20+ Lean and Green Recipes (2024)

20+ Lean and Green Recipes (1)

10 Comments / By Stephanie / January 6, 2023

Lean and Green Recipes don’t have to be boring. Try out one of these recipes to add some fun and flavor to your next meal.

While most start eating healthy for their New Year’s Resolution, there’s never a wrong time to work on eating more healthily.

A popular diet right now is Optavia which includes purchasing their snacks as well as a “lean and green meal” every day. The basics of “lean and green recipes” include five to seven ounces of high-protein meat alongside two to three servings of non-starchy greens. In the diet, you also have room for one to two servings of healthy fats. Usually, this is where your extra flavor and seasonings come in.

You can see more about the full rules of lean and green HERE.

While there are also many other options for a healthy diet, these meals would be healthy for almost any diet you want to follow. All of the lean and green recipes are high in protein and usually low in carbs, calories, and sugar.

Please note: I am not a physician nor do I have any stake in the Optavia company or any of its competitors. This post is to share the information I have gathered for myself and my family regarding lean and green meals as well as what I have learned when trying to cook these meals.

20+ Lean and Green Recipes (2)

Originally Published On: January 6, 2023

Options for Lean Protein

Lean and Green Chicken

Lemon-Herb Chicken Kabobs

Grilling in the summer is a great way to spend time together outside. Bring the flavors of summer together with Lemon-Herb Chicken Kabobs.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (4)

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast is juicy, flavorful and perfect every time! It’s an easy chicken dinner that’s on the table in about 15 minutes!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (5)

Paleo Greek Chicken Thighs

Paleo Greek chicken thigh recipe is an easy and healthy 30-minute meal. The lemon, caper, and artichoke sauce is keto, Whole30, & low-carb friendly.

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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

Try making ranch chicken drumsticks in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal without all the added oil from regular frying.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (8)

Grilled Shrimp with Shish*to Pepper Gremolata

This grilled shrimp recipe will be your new summer go to! It is simple, quick to make, and sure to wow everyone.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (9)

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Learn how to cook chicken breast in the air fryer, in just 10 minutes! It turns out juicy and tender every time with this easy air fryer chicken breast recipe.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (10)

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Allergy-Free)

You’ll want this spicy and zesty recipe on the grill asap! Grilled Chili Lime Chicken that’s a delicious healthy entree for your next bqq or cookout! It’s gluten-free, paleo, and allergy-free; perfect for pleasing the crowd and awakening the taste buds!

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Lean and Green Seafood

20+ Lean and Green Recipes (11)

Avocado Shrimp Ceviche Salad

Made with fresh and nutritious ingredients, this Avocado Shrimp Ceviche is the perfect medley of flavors to be enjoyed this summer.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (12)

Black Garlic & Lime Cedar Plank Salmon

Black garlic and lime add even more flavor to smoky grilled cedar plank salmon. You won’t have to wait long for this paleo & gluten-free recipe to be done!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (13)

Dill Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

Add a little fun and dill pickle flavor to your tuna salad with these Dill Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats! This healthy gluten-free recipe is one that’s ready in just minutes and will be a new fast and easy lunch!

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Super Simple Cilantro and Lime Fish Dinner

On busy nights, we need a quick and easy meal to get it on the table quickly and easily. Cilantro and Lime Fish is only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (15)

How to Make Perfect Poached Cod (No Simmer/Boil)

Poaching is a very easy and forgiving way to cook fish, and this special way of poaching is even better: there’s no boiling or simmering! This simple and fool proof method ensures a perfectly cooked…

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (16)

Shrimp With Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner

This amazingly delicious Shrimp With Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner is healthy and very easy to make. Find out the easiest recipe for making this delicious shrimp dinner.

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Other Lean and Green Protein

20+ Lean and Green Recipes (17)

Baked Pesto Tofu

Basil pesto is tossed with tofu that has been seasoned and roasted with simple spices for a savory dish that is practically effortless.

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Non-Starchy Greens

  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Bean sprouts
  • Bell Peppers
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant (also known as aubergine)
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Peppers (also known as capsicum)
  • Salad greens
  • Spinach
  • Tomato
  • Turnips
  • Zucchini (also known as courgette)

20+ Lean and Green Recipes (18)

10 Minute Braised Kale

This Braised Kale with Apple Cider Vinegar is a quick and EASY vegan side dish that’s ready in about 10 minutes!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (19)

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crispy & tender Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer! Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy healthy side dish you can make in minutes!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (20)

Air Fryer Okra

Air Fryer Okra is the easiest and tastiest way to enjoy this healthy Southern veggie! Crispy, made without oil, gluten-free, keto, & vegan!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (21)

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

These air fryer pears are a delicious alternative to traditional heavy desserts. With maple syrup, warm cinnamon, & a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, this dessert is ready in under 15 minutes!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (22)

Baked Lemon Asparagus

This exquisitely simple lemon asparagus is baked tender with crispy tips and a bright citrus flavor!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (23)

Easy Sautéed Greens Recipe – For Kale, Chard, and More

10 Minutes! Quick and easy plus it works for any greens you have on hand. Try our tried and true recipe for swiss chard, kale, spinach, boy choy etc.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (24)

Roasted Lemon Pepper Asparagus

Looking for the perfect roasted lemon pepper asparagus side dish? Once you make it once, you’ll want it with every meal!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (25)

Sautéed Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli Rabe is a signature Italian-American green leafy vegetable that has bitter notes and a distinct flavor–a nutritional powerhouse!

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (26)

Blistered Shish*to Peppers

Blistered shish*to peppers are a tasty snack or appetizer ready in under 10 minutes! They taste slightly smokey with a mild pepper flavor.

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20+ Lean and Green Recipes (27)
20+ Lean and Green Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a typical lean and Green meal? ›

What is a Lean & Green Meal? A Lean & Green meal includes 5 to 7 ounces of cooked lean protein plus three (3) servings of non–starchy vegetables and up to two (2) servings of healthy fats, depending on your lean protein choices. Enjoy your Lean & Green meal any time of day — whatever works best for your schedule.

How many eggs for Lean and Green Optavia? ›

For this Lean & Green recipe and many more, download the OPTAVIA App today from the Apple App Store (for iPhone users) or Google Play (for Android devices). Ingredients: 2 eggs 4 egg whites 1 tsp olive oil 2 cups baby spinach ½ cup sliced mushrooms 2 tbsp reduced-fat feta cheese Directions: 1.

How many calories should your lean and Green meal be on Optavia? ›

Optavia Lean and Green Meals Nutrition Quality

These meals are low in calories and in carbohydrates and high in protein. A meal averages around 300 calories, 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat which helps your body absorb certain fat-soluble vitamins.

Can I eat eggs on Optavia? ›

Generally, Optavia recommends that you consume one or two whole eggs or four egg whites per serving.

Can I eat cheese on Optavia? ›

For the purposes of Optavia and the 5&1 Plan you can work cheese into the plan as a protein, healthy fat, or condiment because of its nutrition content. Check out the vegetarian guide for lean options.

How much does Optavia cost per month? ›

Easy… but expensive.

Optavia fuelings can cost hundreds of dollars - on average, a whopping $425 per month.

Can you eat bananas on OPTAVIA? ›

Low-Fat Dairy, Fresh Fruit, and Whole Grains

Apples, bananas, berries, etc. Whole grain bread, whole wheat English muffins, high fiber cereals, etc.

Can I eat fruit on OPTAVIA? ›

You'll also be allowed to incorporate a wider variety of foods, including: Fruit: all fresh fruit, particularly berries because they're lower in carbs. Low fat or nonfat dairy: yogurt, milk, cheese. Whole grains: whole grain bread, high fiber breakfast cereal, brown rice, whole wheat pasta.

How many times a day do you eat on OPTAVIA diet? ›

On all of the OPTAVIA plans, you'll practice the healthy habit of eating six small meals per day - one every two to three hours. Start each day with a schedule, allotting specific times for eating your Fuelings and Lean & Green meal(s).

What are the complaints about Optavia? ›

Low-calorie meals can slow metabolism and cause extreme fatigue. The most common complaints about Optavia on Better Business Bureau include poor customer service and billing issues. Some customers also say they experienced unexpected weight gain after the program or felt bloated and sick while on it.

What do doctors say about Optavia? ›

Meshulam points out that this extreme calorie restriction can have long-term effects that may be the opposite of what you hoped when starting the plan: "Since Optavia is so low calorie, it can lead us to a lot of muscle loss, versus fat loss, which can slow your metabolism down after the diet," she says.

What happens if you skip a fueling on Optavia? ›

Skipping a Fueling may cause you to miss out on key nutrients, including your daily vitamins and minerals, which are essential to your health and success on the program. It will not help to increase your weight loss; in fact, it may have the opposite effect!

Why am I so hungry on OPTAVIA? ›

As you begin your journey to optimal wellbeing, you may feel hungry, tired, or irritable as your body adjusts to a new way of eating. This is temporary, but make sure you keep a close watch on your hunger during this time.

What can you not eat with OPTAVIA? ›

OPTAVIA provides resources for making your Lean & Green meals vegetarian. Still, it won't be easy since you're told to avoid good sources of plant-based proteins like peas, beans and lentils during your weight-loss phase since they're too high in carbohydrates.

Is coffee OK on OPTAVIA? ›

So, while you may have other calorie- and carbohydrate-free beverages, such as unsweetened tea and coffee, on the OPTAVIA Program and technically, they will contribute to your overall hydration, we still recommend drinking 64 ounces of water each day.

What is considered a lean on Optavia? ›

A Lean & Green™ Meal includes 5 to 7 ounces of cooked lean protein plus three servings of non-starchy vegetables and up to two servings of healthy fats, depending on your lean protein choices.

What vegetables can you eat on an Optavia diet? ›

Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are some of the best low-carb vegetables to add to your Optavia diet. These greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Plus, they're incredibly versatile and can be cooked or eaten raw in a variety of dishes.

How many carbs a day on Optavia? ›

The Optavia plan creates a calorie deficit, which encourages weight loss. On the 5&1 plan, which Optavia recommends for weight loss, you will consume: 800-1,000 calories per day. 80-100 grams of carbohydrates, making it a low-carb plan.

What is the Optavia diet? ›

The Optavia Diet uses meal replacements such as shakes, bars, pre-packaged foods, and other small, calorie-controlled meals to create a calorie deficit to induce weight loss.

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