willpower to do it on my own. Having said that. I really like Optavia. I like most of the food, esp the snack-like food and smoothies/shakes. I'm not hungry. I'm losing weight. I like that they are trying to install healthy habits, like hydration, mindful eating, knowing my portions thru weighing food.

My latest disappointment is that while in Phase 1 (getting to a healthy weight) Myfitnesspal doesn't really work, because the calorie input is less than 1000 per day, so it won't post your completed food diary. However, Optavia has it's own app that has you check a box for each fueling, register you water consumption, report mindfulness, as well as complete other tasks, e.g., clearing the pantry of junk food, eating from 6 inch plates, etc. However, the lean and green meal won't even fit on a 6 inch plate - it is a LOT of food. 3 oz of lettuce, which is 2 of the 3 vegetables is a 10-12 inch plateful of salad. 6 oz of chicken breast is more than I can eat in a setting. Who knew that 1 serving of protein could be so much food.

Completing your diary is unnecessary as the only reason to do it is to get the "Your weight in 5 weeks will be ____" (which is just inaccurate anyways)

It worries me though that you're eating less than 1000 calories a day.

briscogun

sjcook23 wrote: »

My latest disappointment is that while in Phase 1 (getting to a healthy weight) Myfitnesspal doesn't really work, because the calorie input is less than 1000 per day, so it won't post your completed food diary.

This should be a huge red flag for you. ANY plan will work if you have that low of a calorie intake. That sounds like the exact opposite of a mindful, healthy way of losing weight and managing your health.

As a side note, when I first saw this post with the name "Optavia", it sounded like one of those drug commercials on TV...

"Don't use Optavia if you exhibit an allergic reaction. Side effects include: stomach cramps, heart palpitations, numbness in the face, and in rare cases death."

sweetdianachka

I have been on Optavia since February. Went from 194 to 148 currently. I also started after my sister was successful! She’s been in maintenance since March and gone back to 5/1 for a few weeks once after too much drinking and quarantine snacking. Honestly it is the only thing that has ever worked for me to keep loosing weight long term. Everything else I’ve tried I fall off the wagon eventually.

LynnJ9

When I first started losing weight I was on Medifast (same company). It worked for me to help me structure my eating. The green lean meals taught me portion control.
I still think the bars have great macros and a great 100 calorie choice.

paperpudding

I've learning that we live in a world that mostly doesn't care about making or serving healthy food/portions, but only cares about making money. I've learned that my body is wired to be a hunter/gatherer and because of that I eat a certain way.

and Optavia is different?? - it is a company that doesn't care about making money???

Not sure what you mean by your body is wired to be a hunter /gatherer

- and what certain way do you eat on account of that??

Lolana1822

I've never done Optavia, but I can see how and why it could be appealing. It's convenient and seems to incorporate clean eating rules, which is more than most other plans do. But like all healthy eating/meal replacement companies, it's just soooo expensive for all the processed food you're getting. According to the website, it's almost 3 bucks for one bar. I would have to be crazy rich to even consider doing that. Simply counting calories works just as well and can be done on a budget.

What's even more worrying is the daily calorie limit of apparently under 1000 calories? I get that it's great to see quick results, but that's not even remotely healthy. Even the most obese people are usually told to get at least 1200 calories in. I get that Optavia wants to give quick results so you stick to it, but please be reasonable and eat the minimum your body needs to sustain itself. Weightloss isn't a sprint, it's a marathon.

sweetdianachka

I usually make it over 1000 calories in a typical day, but some days I can be under. It depends on what you choose for your protein, healthy fats, and condiments

sjcook23

As I'm on thyroid meds and soy blocks absorbing of the meds, I have since downloaded the Optavia resource page that tells me which products have soy. Now I am taking the meds first thing in the morning with a non-soy shake/smoothie. Feeling much better.

Progress: 5 weeks - 14 lbs.

No cravings, not hungry, sleeping better, drinking 8 cups of H2O, and starting to up my exercise (now that I'm feeling better).

Optavia weekly calls with my Coach are helpful.

paperpudding

You dont need the Optavia resource page to tell you which foods have soy - a simple google would do it.

Or read the food labels on foods.

Good luck with Optavia - and Good luck promoting it on MFP.

I think you have probably chosen the wrong platform to do that - but hey, worth a try.

paperpudding

and 14lb in 5 weeks is a rate too aggressive for nearly everybody- and 1000 calories is a number too low for everybody.

No brownie points for those things.

paperpudding

and thyroxine meds are best taken on an empty stomach anyway.

whoami67

My next door neighbor is doing the same plan. She's lost about half her body weight and is unrecognizable. She loves it, but it doesn't appeal to me.

paperpudding

Hello my disagree stalker

Do you really disagree that thyroid med's are best taken on an empty stomach, despite all medical recomendations saying so ??

Or that a weight loss rate of nearly 3lb week is too aggressive for most people or that 1000 calories is too low for everyone??

Oh boy.

halljanex

I’m doing OPTAVIA now and love it, I can’t believe how much I’m learning about choice and goals. Dr. Anderson’s book “the Habits of Health” is giving me a new perspective on long term habits. I have about 80 lbs to lose, am 2 weeks in and have lost 11 lbs. I always lose a lot the first week of any plan. It should take me around 6-8 months. I don’t think it is unhealthy to Eat under 1000 calories in A day when we eat every 2-3 hours and drink lots of water. In this Covid time, we must lose our obesity as quickly as possible. Go sjcook23! Don’t let the disagree stalker get you down. Lol

ninerbuff

As a professional in the business, I will give straight advice on any program. Here's the TRUTH. ANY PROGRAM works if you institute the guidelines they ask you to adhere to. It doesn't matter if it's Jenny Craig, Atkins, Lean Cusine, etc. They ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON..................to lose weight you have to eat less than you burn. Now it's great you're getting information, but honestly you're buying powdered food at a costly price. And if you think about it, like ANY OTHER DIET if you don't adhere to that program basically for the rest of your life and then try to accustom yourself to solid foods, you're gonna find much higher calorie density. And if you're only eating 800-1000 calories a day, then even just switch to a 1200 calorie regular diet, YOU'RE GOING TO GAIN WEIGHT because you're already just eating 200 calories more a day.
And as a fitness professional doing this for a long time I ALWAYS tell my clients to NEVER UNDEREAT. I can promise you that along with fat, you'll lose muscle as well which lowers your resting metabolic rate. And when that happens, it means you have to consume even less to maintain any weight loss at goal.
Point is, QUIT DOING DIETS. Learn how to control how many calories you consume a day by still eating what you actually WILL EAT DAY TO DAY.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

ninerbuff

halljanex wrote: »

I’m doing OPTAVIA now and love it, I can’t believe how much I’m learning about choice and goals. Dr. Anderson’s book “the Habits of Health” is giving me a new perspective on long term habits. I have about 80 lbs to lose, am 2 weeks in and have lost 11 lbs. I always lose a lot the first week of any plan. It should take me around 6-8 months. I don’t think it is unhealthy to Eat under 1000 calories in A day when we eat every 2-3 hours and drink lots of water.

I'm a professional. I'll tell you IT'S NOT HEALTHY. There are a certain amount of calories you need to have optimal health function and it's going to be above 1000 calories. Ask ANY REGISTERED DIETICIAN. An extreme cut in calories will force the body to respond and it does by doing things like lower metabolic rate.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

paperpudding

I am a health professional and I agree - 1000 calories per day is not healthy. Regardless of how much water you drink or how you space your food intake.

Unless you are on a VLCD for a specific reason, under medical supervision, or you are an absolute outlier - say, a bedridden 90 year old double amputee.
Not Joe Public on an Octavia diet

Why does Covid times mean we must lose our obesity as quickly as possible??
Can't see how COvid makes it any different to usual - lose at a sensible steady pace.

Jacq_qui

This is interesting - do these companies actually have to have any qualifications in nutrition/healthcare to operate? I mean, who is making these programs, do they have a clue or are they just making it up? I guess this is a US company, but it applies to other countries to; do these companies which provide foods actually have to have any standards to adhere to. Curious mind as never tried (and never would) anything like this, except slimfast, which I suppose is similar and also imo, not the best way to go.