Pick Your Pizza

Pizza, the universally beloved Italian delicacy, has a special place and moment in everyone’s life. After all, who can resist the tantalizing allure of a perfectly baked pie, topped with flavorful sauce, gooey cheese, and your favourite toppings? Yet, the art of pizza indulgence is not always about surrendering to the most extravagant combination of ingredients. It’s also about creating a savoury harmony that delivers pleasure without compromising on nutrition. This might seem like a challenging task, but with our carefully curated tips, you can transform your next pizza into a meal that perfectly blends indulgence with balance.
From savouring slices at some of the best pizza restaurants to crafting a homemade masterpiece, every pizza experience can become a chance to explore healthier choices. The secret lies in tailoring the pizza to your unique dietary needs and preferences while ensuring it remains as tempting as ever.
Firstly, focus on quality ingredients. Opt for whole-grain or cauliflower crusts for a boost of fibre, choose lean proteins for toppings, and don’t shy away from adding colourful, nutrient-rich vegetables. Secondly, keep portion sizes in check. Remember, a satisfying pizza experience doesn’t necessarily equate to overindulgence. Lastly, pay attention to the cooking method. Opt for baking or grilling to maintain the integrity of the ingredients without adding extra fat.
In doing so, not only do you get to revel in the pleasure of biting into a scrumptious slice of pizza, but you also create a more balanced meal, transforming the experience from an occasional splurge to a guilt-free delight. With these tips in mind, you can continue your love affair with pizza, knowing you’re making healthier choices.

RESTAURANTS IN ONTARIO WITH MORE THAN 20 LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO POST THE CALORIC INFORMATION FOR THE FOODS AND DRINKS ON THEIR MENU SINCE JANUARY 2017.

GOOD

Thin Crust Pepperoni
CALORIES (PER TWO SMALL SLICES): 300
Upgrade to whole wheat crust for extra fibre. If it’s an option, opt for turkey, chicken, or vegetarian pepperoni instead of pork and beef. Add a small garden salad to bring some colour to your plate.

BETTER

Italian Style
CALORIES (PER TWO SMALL SLICES): 280
Start with a thin, whole wheat base and load up with arugula, tomatoes, black olives, and sliced bocconcini. You will be rewarded with healthy fats, extra calcium, and vitamin C- a veritable rainbow of nutrition in your hand.

BEST

Spinach and Parmesan
CALORIES (PER TWO SMALL SLICES): 250
Stick with the thin crust, but ditch the meat and top with tons of spinach for a dose of vitamin K and iron. Keep the mozzarella light and sprinkle with a dash of grated hard cheese for lots of flavour with fewer calories and fat.