Top 10 OPTAVIA Alternatives and Similar Diets

An OPTAVIA alternative is a weight loss approach that focuses on whole foods and mindful eating, ideally with less reliance on pre-packaged meals. It encourages sustainable lifestyle changes and is a suitable program for people unhappy with the taste of OPTAVIA foods, those who find OPTAVIA too expensive (and not with the money), or anyone seeking a more affordable option.

So, what diets are comparable to OPTAVIA? Based on our experience, the best alternatives include Diet Direct, Skinny Box, and Nutrisystem. Other options that don’t rely on processed meals include the Ketogenic Diet, Mediterranean Diet, and GOLO Diet (though the latter does require dietary supplements). In terms of price, WonderSlim Core is the most similar meal plan to OPTAVIA. However, while both may offer comparable results, OPTAVIA has a stronger base of scientific research and documentation. Unfortunately, WonderSlim products lack the same level of scientific backing.

At Optimal Weight Plan, our team of health coaches will guide you to achieve sustainable weight loss. Whether you’re interested in OPTAVIA or seeking more affordable alternatives (listed below), call us today for a discovery call.

1. WonderSlim (Diet Direct)

WonderSlim, owned by Diet Direct, offers meal plans similar to OPTAVIA diet plan. WonderSlim costs around $257 to $324 per month, depending on your chosen plan, which compared to OPTAVIA is 30-40% cheaper.

Are OPTAVIA and WonderSlim the same? No, although these diets are similar, a primary difference between them is that WonderSlim doesn’t provide coaching and is widely available from online shops such as Amazon, Walmart, or Costco. It also offers three options: Basic, Core, and Premium. The Basic 4-Week plan is an introductory program with structured meal replacements and snacks. It includes 84 meal replacements, 28 bars/snacks, a shaker bottle, supplements, and a lifestyle guide. The WonderSlim Core (4-Week Diet Plan) is similar to the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 plan, providing 140 total meals (84 replacements, 28 lunches, 28 bars/snacks). This plan is gender-specific, offering 1,000-1,200 calories/day for women and 1,500-1,700 calories/day for men.

Based on feedback from our clients who’ve switched from OPTAVIA to WonderSlim, WonderSlim offers a more affordable alternative while maintaining quality products and excellent customer service. Diet Direct Inc. maintains an “A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and WonderSlim score an impressive 4.6 out of 5 star average on Trustpilot with over 3,000 reviews: diets similar to WonderSlim include Nutrisystem, Ideal Protein, and Skinny Box diet.

2. Skinny Box

Skinny Box is a meal replacement program, similar to OPTAVIA’s 5 & 1 plan, designed for weight loss. It offers portion-controlled bars, shakes, and snacks to to reduce cravings and put your body into mild ketosis. There are three levels (FATBURN, FURNACE, FURIOUS) with varying combinations of “Skinny Packs” and homemade lean and green meals.

So what’s the difference between Skinny Box vs. OPTAVIA? Firstly, Skinny Box is significantly cheaper than OPTAVIA. It costs $231 per month (22 boxes of Skinny Packs at $10.50 each) with a one-time $100 membership fee. OPTAVIA, on the other hand, costs $415.05 per month, with each OPTAVIA Fueling box (containing 7 servings) at $23.25. Additionally, a key difference is that Skinny Box uses sucralose (Splenda) as a sweetener, while OPTAVIA uses stevia.

What we like about Skinny Box is that it’s relatively new, privately owned and operated by Jason Barrett. This contrasts with OPTAVIA, a large corporation owned and run by the publicly traded company Medifast Inc. Additionally, SkinnyBox recently launched a Transition Program to provide continued guidance and support as you reintroduce traditional foods after the initial weight loss phase.

3. Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem is a publicly owned company that offers diet plans similar to OPTAVIA, featuring pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals with a balanced ratio of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Is OPTAVIA the same as Nutrisystem? No, while both programs offer meal replacements, a key difference between Nutrisystem and OPTAVIA is that Nutrisystem focuses primarily on providing meals, whereas OPTAVIA emphasizes long-term weight management strategies and helps people transition from weight loss to a maintenance phase.

Tim Martin, MD, a family physician from Texas, praises Nutrisystem for its convenience, particularly for those with time constraints or limited cooking skills. However, he notes that the program doesn’t offer long-term dietary education, leaving customers wondering what to do post-Nutrisystem. That’s one of the cons we see with Nutrisystem. In our experience as OPTAVIA health coaches, Nutrisystem, although a viable program offering 6 different types of plans such as Partner Plan, Complete 55 Plan, or even Quick 9 Plan, doesn’t provide ongoing education unless you’re willing to pay extra for one-on-one coaching. OPTAVIA, on the other hand, includes coaching in their program cost.

So how does OPTAVIA compare to Nutrisystem in terms of price? The cost of the Nutrisystem Diet varies based on the plan and subscription options. For auto-renewal subscriptions, the daily cost ranges from $10 to $13.57, resulting in a monthly cost of approximately $300 to $379.99. Opting for a non-subscription payment increases the daily cost to $24.67 or $508.71 per month. In contrast, the cost of OPTAVIA per day is around $14.

Is OPTAVIA or Nutrisystem better for weight loss? Both are research-backed, with studies published in reputable journals like Frontiers in Nutrition. For example, a 2015 Johns Hopkins study found Nutrisystem led to greater weight loss at 3 months compared to education and counseling alone. Additionally, a 2018 study showed the Optavia 5&1 Plan with coaching resulted in significant reductions in body weight, fat mass, and abdominal fat compared to a self-directed diet.

4. Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet that can lead to weight loss similar to OPTAVIA. Keto is designed to induce a state of ketosis, where fat becomes the primary source of energy. It typically limits carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and protein to less than 1.5 grams per pound of body weight for those performing heavy exercises.

Is the OPTAVIA diet like Keto? Not really. Although both diets deliberately avoid foods such as grains, sugars, and most fruits, improving body composition, they differ significantly. On Keto, fat intake makes up the majority of the caloric intake, often exceeding 70-80% of total calories. So how does OPTAVIA compare to Keto? The main difference between the two is that OPTAVIA relies on meal replacements called OPTAVIA Fuelings, whereas the ketogenic diet is all about whole foods from the grocery store such as meats, fatty fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, avocados, and low-carb vegetables. Another difference between OPTAVIA and Keto is the meal plan. With OPTAVIA, you eat portion-controlled meals and one home-cooked dinner without the need to count calories, whereas on keto you should count calories, measure portion sizes, and weigh your food.

Karen Savage, one of our Optimal Weight Plan coaches, explains a key difference between OPTAVIA’s 5 & 1 Plan and ketogenic diets: OPTAVIA has a strict structure with no room for modifications, while ketogenic diets offer greater flexibility with variants like the Standard Ketogenic Diet, Lazy Keto Diet, Clean Keto Diet, Paleo Keto Diet, and even the Keto Carnivore Diet.

5. NOOM

NOOM is a mobile weight loss app you can download to your smartphone or tablet. It focuses on behavior change, similar to OPTAVIA, but technically isn’t a diet. The main difference is that NOOM doesn’t sell meal replacements or products. Instead, it offers a subscription to a well-designed, intuitive, and easy-to-use app. Unlike OPTAVIA, which requires a coach to get started, NOOM uses a simple quiz to calibrate a meal plan and suggest behavioral habits based on your input.

However, NOOM isn’t cheap. Plans start at $70 per month, with discounts for longer subscriptions. This price doesn’t include any food. So, which is better, NOOM or OPTAVIA? In our experience as health coaches, OPTAVIA is better if you want to outsource your cooking and meal prep completely. On the other hand, we think that NOOM is better if you have time to prepare your own meals and want to develop stronger behavioral habits.

6. Jenny Craig

Jenny Craig is a structured diet plan and weight loss program that sells meal replacements like pastas, lasagnes, and burgers. It’s a valuable alternative to OPTAVIA, although not necessarily cheaper. The Jenny Craig Home-Delivery Plan costs $21.25 to $25.00 daily, with free shipping and no additional membership fees. However, the overall cost can vary widely, ranging from $420 to $840 per month depending on your chosen meal plan. Options include a basic three-meals-a-day plan or the more comprehensive Max Up Weight Loss Meal Plan, which includes Jenny Craig meals, snacks, desserts, and coaching.

In contrast to OPTAVIA, which includes coaching in all its plans, Jenny Craig only offers personal coaching with its highest-tier Max Up program. This includes access to trained coaches for one-on-one guidance throughout the program.

So, which diet is better, Jenny Craig or OPTAVIA? It depends. In terms of calories, Jenny Craig offers 1,200-2,300 calories per day (women: 1,200-1,500; men: 1,800-2,300). OPTAVIA provides 800-1,000 calories daily. A 2015 study by Kimberly A. Gudzune from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that individuals on the Jenny Craig diet lost an average of 4.9% of their weight over 12 months, compared to control groups. Despite this, consumer reviews on ConsumerAffairs give Jenny Craig a 3.4 out of 5 rating, with some citing price as a concern.

7. Ideal Protein

The Ideal Protein diet is a low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein weight loss plan. Like OPTAVIA, it relies on small snacks throughout the day. OPTAVIA’s snacks include shakes, bars, desserts, and more, each at 100-110 calories, while Ideal Protein offers similar options ranging from 80-270 calories per meal. So what’s the difference between Ideal Protein and OPTAVIA? Your main daily meal differs. Ideal Protein requires 8oz of lean protein and limits certain vegetables. OPTAVIA allows 5-7oz of protein, more vegetable variety, and healthy fats. Ideal Protein also requires 4 daily supplements.

In our experience, the Ideal Protein plan can potentially provide a solution for those looking to lose weight quickly and requires minimal food preparation. However, it can be very expensive. The cost of the Ideal Protein diet averages $16 per day. While Optavia offers more snacks daily, Ideal Protein is almost 25% more expensive. Ideal Protein’s phase 1 costs around $540/month (plus a $400 startup fee), while Optavia is $415.05 per month. The Ideal Protein program uses a three-phase system: weight loss, stabilization, and maintenance. Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, the co-founder, explains that it aims to induce ketosis for fat burning while preserving muscle mass. Importantly, both diets use soy protein isolate, which can cause digestive issues or allergic reactions in some individuals.

8. GOLO Diet

The GOLO diet is a weight management program that offers an alternative to OPTAVIA. Unlike OPTAVIA’s 5 & 1 plan, which relies on meal replacement shakes and bars, GOLO emphasizes a structured meal plan based on whole foods from the grocery store. This plan includes taking a herbal supplement called “Release.” GOLO employs a point-based system that encompasses all four macronutrient groups (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber), aligning with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

So what’s the difference between OPTAVIA and GOLO? While OPTAVIA aims for significant calorie restriction (800-1,000 calories per day) to induce weight loss, GOLO focuses on managing insulin levels and boosting metabolism. It targets insulin resistance, a condition that can hinder weight loss and contribute to weight gain. What about calories? The GOLO diet recommends a daily caloric intake of 1,300 to 1,800 calories, emphasizes avoiding sugar and processed foods, and encourages taking GOLO Release pills. This supplement contains a blend of seven natural, plant-based ingredients and three minerals, primarily Magnesium, Zinc, and Chromium. In terms of price, OPTAVIA is significantly more expensive than the GOLO diet, especially when you consider OPTAVIA’s reliance on pre-packaged foods. The GOLO Release supplement starts at $59.95 for a single bottle (90 capsules), with discounts available for bulk purchases, but it doesn’t cover the food costs.

Which is better, GOLO or OPTAVIA? If you’re looking for an alternative to OPTAVIA Fuelings, we think the GOLO meal plan might be a better fit. We like that GOLO calculates personalized caloric intake based on factors like sex, age, weight, size, and activity level. We also like the idea of GOLO’s Fit Points system. You earn points for exercising, and then get to ‘spend’ them on treats, so it’s a fun way to stay motivated. However, if you prefer a fully done-for-you program that requires no cooking, or want the support of one-on-one coaching, GOLO may not be ideal.

9. Weight Watchers (WW)

Weight Watchers and OPTAVIA are both weight loss programs with similarities and differences. For example, neither plan requires you to count calories, but they approach this differently. OPTAVIA provides pre-portioned meals with balanced calories, while Weight Watchers uses a “SmartPoints” system, assigning values to foods based on nutrients and calories with a 50 calorie per point ratio. In terms of meal plans, OPTAVIA restricts grains, most fruits, starches, and legumes, whereas Weight Watchers allows a wider variety of foods from all food groups.

So what do we like about WW? Both OPTAVIA and Weight Watchers prioritize education on healthy habits and long-term lifestyle changes. They offer mobile apps with diet plans, healthy recipes, weight and activity trackers, and members-only communities for support. Additionally, both provide access to coach-led workshops and in-person support. OPTAVIA even includes a fitness app with workouts like Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio through its partnership with Aaptiv.

Which is better: Weight Watchers or OPTAVIA? If you want to build a diet plan based on healthy habits and want the flexibility to eat from all food groups, but don’t mind cooking all your meals, go for WW. Weight Watchers starts at a lower $10 per month for its Core plan, covering app membership but not meals and snacks. On the other hand, Optavia’s plans, like the Optimal Weight 5&1 at $415.05 monthly, include most meals but require additional grocery purchases for ‘lean and green’ meals.

10. SlimFast

SlimFast is an international company specializing in dietary supplements and meal replacement products comparable to OPTAVIA, such as shakes, bars, snacks, and packaged meals. All are designed to aid in weight loss. So what’s the difference between the two? SlimFast is a partial meal replacement program where the number of shakes you drink daily depends on your chosen plan. They offer four plans with calorie levels from 1,300-1,950 kcal per day to match your goals and activity level. Their primary weight loss plan is the 3-2-1 Plan. Healthy Maintenance helps you keep weight stable (1,600-1,650 kcal) by replacing one daily meal with a shake. Unlike OPTAVIA, SlimFast does not offer coaching.

Another difference is availability. SlimFast products are widely accessible in retail stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco, as well as online platforms like Amazon and Instacart. So which one is more effective for weight loss? OPTAVIA and Slimfast show similar results. A 2013 study by Michael R. Lowe, Ph.D., from Drexel University found that participants on the SlimFast diet lost approximately 3.1 kilograms (about 6.8 lbs) in 4 weeks. The research involved primary care patients and revealed an average initial weight loss of 6.1 kg (around 13.4 lbs) during the 12-week weight loss phase.

What are some advantages of SlimFast? The low price point of SlimFast products is appealing. Additionally, they use less soy protein isolate than OPTAVIA. However, they do use aspartame as a sweetener, while OPTAVIA uses stevia and monk fruit. So which one is better, OPTAVIA vs. Slimfast? If you’re just concerned about products similar to OPTAVIA, then choose SlimFast, but if you plan to stay for the long term, OPTAVIA has an edge due to its focus on natural ingredients and the inclusion of educational support and personal coaching.

What Weight Loss Plans Are Similar to OPTAVIA?

Weight loss plans similar to OPTAVIA utilize structured programs with low-calorie, prepackaged foods. However, these didn’t make our top 10 OPTAVIA alternatives. While we acknowledge these options exist, we don’t necessarily recommend them. One example is Isagenix, a multi-level marketing company specializing in weight loss. Their flagship 30-day Reset program combines supplements, meal replacements, and intermittent fasting. A 2016 study by Paul J. Arciero from Skidmore College suggests Isagenix can lead to weight loss and body composition improvements, similar to other diet plans. These plans often include shake days for meal replacements and cleanse days for fasting. While Isagenix can be convenient and may lead to short-term weight loss, be aware of the company’s potentially unsupported health claims and the diet’s reliance on processed foods.

Other alternatives to OPTAVIA that didn’t make our top picks include Atkins, Herbalife, Profile by Sanford, Prolon, Optifast,, and Wellina.

• Atkins: The primary difference between OPTAVIA and Atkins is how they achieve weight loss. Atkins severely restricts carbohydrate intake to a maximum of 20 grams daily in the Induction phase, forcing your body into ketosis to burn fat. After two weeks, Atkins gradually increases carbs by 5 grams weekly for sustained weight loss. So what’s similar between the two? OPTAVIA shares similarities in its emphasis on low-carb, high-fat, and high-protein foods. The Atkins diet has proven effective for weight loss. In a major study, women on Atkins lost an average of 4.7 kg, significantly more than other popular diets, and showed favorable metabolic effects.
• Herbalife: Herbalife is a global MLM corporation offering weight management, health, nutrition, fitness, and personal care products. Unlike OPTAVIA, Herbalife operates in most countries worldwide. Their diet plan primarily focuses on low-calorie meal replacement shakes and supplements.
• Profile by Sanford: Profile by Sanford, now known simply as Profile Plan, is a personalized weight loss and nutrition program akin to OPTAVIA, developed in 2011 by Sanford Health’s medical experts, emphasizing a high-protein, low-carb diet aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle and achieving weight loss goals. While it induces a mild state of ketosis, it is not a true keto diet, focusing instead on a balanced approach to nutrition and lifestyle changes without extreme restrictions.
• Prolon: The ProLon diet, developed by USC Professor Valter Longo, is a five-day, plant-based fasting-mimicking plan. It provides a proprietary blend of gluten-free foods designed to trick the body into thinking it’s fasting. This approach, known as ‘fasting with food’ and distinct from programs like OPTAVIA, involves consuming a limited, carefully selected set of nutrients to promote the health benefits of fasting without complete food abstinence.
• Optifast: The Optifast diet refers to a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) program designed for weight loss. It restricts your daily caloric intake to below 800 calories, forcing your body to use its fat stores for energy. The program offers products like shakes that are similar to OPTAVIA, bars, and soups, which are scientifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of people on this diet.

So, what’s a better alternative to OPTAVIA? In our experience, if you’re ready to move away from meal replacement diets, consider options like the Mediterranean diet, a low-carb approach, or intermittent fasting. These plans are well-researched, backed by evidence, and focus on whole foods you can buy at the grocery store. Sure, they may require a little more cooking and planning, but they offer long-term sustainability.

At Optimal Weight Plan, our experienced health coaches help people achieve their weight loss goals, whether they’re on the OPTAVIA plan or a DIY approach. Call us today to book your complimentary discovery call and let’s find the best path for you!

What Weight Loss Plans Are Not Similar to OPTAVIA?

Weight loss plans that are not similar to OPTAVIA are programs that aim at weight loss but employ completely different mechanics than the OPTAVIA diet plan. Two examples are Ozempic and Wegovy, which are FDA-approved weight loss medications. Unlike Optavia’s focus on meal replacements, these injectable drugs work differently in the body to promote weight loss and require a prescription. They also don’t involve the lifestyle changes that OPTAVIA emphasizes. Other programs that differ from OPTAVIA include:

• Plexus
• Arbonne
• Xyngular
• Wellina
• Awaken 180
• Beachbody
• Shakeology
• HMR
• Livea
• Thrive

What Food Is Similar to OPTAVIA Fuelings?

Many meal replacement bars and shakes offer similarities to OPTAVIA Fuelings. Some popular alternatives include Atkins bars, Quest bars, Premier Protein shakes, and Skinny Pop popcorn. When searching for bars similar to OPTAVIA bars, pay close attention to the nutritional information, focusing on calories, protein content, and carbohydrate count to find the best match for your needs.

How To Create Your Own Diet Similar To Optavia

To create your own DIY OPTAVIA diet, follow the steps below.

1. Use shakes similar to Optavia
2. Create DIY Optavia Fuelings
3. Find cheaper alternatives to Optavia Fuelings
4. Use Optavia bar substitutes
5. Make your own Optavia bars
6. Eat 5 small meals a day
7. Forgo extra condiments
8. Join the online community
9. Reduce carbohydrates
10. Choose lean meats
11. Do strength training
12. Hire a health coach

A weight loss coach can offer personal support and help you stay on track, which is important for reaching your goals. Even though studies don’t always show a direct link between coaching and weight loss, it can still be a helpful part of your weight loss plan. Ready to make lasting changes to your health? Let the experienced coaches at Optimal Weight Plan guide you towards your goals. Contact Optimal Weight Plan’s expert coaches today!