9 OPTAVIA Fueling Hacks You Will Love

OPTAVIA Fueling hacks refer to making small yet notable changes in the texture or flavor of Optavia Fueling to make them taste yummy without adding extra calories. These hacks involve adjusting various elements to increase their sweetness, enhance creaminess, or reduce the bitter aftertaste from some of the sweeteners. Hacking your OPTAVIA Fuelings helps to add variety by adding additional ingredients like coffee or almond milk, changing consistency by blending or freezing, as well as cooking and baking to create waffles or pancakes. Our favorite hacks include OPTAVIA brownie hack, OPTAVIA chocolate chip cookie hack, and OPTAVIA Strawberry shake hacks. When asking what’s the point of hacking OPTAVIA fuelings, in our case, the answer is simple. It’s extremely hard to stick to the same diet and eat OPTAVIA Fuelings every day if you hate them.

A 2016 study by Maya Vadiveloo from Harvard School of Public Health found that regardless of the specific weight-loss plan the participants followed, those who increased their dietary variety had better results. After 6 months, the participants in the increased variety group had lost more weight, had a smaller waist circumference, and had less body fat compared to those in the stable variety group. This trend continued even after 2 years, with the increased variety group maintaining greater weight loss and further reducing waist circumference compared to the other groups.

At Optimal Weight Plan, we understand the benefits of OPTAVIA shake hacks. They help make the diet more enjoyable and sustainable, leading to better long-term results. Explore our 9 best OPTAVIA hacks below!

1. OPTAVIA Chocolate Brownie and Pudding Cupcake Hack

OPTAVIA brownie hack is one of our favorite ways to make OPTAVIA fuelings taste amazing, although to make this delectable high protein dessert, you will need to use two different types of fuelings. Here are the ingredients.

• Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix (1 serving)
• Decadent Chocolate Brownie Mix (1 serving)
• Water (3 tablespoons)
• Whipped cream (1 tablespoon)

So how to make OPTAVIA brownie hack? First, grab a mixing bowl and combine three tablespoons of water with the Decadent Chocolate Brownie Mix. Don’t forget to divide the mixture in half – one for now, one for later. Next, spread half of the brownie mixture onto a pie maker or griddle and bake it as directed (350 F for 18-20 minutes). While the brownie is baking, let’s get to work on the chocolate pudding. Follow the pudding mix instructions and whisk half a cup of cold water with one sachet using a fork or wire whisk for 20 seconds or until it’s thoroughly mixed.

Now, add a tablespoon of cool whip to the pudding mixture and divide it in half – just like the brownie mix. Once the brownie is done baking, take it out of the oven and top it with half of the chocolate pudding mixture. Next part is actually the most challenging. Pop it in the freezer and try to wait patiently for one hour (we know it’s tough, but trust us, it’s worth it!). We like to use a pie maker and then put the brownie in the bottom of a cupcake holder before adding the chocolate pudding mixture on top. If you’re curious, check out the photo below to see the finished product.

Like we said, this recipe is made up of two Fuelings, so to stay in line with OPTAVIA 5 and 1 plan, it’s better to stick to half of the serving. However, the choice is ultimately yours. If you’re anything like us, you might be tempted to ignore that advice and indulge in the whole thing!

2. OPTAVIA Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Hack

OPTAVIA chocolate chip cookie hack is excellent way to curb cravings for a classic ice cream sandwich. We like making cookie ice cream using OPTAVIA’s chewy chocolate chip cookie fueling, which count it as 1 condiment and 1 fueling. So, here is a step-by-step instruction on how to get this dessert.

• Pour 1 sachet of chewy chocolate chip cookie fueling into a bowl.
• Add 2 Tbsp of cold water and stir well (the dough will be thick and sticky).
• Bake 2 cookies of the dough for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven at 375 ⁰F (until golden brown or slightly overdone).
• Let the cooked cookies stand for 3–5 minutes to cool and set.
• Add 1 Tbsp of sugar-free cool whip in the middle (connect two cookies).
• Put in freezer for 1 hour.
• Enjoy!

We often use it with the original Reddi Wip as you can see in the photo, but you can also try it with almond or coconut whip. This OPTAVIA hack also works well for chocolate brownie fueling and chocolate cool whip.

3. OPTAVIA Mashed Potato Pie Hack

The Optavia mashed potato pie hack is a creative trick that makes your Optavia mashed potatoes more fulfilling and flavorful. Add Laughing Cow cheese for a richer, creamier texture. Then, use this mashed potato and cheese mixture as your “pie crust,” it will get crispy on the outside and soft on the inside once baked. See how delicious it looks below!

The following are the ingredients you need to make OPTAVIA mashed potato pie hack.

• 1 pack of mashed potato fueling
• 2 Tbsp egg white
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Cooking spray
• Light flavor wedge of Laughing Cow cheese ( or other desired topping)

This list shows you step-by-step instructions.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato fueling, egg white, water, and baking powder. Mix well until you achieve a nice consistency.
2. Preheat your Dash pie maker and spray the top and bottom with cooking spray (after heating)
3. Spoon half of the potato mixture into the pie maker and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Flatten the cheese wedge (or any other desired topping) into a disk and place it on top of the potato layer.
5. Spoon the other half of the potato mixture on top of the cheese layer.
6. Close the pie maker and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the pie is fully cooked and golden brown. And avoid opening the lid prematurely to check on the pie as it may affect the cooking process.
7. Once fully cooked, carefully remove the pie from the pie maker and serve hot.

Of course, there are various ways to customize the toppings for the pie hack. While Laughing Cow cheese is one option, let’s explore another variation (cheese and bacon) to add some excitement to your pie-making experience:

1. Try a combination of cheese and bacon (for cheese you can choose cheddar, parmesan, or leave Laughing Cow cheese)
2. Add shredded leftover grilled chicken breast (around 1 Tbsp or so.) and add a little blue cheese (1/2 – 1 tsp). Going well with Buffalo sauce (photo 1)
3. Put turkey pepperoni in a little bit of mozzarella (photo 2)
4. Last variation with 1 Tbsp of tomato sauce, 1/2 oz reduced fat mozzarella, and 1 Tbsp part-skim ricotta (result is photo 3)
5. 1 oz cooked ground turkey, a sliver of chopped green peppers, and 1 Tbsp of low-fat cheddar cheese (all deducted from L&G)
6. Fill with cooked vegetables like mushroom, broccoli, or spinach.

Depending on which topping you use, don’t forget to subtract from Lean & Green, plus count condiments and healthy fat.

4. OPTAVIA Shake Hack With Coffee

You can make OPTAVIA shake hacks in dozens of different ways, but adding freshly brewed coffee to OPTAVIA Fuelings is by far the best way to enhance flavor. How to do it? It’s simple. We recommend mixing a single 30ml espresso shot (or double for an extra caffeine kick) with your shake in the morning. Creamy vanilla and mocha shake mixes blend particularly well with coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, try using cold brew instead.

What is the best coffee for OPTAVIA shake hacks? We recommend Powerbean Coffee, a specialty coffee brand from Albuquerque in New Mexico offering delicious cold brew beans in both caffeinated and decaffeinated options. Powerbean cold brew features hints of mandarin orange and smooth chocolate, reducing the sweetness of OPTAVIA shakes without added sugar. For those seeking a stronger coffee flavor with a nutty aroma, Powerbean Colombia is an excellent choice. Here’s a photo of Powerbean Cold Brew coffee.

5. OPTAVIA Pancake Hack from Blueberry Biscuit Fueling

The OPTAVIA Blueberry Biscuit Pancake is the perfect way to make your Saturday morning special. Why? We got creative and added festive ingredients like lemon, cinnamon, and a little cream on top. It’s thick, fluffy, and all-around delicious – made with just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen if you follow the OPTAVIA diet. Is it hard to make OPTAVIA pancake hacks? Nope! It’s easier than you think. Here’s the list of ingredients required to transform this OPTAVIA fueling into a Saturday morning treat.

• 1 sweet blueberry biscuit mix fueling
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk or water 
• 1 tablespoon of egg whites
• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda 
• 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon (my favorite Feast Mode Honey)
• 1 lemon zest 
• zero-sugar whipped topping (I use Reddi-Wip)

How to make OPTAVIA pancake hack? First, mix all the ingredients except for the whipped cream. Use a grater to get the lemon zest. Divide the batter into two portions. To cook the pancakes, you can use a pancake pan, waffle iron, or a simple skillet. I like to use a mini waffle iron and cook until the light goes out or the pancakes are golden. After cooking, let them cool and top with a small portion of sugar-free whipped cream or a drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup. Or both – it’s delicious!

6. OPTAVIA Chocolate Pudding Shake Hack

OPTAVIA pudding hack is a great, refreshing afternoon snack for hot summer days. Let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious treat. First, you’ll need 2/3 cup of water and 7-8 ice cubes. Next, grab a pack of Optavia chocolate pudding fueling. Lastly, for a touch of creaminess, add a scoop of lite or sugar-free whipped cream (remember, one tablespoon of whipped cream counts as one condiment).

How to make OPTAVIA pudding hack? It’s easy! Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. (See the picture below for reference). We bet you’ll love this recipe so much you won’t want to go back to plain pudding!

7. OPTAVIA Mac and Cheese Pie Hack

OPTAVIA mac and cheese hack is a clever way to transform your OPTAVIA mac and cheese pasta fueling into a tasty pie! Here’s how it works:

First, grind 1 serving of fueling into a powder using a blender or food processor. Mix this powder with 2 Tbsp of water and 2 Tbsp of egg whites to create a smooth batter. Now it’s time for flavor! Add some cooked lean breakfast sausage for protein or any other favorite ingredients from the “lean” portion of your Lean & Green meal. Next, cut the Light Laughing Cow cheese wedge into small pieces, add them to the batter, and mix well. Pour the mixture into a pie maker and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. The result is a crispy, cheesy mac and cheese pie (like the photo below) that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

This OPTAVIA hack is perfect if you’re short on time but want a yummy, cheesy, and crunchy fueling. You can always grate extra cheddar to make it sharper and crispier, almost like cheese crisps. Just remember to deduct the extra cheese from your daily condiments or lean and green meal.

8. OPTAVIA Mac and Cheese Waffle Hack with Garlic and Herb cheese

OPTAVIA mac and cheese waffle hack allows you to transform savory OPTAVIA fuelings into cheesy waffles. To prepare a waffle meal like in the photo, you will need a few ingredients: a Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese wedge, 1 sachet of Mac & Cheese fueling, garden veggie seasoning, and hot water.

Here is a how to make OPTAVIA waffle hack with Garlic and Herb cheese wedge:

1. Microwave a Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese wedge for 30 seconds
2. Grind up Mac & Cheese in a coffee grinder and add some garden veggie seasoning to the powder and mix well
3. Add the seasoned Mac & Cheese to the melted cheese and mix everything together thoroughly
4. Add hot water to the mixture (around 1/3 cup), and mix until you reach the consistency you want
5. Cook two waffles in a preheated waffle maker for 4 minutes each or in the air fryer at 350° for 20 minutes (for more crunchy variation)
6. To make it even tastier, put it in the waffle maker along with a little bit of green salsa mixed in it (try without cheese too)!

9. OPTAVIA Cereal Waffle Hack

The OPTAVIA cereal waffle hack turns OPTAVIA Essential Cinnamon Cereal fueling into a delightful breakfast or brunch waffle. The cinnamon flavor and fluffy texture make these waffles incredibly satisfying. You can cook them crispy or soft, customizing them to your liking. (See the photo below).

The following are the ingredients you need to make the OPTAVIA cereal waffle hack.

• 1 fueling of Optavia Essential Cinnamon Cereal
• 2 tablespoons of egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• 2 tablespoons of water
• Cooking spray
• Sugar-free syrup, for topping

To make this OPTAVIA fueling hack, follow the cooking instructions below.

1. Begin by grinding the Optavia Essential Cinnamon Cereal fueling in a coffee grinder or suitable appliance until it reaches a fine texture. Ensure that the cereal is ground evenly and becomes a smooth consistency.
2. Transfer the ground cereal into a mixing bowl.
3. Add the egg whites, baking powder, and water to the bowl with the ground cereal. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. The resulting batter should have a smooth texture, resembling the consistency shown in the photo below.
4. Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions. While it’s heating, lightly coat the waffle plates with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Use a rubber spatula to divide the batter into three even sections within the bowl. This will help you portion the batter evenly onto the waffle maker.
6. Spoon one section of batter at a time onto the preheated waffle maker. Close the lid and cook the waffle according to your preference, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle maker and personal preference.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the waffle from the waffle maker and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
8. Serve the warm and freshly cooked waffles on a plate. Top them with your favorite sugar-free syrup for a burst of flavor.

What Are the Best OPTAVIA Fuelings to Use for Hacks?

The best OPTAVIA Fuelings for hacks are those with existing flavors, as hacks will further enhance their taste profiles. For example, Essential Mocha Shake, Essential Rich Dark Chocolate Shake, and Essential Chocolate Fudge Pudding are all excellent choices for low calorie coffee hacks. However, remember that any type of OPTAVIA Fuelings can be used for creative and delicious hacks!

How Many More Calories do OPTAVIA Fueling Hacks Have?

OPTAVIA Fueling Hacks typically contain 10-20% more calories than the standard 100-110 calories in regular fuelings, depending on the ingredients used.

What Type of Ingredients Do You Need to Make OPTAVIA Fueling Hacks?

To make Optavia fueling hacks, you typically need the following ingredients:

1. OPTAVIA Fuelings
2. Egg whites
3. Water
4. Baking powder
5. Cheese (Laughing Cow, cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta)
6. Cooking spray
7. Unsweetened almond milk
8. Cinnamon
9. Lemon zest
10. Zero-sugar whipped topping
11. Lite or sugar-free whipped cream
12. Ice cubes
13. Seasonings
14. Sugar-free syrup

Can I Combine different OPTAVIA fuelings to Create Hacks?

Yes, you can combine different OPTAVIA Fuelings to create hacks, but always adjust the serving sizes to ensure each serving remains equivalent to one Fueling.

Where Can you Find more hacks for OPTAVIA Fuelings?

Since we’re a group of certified OPTAVIA coaches who love to experiment, our blog has loads of OPTAVIA hacks, including sweet potato, Chick-fil-A, peanut butter shake options, and many more!

How To Incorporate OPTAVIA Fueling Hacks to Fit My 5 and 1 Plan?

To incorporate OPTAVIA Fueling hacks into your 5 & 1 plan, start by choosing recipes that use ingredients already included in your Fuelings. Pay close attention to portion sizes and count any added ingredients towards your daily allotments for Lean & Green meals or condiments. Tired of trying to figure out OPTAVIA all by yourself? For personalized guidance and support to make OPTAVIA work for you, contact our certified OPTAVIA coaches today!