The surprisingly healthy pizza options at your go-to chains – what to order next time!
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Ah, pizza – the ultimate comfort food that dances on the taste buds and brings joy to the soul.
But for those of us who are health-conscious, especially in our golden years when we're trying to look after our hearts and waistlines, indulging in a cheesy slice often comes with a side of guilt.
Fear not, fellow pizza lovers! It turns out that with a few smart choices, you can enjoy your favorite pie without compromising your health.
We've all fantasized about a world where indulgent foods like a thick, cheesy pizza slice could magically have the nutritional profile of a kale salad.
While science hasn't quite made that dream a reality, there's no need to abandon the beloved pizza altogether. In fact, with some guidance from nutrition experts, you can still partake in this delightful dish in a way that fits a balanced diet.
Naria Le Mire, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, brings us some good news: pizza can indeed be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.
The key is to make informed choices about the type of pizza you order. Le Mire suggests opting for a thinner crust to cut down on calories and carbs.
However, she warns against falling for trendy alternatives like cauliflower crusts, which may sound healthier but can be higher in fat and not as rich in fiber as one might expect.
Instead, Le Mire emphasizes the importance of ingredient quality over fads. She recommends loading up on vegetable toppings for a nutrient boost and going light on the cheese to reduce saturated fat intake.
But what about those times when you're craving a slice from your favorite chain pizza place? We're often seeking convenience and flavor, not necessarily a gourmet health food experience.
To navigate the menu at fast food pizza joints, Le Mire advises looking for options with fewer than 350 calories and less than 500 mg of sodium per slice.
Sodium is a significant concern due to its links to bloating, increased blood pressure, and heart disease risk. Saturated fat is another critical factor to watch.
Lauren Manaker, another nutritionist, echoes the advice to choose thin crust over deep dish or stuffed crust and to request half the normal amount of cheese.
She also suggests avoiding processed meats like pepperoni or bacon, which can increase saturated fat and sodium levels. Instead, opt for fresh vegetable toppings or lean proteins like grilled chicken for added nutrition.
With these tips in mind, we've scoured the nutritional facts from popular chain pizza restaurants to find the healthiest options available. Here's what we found.
California Pizza Kitchen's California Veggie Pizza
This pizza is a standout choice with its low calorie (170), low sodium (370 mg), and low saturated fat (2 grams) profile. It also offers 25 grams of carbs and 8 grams of protein for sustained energy.
Jet’s Veggie Thin Crust Pizza
Jet's small veggie thin crust pizza is a solid option, with 230 calories a slice, 23 grams of carbs, and 3.5 grams of saturated fat. It also boasts 11 grams of protein, making it a top pick for those seeking more protein in their meal.
Papa Murphy's Thin Crust Garden Veggie Pizza
Papa Murphy's offers a slice with only 180 calories, 8 grams of protein, 18 grams of carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and a low 370 mg of sodium.
Marco’s Pizza Thin Crust Cheese Pizza
A classic cheese slice can be a healthier choice, and Marco's thin crust version has 170 calories, 14 grams of carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 340 mg of sodium per slice.
Papa John's Gluten-Free Butter Chicken Pizza
For a healthier option with a protein kick, Papa John's gluten-free butter chicken pizza has 130 calories, 14 grams of carbs, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 280 mg of sodium per slice.
Little Caesars' Thin Crust Cheese Pizza
Little Caesars offers a thin crust cheese pizza with 8 grams of protein, only 11 carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 218 mg of sodium. Plus, it's just 148 calories per slice.
Pizza Hut's Thin 'N Crispy Veggie Lover Pizza Pizza
Hut's veggie lover's slice is the lowest in calories on our list at 100 per slice. It also has 14 carbs, 5 grams of saturated fat, 250 mg of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
Domino's Thin Crust Pizza With Spinach & Mushrooms
Domino's offers a small thin crust cheese pizza with spinach and mushrooms that has 120 calories a slice, 11 carbs, and 7 grams of protein. It has slightly more saturated fat at 2.6 grams but only 173 mg of sodium.
So, next time you're in the mood for a pizza night, remember that with a few smart choices, you can enjoy your slice of heaven without the guilt.
Go for thin crusts, pile on the veggies, and keep an eye on the cheese and sodium content. And as always, moderation is key – savor each bite and balance it out with a healthy lifestyle.
Have you tried any of these healthier pizza options, or do you have other tips for enjoying pizza the healthy way? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
But for those of us who are health-conscious, especially in our golden years when we're trying to look after our hearts and waistlines, indulging in a cheesy slice often comes with a side of guilt.
Fear not, fellow pizza lovers! It turns out that with a few smart choices, you can enjoy your favorite pie without compromising your health.
We've all fantasized about a world where indulgent foods like a thick, cheesy pizza slice could magically have the nutritional profile of a kale salad.
While science hasn't quite made that dream a reality, there's no need to abandon the beloved pizza altogether. In fact, with some guidance from nutrition experts, you can still partake in this delightful dish in a way that fits a balanced diet.
Naria Le Mire, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, brings us some good news: pizza can indeed be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.
The key is to make informed choices about the type of pizza you order. Le Mire suggests opting for a thinner crust to cut down on calories and carbs.
Registered dietitian Naria Le Mire suggests that pizza can be a part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation, recommending a thinner crust and careful selection of toppings. Image source: Igor Ovsyannykov / Pixabay.
However, she warns against falling for trendy alternatives like cauliflower crusts, which may sound healthier but can be higher in fat and not as rich in fiber as one might expect.
Instead, Le Mire emphasizes the importance of ingredient quality over fads. She recommends loading up on vegetable toppings for a nutrient boost and going light on the cheese to reduce saturated fat intake.
But what about those times when you're craving a slice from your favorite chain pizza place? We're often seeking convenience and flavor, not necessarily a gourmet health food experience.
To navigate the menu at fast food pizza joints, Le Mire advises looking for options with fewer than 350 calories and less than 500 mg of sodium per slice.
Sodium is a significant concern due to its links to bloating, increased blood pressure, and heart disease risk. Saturated fat is another critical factor to watch.
Lauren Manaker, another nutritionist, echoes the advice to choose thin crust over deep dish or stuffed crust and to request half the normal amount of cheese.
She also suggests avoiding processed meats like pepperoni or bacon, which can increase saturated fat and sodium levels. Instead, opt for fresh vegetable toppings or lean proteins like grilled chicken for added nutrition.
With these tips in mind, we've scoured the nutritional facts from popular chain pizza restaurants to find the healthiest options available. Here's what we found.
It is advised to choose vegetable-heavy toppings, go light on the cheese, and avoid high-fat cauliflower crusts as they may not offer the desired health benefits. Image source: Zuzana Gazdikova / Pixabay.
California Pizza Kitchen's California Veggie Pizza
This pizza is a standout choice with its low calorie (170), low sodium (370 mg), and low saturated fat (2 grams) profile. It also offers 25 grams of carbs and 8 grams of protein for sustained energy.
Jet’s Veggie Thin Crust Pizza
Jet's small veggie thin crust pizza is a solid option, with 230 calories a slice, 23 grams of carbs, and 3.5 grams of saturated fat. It also boasts 11 grams of protein, making it a top pick for those seeking more protein in their meal.
Papa Murphy's Thin Crust Garden Veggie Pizza
Papa Murphy's offers a slice with only 180 calories, 8 grams of protein, 18 grams of carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and a low 370 mg of sodium.
Marco’s Pizza Thin Crust Cheese Pizza
A classic cheese slice can be a healthier choice, and Marco's thin crust version has 170 calories, 14 grams of carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 340 mg of sodium per slice.
Papa John's Gluten-Free Butter Chicken Pizza
For a healthier option with a protein kick, Papa John's gluten-free butter chicken pizza has 130 calories, 14 grams of carbs, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 280 mg of sodium per slice.
Little Caesars' Thin Crust Cheese Pizza
Little Caesars offers a thin crust cheese pizza with 8 grams of protein, only 11 carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 218 mg of sodium. Plus, it's just 148 calories per slice.
Pizza Hut's Thin 'N Crispy Veggie Lover Pizza Pizza
Hut's veggie lover's slice is the lowest in calories on our list at 100 per slice. It also has 14 carbs, 5 grams of saturated fat, 250 mg of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
Domino's Thin Crust Pizza With Spinach & Mushrooms
Domino's offers a small thin crust cheese pizza with spinach and mushrooms that has 120 calories a slice, 11 carbs, and 7 grams of protein. It has slightly more saturated fat at 2.6 grams but only 173 mg of sodium.
So, next time you're in the mood for a pizza night, remember that with a few smart choices, you can enjoy your slice of heaven without the guilt.
Go for thin crusts, pile on the veggies, and keep an eye on the cheese and sodium content. And as always, moderation is key – savor each bite and balance it out with a healthy lifestyle.
