I often fantasize about a world where a juicy New York slice of pizza is as healthy as a kale salad. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality we live in. While I eagerly await scientists to discover a way to make this dream come true, I’m not giving up pizza in the meantime. If you’re like me, who values health but also enjoys a good pizza—whether it’s New York, Detroit, or Chicago-style (no judgement, or maybe just a little)—here’s some good news: registered dietitian and nutritionist Naria Le Mire assures that pizza can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation!
To make smarter choices, Le Mire recommends opting for a thinner crust, but advises caution with trendy options like cauliflower crusts. While they may seem healthier, cauliflower crusts are often higher in fat and lack fiber, making them just as bad, if not worse, than regular crusts. Instead, Le Mire emphasizes the importance of focusing on ingredient quality over following trends, as it has a more significant impact on overall health. She suggests loading up on vegetable toppings for added nutrients and reducing saturated fat by going easy on the cheese or asking for half the usual amount.
But what about when we’re really craving a slice from our favorite chain pizza place? Let’s face it, we’re not always aiming for top-notch quality. We’re looking for convenience and deliciousness!
As a rule of thumb, Le Mire suggests choosing slices under 350 calories and with less than 500 mg of sodium when dining at fast food-type franchises. Sodium is a major concern due to its connection to bloating, increased blood pressure, and heart disease risk. Saturated fat is also a close second to keep an eye on. Nutritionist Lauren Manaker recommends selecting thin crust over deep dish or stuffed crust, reducing cheese intake, and avoiding processed meats like pepperoni or bacon to minimize saturated fat and sodium levels. For added nutrition, opt for fresh vegetables or lean proteins like grilled chicken as toppings.
Taking all this into consideration, we reviewed the nutritional information of popular chain pizza establishments to identify the healthiest options available. Cheese, veggie, and Hawaiian pizzas emerged as top choices due to their low sodium and saturated fat content. The latter two are particularly ideal for boosting nutrient and protein intake.
Here are some top picks:
1. California Pizza Kitchen’s California Veggie Pizza: This option features a low calorie count (170), minimal sodium (370 mg), and low saturated fat content (2 grams). It contains 25 grams of carbs and 8 grams of protein.
2. Jet’s Veggie Thin Crust Pizza: While not the healthiest option, this pizza falls below the 500 mg sodium threshold with 230 calories per slice, 23 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, and the highest protein content (11 grams) among our selections at Jet’s.
3. Papa Murphy’s Thin Crust Garden Veggie
**Exploring Healthier Pizza Options: A Nutritional Breakdown**
In the realm of fast food, pizza often gets a bad rap for being a guilty pleasure high in calories, carbs, and saturated fats. However, not all pizzas are created equal when it comes to nutritional content. Let’s take a closer look at some of the healthier pizza options available at popular chains, shedding light on their calorie counts, macronutrient profiles, and overall health benefits.
**Marco’s Thin Crust Pizza:** Starting off our exploration, Marco’s thin crust pizza offers a relatively healthy option compared to its counterparts. With 170 calories per slice, 14 grams of carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 340 mg of sodium, it provides a decent balance of nutrients. While it may not be the most protein-rich due to the lack of toppings, you can still enjoy 6 grams of protein from the cheese.
**Papa John’s Gluten-Free Butter Chicken Pizza:** For those seeking a gluten-free option, Papa John’s gluten-free butter chicken pizza stands out as a top choice for health-conscious consumers. With 130 calories per slice, 14 grams of carbs, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 280 mg of sodium, it offers a lighter alternative without skimping on flavor. Plus, the chicken topping adds an extra 7 grams of protein to your meal.
**Little Caesars’ Thin Crust Cheese Pizza:** Little Caesars’ hot ‘n ready thin crust cheese pizza proves that you can enjoy a satisfying slice without piling on excessive calories and fats. With 148 calories, 11 carbs, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 218 mg of sodium per serving, this option packs a decent 8 grams of protein solely from the cheese.
**Pizza Hut’s Thin ‘N Crispy Veggie Lover Pizza:** If you’re a veggie enthusiast looking for a lighter pizza choice, Pizza Hut’s thin ‘n crispy veggie lover’s slice might be your go-to option. With a mere 100 calories, 14 carbs, 5 grams of saturated fat, 250 mg of sodium, and 5 grams of protein per slice, it delivers a nutrient-packed punch in every bite.
**Domino’s Thin Crust Pizza With Spinach & Mushrooms:** Lastly, Domino’s small thin crust cheese pizza with spinach and mushrooms offers a flavorful twist on a classic favorite with its nutritional benefits. Each slice boasts 120 calories, 11 carbs, 7 grams of protein, and 2.6 grams of saturated fat, along with a modest 173 mg of sodium. The addition of nutrient-dense spinach and mushrooms elevates the overall health profile of this pizza choice.
In a world where convenience often trumps health considerations, these healthier pizza options provide a ray of hope for those seeking balance in their fast-food choices. By opting for pizzas with lower calorie counts, reduced saturated fats, and higher protein content, consumers can
