Let’s face it, who doesn’t like pizza? Nearly every mouth waters at the thought of sweet tomato sauce, tangy toppers, and that rich golden-brown crust, baked to perfection. This combination food can be a healthy choice; however it often ends up being an indulgent, high fat, calorie-packed nightmare. Whether you’re starting from scratch, opening a convenient frozen creation, or placing an order at your favorite pizzeria, the following pizza pointers will surely come in handy. 

Here are some calories counts on some of your favorite pizza places.

Pizza Hut Personal Pan supreme    3 slices  722 calories
Pizza Hut Meat Lovers Pan Pizza  2 slices  680 calories
Domino’s Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza 2 slices  780 calories
Papa John’s Thin Crust Pepperoni  3 slices  800 calories
Papa John’s Pan Crust Cheese Pizza  2 slices  760 calories

Consider the Crust
Crust is the foundation of your pizza, so be creative and open your mind to new crust possibilities.  A slice of thin crust pizza can be crispy and satisfying for only 200 calories compared to a cheese filled crust that can pack up to 500 calories or more per slice.

Load It Up
Pile on the vegetable and fruit toppings—mushrooms, olives, green peppers, broccoli, onions, spinach, pineapple, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers—for less fat, less calories, more fiber and more vitamins A and C.

If Meat is a Must…
While pepperoni may be the favorite it can add an extra 50 calories per slice, opt for leaner meats such as ground turkey, extra lean ground beef, white meat chicken, lean ham, or Canadian bacon instead. Seafood lovers can try water-packed shrimp, tuna, or crab.

Say “Cheese…Just a Little, Please”
Forget doubling the cheese, cut it in half!  This means you get half the calories and there will still be plenty of cheese left on the pizza.  You also can order a cheese-less vegetable or chicken pizza with a dash of olive oil or even a little Parmesan cheese.   It is a great way to cut calories and not cut taste.
Avoid the extras.  Avoid garlic butter, or ranch dipping sauces, and extras like breadsticks.  These items are extremely high in calories and fat.