What an RD would order at Cava
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What an RD Would Order at Cava
Cava, a Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual chain, has become a popular choice for health-conscious diners. With a variety of options, including salads, grain bowls, and pita wraps, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the menu. That’s where registered dietitian Denise Hernandez comes in, offering her expert insight on what a registered dietitian (RD) would order at Cava.
Healthy Options at Cava
As an RD, Hernandez understands the importance of making informed food choices. According to her, there are several healthy options at Cava worth considering. Let’s take a look at some of the best choices.
1. Steak Mezze Salad
Cava’s new Steak Mezze Salad is a fresh addition to the menu. Made with grilled steak, leafy greens, feta, and red pepper hummus, this dish is a great choice for those watching their calories. With only 495 calories and 30g of protein, Hernandez recommends this option as a great starting point for those with calorie-restricted diets.
Additional Nutrition Information:
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 33g
- Sugar: 9g
2. Tahini Caesar Bowl
Another healthy option at Cava is the Tahini Caesar Bowl. This classic caesar salad gets a twist with the addition of tahini, hummus, pita crisps, and grilled chicken. With 37g of protein and a balance of carbs, fat, and sugar, Hernandez likes this option for its nutritional value.
Additional Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 550
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 31g
- Sugar: 6g
3. Build Your Own Salad Bowl
Cava’s Build Your Own Salad Bowl is another healthy option worth considering. When building your own bowl, Hernandez recommends keeping the following tips in mind:
- Keep your unique nutritional needs at the front of your mind.
- Build your bowl and select your options before ordering to see the breakdown of macros and make adjustments if needed.
If Hernandez were building her own bowl, she would start with the following ingredients:
- Splendid Greens
- Red pepper hummus
- Grilled steak
- Pickled onions
- Tomato & onions
- Cabbage slaw
- Persian cucumbers
- Yogurt dill dressing
The result would be a 330-calorie meal with 40g of protein.
Cava Ordering Tips (Based On Health Goals)
Here are some ordering tips to keep in mind, based on specific health goals:
- If you’re looking for nutritious options on the go: “Any entree here works!”
- If you’re eating low-carb: “Choose a salad bowl with no pita crisps, or side of pita.”
- If you’re eating high-protein: “Select any entree with either beef, chicken, lamb or falafel.”
- If you’re eating low-fat: “Get dressing on the side or ask for light dressing; the lowest fat dressing is the yogurt dill.”
- If you’re eating for weight loss: “It depends on individual calorie allowances for deficit, but generally any meal under 600 calories is a good rule of thumb.”
Conclusion
As an RD, Denise Hernandez understands the importance of making informed food choices. By considering the nutritional value of each menu item, you can make smart choices that support your health goals. From the Steak Mezze Salad to the Build Your Own Salad Bowl, Cava offers a range of healthy options to choose from.
FAQs
Q: Can I customize my order at Cava?
A: Yes, Cava allows you to build your own salad bowl with a variety of toppings and ingredients.
Q: Is Cava a healthy fast food option?
A: Yes, Cava offers a range of healthy options, including salads, grain bowls, and lean protein sources.
Q: Can I find gluten-free options at Cava?
A: Yes, Cava offers gluten-free pita bread and salads, as well as a variety of gluten-free toppings and ingredients.
Q: Does Cava offer vegetarian or vegan options?
A: Yes, Cava offers vegetarian options, including falafel and eggplant, and vegan options, such as tofu and hummus.
Q: Is Cava affordable?
A: Yes, Cava is an affordable fast food option, with most meals under $10.
