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Posted by u/nurseliftsheavy··Hot Take

Cava bowl macros: hits and misses with customizations?

TL;DR: Cava bowl customizations can mess with my macros; looking for tips on better combos.

Ngl, I love Cava, but customizing my bowl feels like playing a game of macro roulette sometimes. im all about those protein targets, but when I load up on toppings, it can get tricky! Some days I feel like I'm hitting my protein goals, and other days it's like I just went for a salad bar with extra carbs. Anyone else feeling this struggle with the customizations? What combos do you swear by to keep it balanced?

24 comments

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u/6footdadbod·

Honestly, I just go for the kid's size bowl now. I can load it with chicken and some hummus without going overboard. Dad life means I'm always watching those macros.

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u/saltyngl·

Lowkey, I once ordered a bowl loaded with feta and olives thinking it was healthy. Ended up with more calories than my dinner. 🤦‍♀️ Moderation is key!

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u/calisthenics_only·

For those who love calisthenics, tracking is still key. Bodyweight can help balance the macros, but I still check my protein intake. Can't skip it!

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u/saltyngl·

Lol, I feel like im at a salad bar too! I usually try to keep it simple: lean protein, greens, and a small amount of hummus. But then my kid wants to add all the toppings, and I end up with extra carbs. It's a real struggle to balance what I want versus what I need. Like, can I just get a bowl that knows my goals?

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u/creatine_supremacy·

Facts. I usually go for the chicken and add a couple of sides, but those dressings can really mess with your macros. Keep that protein high, I aim for at least 200g a day.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

For sure! I've been cutting and tracking my macros religiously. I try to stick to about 30g protein per meal and keep the carbs lower. Cava can be tricky for that, though.

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u/5kqueen_2022·

Cava can be a slippery slope. I hit a PR in my last run, but when I eat out, I try to stick to what I know. A bowl with double protein and greens is my go-to.

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u/gymgoddess87·

You can do a lot with those toppings! Keep it veggie-heavy and go light on sauces. Those sneaky calories can add up fast.

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u/gymgoddess87·

Empower yourself with tracking! I use MacroFactor for everything. It helps me see what's working and what's not. Can't go wrong with proper tracking!

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u/5kqueen_2022·

I try to keep it simple with protein and greens. My last bowl was just chicken, lettuce, and a sprinkle of feta. No fuss, just pure gains.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

Yeah, those dressings can be deceptive. I've also switched to lighter options like lemon juice or vinegar. Makes a big difference in macros.

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u/veganpowerlifting·

Totally get that struggle! I usually go for quinoa and then load up on veggies and tofu. Plant protein does wonders if you mix it up. Plus, it's filling!

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u/proteinpancakes22·

I love making variations at home too! I just made a spicy chickpea bowl, loaded with veggies and tahini dressing. So good and easy to track with MyFitnessPal.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

One time I went wild and added everything to my bowl. Lesson learned: moderation is key! Now I focus on my macros, keeping it balanced. Best combo I found is chicken, veggies, and a bit of hummus.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

Ngl, I had the same problem with toppings. I tried to load up on chickpeas and chicken, thinking it would balance out, but then I ended up with a bowl that felt like a carb bomb. I usually stick to a protein base like lamb or chicken, add some veggies, and just a sprinkle of feta. Keeps my macros in check.

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u/briankoel·

Been there, done that. I like to measure out my portions before going in. It keeps things from getting out of hand. Eating mindfully really helps.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

No cap, the dressings are killer. i only use a little bit, like a teaspoon, to keep things in check. You can always add hot sauce for flavor without the carbs!

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u/proteinpancakes22·

This slaps! I made a Cava-inspired bowl at home, grilled chicken, tons of greens, and a homemade dressing. It was so much healthier and way easier to track.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

I feel you on this! I try to stick with lean proteins like grilled chicken or falafel, but when I load up on toppings, those carbs sneak in. Gotta keep an eye on those portions

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u/creatine_supremacy·

Honestly, the key is tracking. I use MacroFactor, and it really helps me stay on point. Just yesterday I had a bowl with double chicken and just a few toppings. Hit my protein target and still felt full! You gotta treat it like a workout; aim for those PRs every time, even if it's just at Cava.

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u/saltyngl·

Ugh, same here! I went with a friend last week and I ended up with a bowl that was mostly carbs. It's a challenge when you're just trying to hit those protein targets. Have you tried going lighter on the grains?

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u/6footdadbod·

Dad tip: Get your kids the pitas and just take the protein from them. They won't notice and you'll save calories! Win-win

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u/midwest_lifter·

I think it comes down to finding that balance. If you really load up on toppings, consider cutting back on the grains. Just my 2 cents. My last bowl was a protein fest with meat, no carbs.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

You can't be afraid to say no to certain toppings. i've learned to skip the pita and go for double protein instead. Every gram counts!

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