OPTAVIA combines pre-packaged “Fuelings” with one home-cooked meal a day and a personal coach, positioning itself between full meal delivery and a self-directed diet. It’s also one of the pricier options on this list.

Personal Coach Included
5 Fuelings + 1 Home-Cooked Meal
Challenging for Vegan/Dairy-Free

Quick Facts

Standard Plan5 & 1 (5 Fuelings + 1 Lean and Green meal)
Typical Cost~$13–17/day (~$400–$415 per kit, ~24 days)
Lean and Green Meal5–7oz lean protein + 3 servings non-starchy veg
RestrictedGrains, alcohol; dairy is in many Fuelings

How It Works

On the core 5&1 plan, you eat five pre-packaged, pre-portioned “Fuelings” (shakes, bars, soups) throughout the day, plus one “Lean and Green” meal you prepare yourself — lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. A personal coach (often someone who has used the program themselves) provides ongoing support. This reduces calories and carbohydrates significantly compared to typical eating.

How the Evidence Compares

Short-term weight loss from calorie/carb reductionStrong — the underlying mechanism is well-established
Peer-coach model for adherenceModerate, plausible but less independently studied than clinical coaching
Long-term sustainability of a Fuelings-based dietWeak — pre-packaged foods are explicitly meant as a transition, not permanent

Worth checking before you sign upMany OPTAVIA Fuelings contain milk-based ingredients, which can make the program difficult for anyone who is vegan, dairy-free, or has a dairy allergy.

OPTAVIA vs. Nutrisystem: Cost and Structure

OPTAVIA generally costs more per day than Nutrisystem and requires you to prepare one real meal daily yourself, while Nutrisystem provides essentially everything with minimal cooking. OPTAVIA’s coaching model is more personal (often a former client), while Nutrisystem’s coaching runs through an app.

Who Should Try This

Good Fit If…Want Personal Coaching + Some Cooking

You want one-on-one coach accountability and don’t mind preparing one real meal a day yourself alongside prepared Fuelings.

Reconsider If…Vegan, Dairy-Free, or Budget-Conscious

Dairy is common in Fuelings, and the daily cost is higher than several comparable meal delivery alternatives.

FAQ

How much does OPTAVIA cost?

The core kit runs roughly $400 to $415 for about 24 days of Fuelings, working out to approximately $13 to $17 per day before the cost of your one self-prepared meal.

Do I have to cook anything on OPTAVIA?

Yes, one meal daily — the “Lean and Green” meal, consisting of lean protein and non-starchy vegetables that you prepare yourself.

Is OPTAVIA good for vegans?

It can be challenging, since many Fuelings contain milk as an ingredient, which limits options for anyone following a vegan or dairy-free diet.