Maintaining a low-carb lifestyle while dining out doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor—or spending more than necessary. Fast-casual restaurants like Cava, Panera Bread, and Shake Shack offer plenty of low-carb meal options that are satisfying and budget-friendly. Better yet, with the Fluz app, you can earn cashback when you purchase digital gift cards to use at these restaurants, reducing your overall cost while staying on track with your nutrition goals.
Here’s how to eat low-carb at popular Fluz merchant restaurants without paying extra for special modifications.
Cava: Bold Flavors, Low-Carb Builds
Top Low-Carb Menu Options:
• Greens + Greens Bowl: Choose supergreens and romaine as your base.
• Protein: Go with grilled chicken, spicy lamb meatballs, or falafel.
• Toppings: Add cucumber, tomato-onion salad, pickled onions, cabbage slaw, olives, and feta.
• Dressings: Opt for lemon herb tahini or garlic dressing (used sparingly).
Smart Tips:
• Skip pita or rice to avoid added carbs.
• Ask for extra leafy greens and dip-style toppings like hummus or baba ghanoush to maintain volume.
• All toppings and dressings at Cava are included in the base price, so you can add flavor without extra cost.
Bonus: Use Fluz to buy a Cava gift card and earn instant cashback on your next low-carb bowl.
Panera Bread: Customizable, Clean Ingredients
Top Low-Carb Menu Options:
• Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken (without pickled onions or dressing for stricter carb limits)
• Caesar Salad with Chicken (ask for no croutons)
• Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken (remove grains and substitute with extra greens)
Smart Tips:
• Ask for dressing on the side or opt for olive oil and lemon.
• Request double meat or avocado for a protein and fat boost without added carbs.
• Use the “Customize” option in the Panera app to remove bread, rice, or high-carb sides from your order without penalty.
Bonus: Buy a Panera Bread gift card through Fluz to earn cashback on every order.
Shake Shack: Low-Carb Options That Satisfy
Top Low-Carb Menu Options:
• Lettuce-Wrapped ShackBurger: Ask for your burger protein-style (wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun).
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No Bun): Served in a lettuce wrap or bowl-style.
• Cheese Fries or Milkshakes: Skip these to keep carbs low.
Smart Tips:
• Customize your order at the kiosk or via the app to remove the bun.
• Double up on patties or choose the “Shroom Burger” (if vegetarian and okay with light breading).
• Avoid sweetened beverages and opt for water or unsweetened iced tea.
Bonus: Use Fluz to grab a digital gift card and earn cashback at checkout.
Maximize Low-Carb Volume Without Paying More
When eating low-carb, one common concern is portion size—especially if you’re skipping grains or bread. Here’s how to keep your meal satisfying:
• Swap bases for greens: At Cava or Panera, greens cost the same or less than grains.
• Add extra protein: Some chains offer a free or low-cost double protein option (check before ordering).
• Pile on low-carb toppings: Cucumbers, cabbage slaw, pickles, and olives add crunch and volume without spiking carbs.
• Avoid “premium” add-ons: Stick with included items and smart swaps instead of paying more for avocado, bacon, or specialty cheese unless necessary.
Cashback Bonus: Save While You Eat Smart
Using the Fluz app, you can earn cashback at each of these merchants simply by purchasing a digital gift card before you order. Here’s how:
1. Open the Fluz app and search for your favorite restaurant.
2. Buy a gift card in the exact amount of your order.
3. Use that gift card at checkout in-store or in the restaurant’s app.
4. Earn cashback instantly, which you can reinvest into future meals.
This makes eating low-carb more affordable while letting you enjoy gourmet, customizable meals.
