When you’re at all times on the hunt for wholesome fast-casual eating places, otherwise you’re only a Mediterranean meals lover, chances are high you’ve heard of Cava. The chain opened their doorways in 2006, and had a large surge in recognition in 2023.
Providing quite a lot of salads, grain bowls, and pita wraps in addition to build-your-own salads and bowls and a plethora of sides and snacks (together with their scrumptious dips), Cava has no scarcity of choices.
It’s regular to be a little bit overwhelmed with all the great Cava has to supply. Belief us: you’re not alone! Whether or not you’re wanting to boost your common order, strive one thing new, or discover one thing that matches your vitamin wants, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian Denise Hernandez has the inside track on what wholesome choices at Cava an RD would order.
A number of the wholesome choices at Cava, in response to an RD
1. Steak Mezze Salad
This new choice is recent off the grill (actually): Cava debuted steak in shops on June third. It’s tender and completely seared, paired with leafy greens, feta, purple pepper hummus, and extra.
Whereas it’s daring in style, it’s low in energy. “It is a nice choice, when you’re maintaining a tally of energy,” Hernandez says. “It’s solely 495 energy, with about 30g of protein.”
Extra vitamin info: Carbs: 22g, Fats: 33g, Sugar: 9g
2. Tahini Caesar Bowl
It’s precisely what it feels like: a caesar salad, however with a tahini twist. It’s additionally wealthy with hummus, pita crisps, and grilled hen, making it a enjoyable tackle a basic lunch.
Hernandez likes this selection for the 37g of protein. It’s easy, however scrumptious!
Extra vitamin info: Energy: 550, Carbs: 28g, Fats: 31g, Sugar: 6g
3. Construct Your Personal Salad Bowl
When constructing your salad bowl, there’s a number of professional suggestions to remember.
- Maintain your personal distinctive dietary wants on the entrance of your thoughts.
- Constructing your bowl/deciding on your choices earlier than you order to see the breakdown of macros and make changes, if wanted.
But when Hernandez was constructing her personal bowl, right here’s how she would break it down:
- Splendid Greens
- Crimson pepper hummus
- Grilled steak
- Pickled onions
- Tomato & onions
- Cabbage slaw
- Persian cucumbers
- Yogurt dill dressing
One of the best half? “330 energy, and 40g of protein.”
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Hernandez’s choice is a superb start line when you’re in search of new concepts on what to order, or when you’re consuming at Cava for the primary time. However be happy to make modifications, add on new components, or substitute meals primarily based in your vitamin targets and desires.
Take a look at our favourite suggestions for ordering at Cava:
Cava Ordering Suggestions (Primarily based On Well being Targets)
- When you’re in search of nutritious choices on the go: “Any entree right here works!”
- When you’re consuming low-carb: “Select a salad bowl with no pita crisps, or facet of pita.”
- When you’re consuming high-protein: “Choose any entree with both beef, hen, lamb or falafel.”
- When you’re consuming low-fat: “Get dressing on the facet or ask for gentle dressing; the bottom fats dressing is the yogurt dill!”
- When you’re consuming for weight reduction: “It is dependent upon particular person calorie allowances for deficit, however usually any meal underneath 600 energy is an effective rule of thumb.”
Dig in!