What an RD would order at CAVA

When you’re all the time 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 massive surge in popularity in 2023. 

Providing a wide range 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 slightly overwhelmed with all the nice CAVA has to supply. Belief us: you’re not alone! Whether or not you’re trying to boost your common order, attempt one thing new, or discover one thing that matches your vitamin wants, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian Denise Hernandez has the news on what wholesome choices at CAVA an RD would order. 

Among the wholesome choices at CAVA, in keeping with an RD

1. Steak Mezze Salad

This new option 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, pink pepper hummus, and extra. 

Whereas it’s daring in style, it’s low in energy. “It is a nice possibility, in case you’re maintaining a tally of energy,” Hernandez says. “It’s solely 495 energy, with about 30g of protein.” 

Extra vitamin data: Carbs: 22g, Fats: 33g, Sugar: 9g

2. Tahini Caesar Bowl

It’s precisely what it appears 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 data: 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 ideas to remember. 

• Maintain your personal distinctive dietary wants on the entrance of your thoughts.
• Constructing your bowl/choosing 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

The most effective half? “330 energy, and 40g of protein.” 

Enjoyable truth: MyFitnessPal is the #1 meals monitoring and vitamin app. It’s straightforward to trace these meals and extra — attempt the app without cost at this time!

Hernandez’s possibility is a superb start line in case you’re on the lookout for new concepts on what to order, or in case you’re consuming at CAVA for the primary time. However be happy to make modifications, add on new substances, or substitute meals primarily based in your vitamin targets and wishes. 

Try our favourite ideas for ordering at CAVA:

CAVA Ordering Ideas (Primarily based On Well being Objectives)

• When you’re on the lookout for 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 mild dressing; the bottom fats dressing is the yogurt dill!”
• When you’re consuming for weight reduction: “It relies on particular person calorie allowances for deficit, however usually any meal beneath 600 energy is an efficient rule of thumb.”

Dig in!