MATTHEW McNUTT

Okay, I’m just going to go ahead and admit it: I’m a pizza junkie.  You name it, I’ve tried it and love it.  But here’s the problem; a meal for me should be around 500-700 calories, and a regular slice of pizza ranges around 350-600 calories!  And I’m not a one slice of pizza kind of man.  I need at least two or three to calm my hunger.  I have, however, found some ways to satisfy my pizza craving without going off the deep end …

Pita Pizzas!  I’ll get the low calorie package of pitas from my local supermarket (70 calories per pita), use some pizza sauce (there isn’t really a low calorie version, but it’s not that much to begin with), fat free mozzarella (45 calories per quarter cup vs. the 120+ calories regular mozzarella runs), and some turkey pepperoni (70% less calories than regular pepperoni).  I also like adding all sorts of veggies (peppers, mushrooms, olives, jalepenos – all very low calories).  So, I’ll take the pita, spread some sauce, add the cheese and toppings and then put in the oven at around 400 degrees for about 5-10 minutes.  If I want it crispy, straight on the rack; if I want it a little softer, I’ll put it on a cookie sheet.  Here’s the beautiful part: I can have three of these for about 500 calories.  It’s also fun for the whole family; my kids love putting together their own pizzas!

I’ll also sometimes buy the premade wheat crusts or other instant crusts or crust mixes.  It’s more calories than a pita, but less than going out.  Other wise I keep things pretty much the same as above.

Finally, you could do a portebella pizza.  Basically, you buy some portabella mushrooms, clean ’em out and then top with sauce, fat free cheese and any other toppings you want.  It tastes like a pizza with mushroom toppings.  It’s good, and while most people love it … having three of those doesn’t sit well with my stomach so I stick with the pita pizzas.

At the end of the day, it’s like any other food.  You don’t need to swear it off to be healthy – you just need to find a way to make some substitutions that makes it manageable.  And yes, I still have regular pizza from time to time.  But unlike the old days when I’d pack down the whole thing, now I keep myself to two or three pieces – and I plan for it the rest of the day.  In other words, my other meals are lower calorie counts to compensate for the higher calorie pizza meal!

Got any other ideas to make pizza healthier or lower calorie?  Post ’em!  I want more options!