What An RD Would Order

If you happen to’re at all times on the hunt for wholesome fast-casual eating places, otherwise you’re only a Mediterranean meals lover, likelihood is you’ve heard of Cava. The chain opened their doorways in 2006, and had a huge 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 somewhat 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, 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 few of the wholesome choices at Cava, in response to an RD

1. Steak Mezze Salad

This new possibility 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. “This can be a nice possibility, for those who’re maintaining a tally of energy,” Hernandez says. “It’s solely 495 energy, with about 30g of protein.” 

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

2. Tahini Caesar Bowl

It’s precisely what it seems like: a caesar salad, however with a tahini twist. It’s additionally wealthy with hummus, pita crisps, and grilled rooster, making it a enjoyable tackle a basic lunch. 

Hernandez likes this selection for the 37g of protein. It’s easy, however scrumptious!

Further 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 suggestions to remember. 

• Hold your individual 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
• Purple 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.” 

Enjoyable truth: MyFitnessPal is the #1 meals monitoring and vitamin app. It’s straightforward to trace these meals and extra — strive the app without spending a dime in the present day!

Hernandez’s possibility is a good start line for those who’re on the lookout for new concepts on what to order, or for those who’re consuming at Cava for the primary time. However be happy to make adjustments, add on new substances, or substitute meals based mostly in your vitamin targets and wishes. 

Try our favourite suggestions for ordering at Cava:

Cava Ordering Ideas (Primarily based On Well being Objectives)

• If you happen to’re on the lookout for nutritious choices on the go: “Any entree right here works!”
• If you happen to’re consuming low-carb: “Select a salad bowl with no pita crisps, or aspect of pita.”
• If you happen to’re consuming high-protein: “Choose any entree with both beef, rooster, lamb or falafel.”
• If you happen to’re consuming low-fat: “Get dressing on the aspect or ask for mild dressing; the bottom fats dressing is the yogurt dill!”
• If you happen to’re consuming for weight reduction: “It depends upon particular person calorie allowances for deficit, however typically any meal beneath 600 energy is an efficient rule of thumb.”

Dig in!