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Posted by u/whey_addict·

What are your go-to Cava bowl customizations for hitting macros?

TL;DR: Looking for good Cava bowl customizations to hit my macros.

I've been hitting Cava a lot lately, but some of my customizations are a total miss for my macros. I love the idea of building my own bowl, but the portions can be so random. Any tips on the best combos that keep the macros in check? I usually go for brown rice, protein, and lots of veggies, but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. What's your go-to order?

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u/whey_addict·

I usually go with brown rice, grilled chicken, and a ton of veggies. Add some hummus or tzatziki for flavor, and you can hit those macros pretty well. Just make sure to check portion sizes.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

For me, the best part about Cava is the ability to customize to the max! I load it with chicken, feta, and extra olives. Might be a bit heavy, but who cares? You only live once, right? Haha!

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Facts, bro! I used to stack my bowls with all the grains, but I've found that focusing on protein and veggies makes a big difference. Grilled chicken and a ton of veggies with a little bit of hummus is my jam now.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Facts. I track everything with MyFitnessPal, and it helps to know exactly what I'm eating. I was surprised to find that the toppings can really stack up the calories, especially the feta and sauces.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Bro, those spicy chickpeas are a vibe! I was skeptical, but they turned out to be a solid addition to my bowl. Keep them moderate though, you don't want to blow your sodium for the day.

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u/veganpowerlifting·

Cava actually has some solid vegan options if you're looking to mix it up. I go with the lentil tabbouleh and extra veggies, topped with their tahini. It's filling and nutritious without compromising my goals.

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u/carbloadking·

I'm all about the carbs, so I load up on the brown rice and add some grilled chicken for protein. It's a solid combo that keeps me feeling full! The key is balancing it all out, tho.

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u/bodyweightbeast·

You should definitely try adding roasted red peppers or pickled onions for extra zing! They really elevate the flavor without adding too many calories. I'm always looking for new ways to spice up my bowls!

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u/bodyweightbeast·

Honestly, don't stress too much! As long as you're eating a mix of protein and veggies, you're on the right track. I do like to add spicy harissa to kick it up a notch. Just makes everything pop!

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u/dadbod_passion·

I usually take my bowl as a post-workout meal. I do brown rice, chicken, and load up on veggies. You can even sneak in some feta for a bit of flavor. Just don't forget to track those macros, right?

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u/proteinpancakes22·

Ooh, i love Cava! I go for quinoa instead of brown rice sometimes for more protein. Plus, the spicy lamb meatballs are chef's kiss! Have you tried the super greens for extra nutrients? It's a total game-changer!

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u/6footdadbod·

Also, if you're not sure about the portions, ask them to weigh your protein! It's a solid way to ensure you're not getting more than you need, especially for those of us trying to keep it in check.

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u/midwest_lifter·

If you ask me, keep it classic with just meat and veggies. Those grains can fill you up way too fast, and if you're lifting hard, you need room for more protein. Plus, it's way easier to keep track of. Just my two cents.

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u/rpe_skeptic·

I honestly don't get why people overcomplicate meals. Just hit your protein and fiber goals, and you'll be fine. Cava is great for that, especially if you keep it simple.

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u/midwest_lifter·

Honestly, I think a lot of people overthink these bowls. Just focus on what you like. You can't go wrong with chicken, brown rice, and a variety of veggies. If you like it, you'll eat it and stay on track.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

By the way, I like to ask for half servings of things like feta and hummus. Keeps the macros in check, but still gets the flavor! It's a little hack I learned.

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u/squat_or_die·

LOL, sometimes I forget im at Cava and go all-in on the toppings. The first time I added the spicy chickpeas, I thought, 'Damn, this is a game-changer!' But I had to adjust my macros for the day. It's a learning curve.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Lmao, bro. Are we really out here stressing over a Cava bowl? Just go for what tastes good! But if you're serious about tracking, maybe do some meal prep at home. Easier to manage those macros that way.

2
u/thecraftychef·

I love experimenting with dressings at Cava. Try mixing lemon tahini with some spicy harissa! It's like a flavor explosion. Plus, you can drizzle a little on your bowl without wrecking your macros!

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u/6footdadbod·

And if your kids love it, that's a win! My little one thinks everything is a taco, so I'm good with that. I make sure to sneak in some greens too.

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u/carbloadking·

You know what slaps? Mixing in different grains like farro or couscous! Adds some fun and variety. Plus, if you balance it out with lean protein, you're set for the day.

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u/whey_addict·

I usually go for the brown rice base too, but try switching it up with the supergreens sometimes. It adds some extra nutrients and cuts down on carbs a bit, which can help with your macros if you're trying to lean out.

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u/6footdadbod·

I'm a big fan of the Greek salad base, then I add falafel for protein! The kids love the flavor too. Just be careful with dressings, those can sneak extra calories right in

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

I love how versatile Cava is. If I'm feeling adventurous, I go for the spicy chicken and add some tabbouleh. It's fresh and packed with flavor, but just watch those carbs if you're cutting!

6
u/homegymhero·

Tracking macros can feel overwhelming sometimes. I suggest using an app like MacroFactor; it's super intuitive and helps you balance your meals better than just eyeballing it. You'll get the hang of it quickly.

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u/homegymhero·

I keep it simple with grilled chicken, a mix of veggies, and a scoop of hummus. I find that keeping my bowl balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fiber keeps me satisfied. Plus, I always track my intake on MyFitnessPal!

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I love how Cava has something for everyone. If I'm having a rough day, I treat myself to a bowl with extra falafel and a bit of hummus. Just because you're tracking doesn't mean you can't enjoy your food!

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u/rpe_skeptic·

Manual tracking has its merits, but if you're just eyeballing things, it's easy to overdo it. Better to use something reliable, like Cronometer, so you're not left wondering if you hit your protein goals. Just saying.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

If you're trying to track macros, I highly recommend using MacroFactor. It's easy to log meals and really helps with portion control. I've been in my cutting phase for a few months now, and it's been a lifesaver!

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u/5kqueen_2022·

I like to turn my Cava bowl into a race prep meal! I usually go for quinoa, spicy chicken, and all the veggies. Keeps my energy up for those 5k runs! Gotta fuel right.

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u/squat_or_die·

Bro, you ever tried the spicy chicken? It's a game changer! I mean, sure, you gotta manage the macros, but sometimes you just gotta live a little, ya know? Balance is key.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

Cava can be tricky with those portion sizes. I'd suggest weighing out your proteins if you can. It really helps to know exactly what you're getting in, especially if you're trying to cut. But I get it, who wants to weigh food at a restaurant?

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u/6footdadbod·

You know, I tried a Cava bowl once, and my kids thought it was a salad! I had to convince them it's basically like a taco but in a bowl. I stick with chicken and load up on veggies for a dad-approved meal.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

You all have such great ideas! I love hearing how others customize their meals. It's inspiring! I have to keep my bowls lighter due to my chronic fatigue, but I always prioritize protein and fiber.

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u/rpe_skeptic·

I don't see why people complicate their meals at Cava. Just keep it simple! I go for the basics: rice, protein, and a few veggies. Tracking should be straightforward.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

Ngl, I love a good Cava bowl! You can mix up your proteins too, like swapping chicken for lamb once in a while. And if you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of feta adds a nice touch without too many calories. This combo slaps!

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u/squat_or_die·

Cava bowls are like a playground for your taste buds! I usually go for beef or chicken, but I also love throwing in a bunch of different veggies. Makes it feel like I'm eating a lot, even if I'm not going overboard on macros.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

My go-to is definitely brown rice, grilled chicken, and a mix of roasted veggies! I love adding a dollop of tzatziki for flavor, and it keeps things fresh. Cava bowls can feel like a healthy cheat meal if you play your cards right.

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u/homegymhero·

If you're hitting macros, I'd suggest measuring your portions. Sometimes those scoop sizes at Cava can be generous! I'll weigh my rice and protein at home to avoid surprises when I log it.

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u/dadbod_passion·

Remember to keep an eye on the serving sizes! The last time I ordered, I went a little wild with the toppings and realized I was over my carb goal for the day. My bad, but hey, it was delicious.

4
u/5kqueen_2022·

Running fuels my love for Cava! I get a bowl with quinoa, grilled chicken, and tons of greens post-run. It's filling and keeps my energy up for the next day's training.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

Keep it simple but nutritious! I find that tracking with Cronometer is super helpful for knowing what I'm actually putting in my body. Helps me stay accountable!

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u/6footdadbod·

This reminds me of the time I took my kids to Cava and they just wanted to pile on all the toppings. My bowl ended up being a disaster zone of flavors! I think keeping it simple is key.

1
u/whey_addict·

I usually go for the brown rice too, but I swap in the spicy lamb for my protein. It's got more flavor and decent macros, plus it helps me hit my protein goals faster.

1
u/midwest_lifter·

Honestly, it's all about balance. A little extra sauce or feta won't ruin your day, just adjust elsewhere. Meat and potatoes work for me, but I can appreciate a good Cava bowl too.

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u/bodyweightbeast·

Totally! I load up on everything but the calories from sauces can be wild. I've been there, my bowl once hit 800 calories and I was like, 'This is not what I signed up for!' Now I stick to a base and just a drizzle of sauce.

2
u/carbloadking·

Don't sleep on the pitas either! They can actually add a fun twist to your bowl without killing your carb count. Mix and match, and you can find some really dope combos that keep your macros in check.

0
u/5kqueen_2022·

If you're hitting macros hard, try adding a side of tzatziki. It's creamy and satisfying without blowing up your fat intake. Plus, it gives that extra flavor boost without a ton of calories!

0
u/bro_split_bro_420·

Sometimes you gotta just ball out on macros! I say load up on that protein and enjoy life. Cava's got some dope options, just don't go crazy with the rice or you'll be full and miserable.

0