5 Ways to Make Your Pizza Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

Pizza often gets a bad reputation in health-conscious circles, but it doesn't have to be a guilty pleasure. With a few smart adjustments, you can enjoy this beloved comfort food while making it a more nutritious part of your diet. At Freshslice, we're committed to offering healthier options without compromising on the delicious taste you love.

1. Choose a Better Base

The crust is the foundation of your pizza and typically accounts for a significant portion of the calories. Here are some ways to make your base healthier:

• Go thin: Thin crust pizza automatically reduces the calorie count compared to deep dish or thick crust options. At Freshslice, our thin crust option can save you up to 100 calories per slice.
• Choose whole grains: Our whole grain crust contains more fiber, helping you feel fuller longer and providing more nutrients. It also has a delicious nutty flavor that complements many toppings.
• Try cauliflower crust: For those looking to reduce carbs or who need gluten-free options, our cauliflower crust is a game-changer. It's lower in calories and carbohydrates while being high in nutrients.

2. Be Smart About Sauce

Traditional pizza sauce can be high in sodium and sometimes contains added sugars. Here's how to make healthier sauce choices:

• Traditional tomato sauce: Our classic tomato sauce is made with vine-ripened tomatoes and contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
• Pesto alternative: For a change, try pesto sauce which provides heart-healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, plus vitamin K from the basil.
• Go light on sauce: Request a "light sauce" option to reduce sodium and calories without losing flavor.
• Try a white pizza: Skip the sauce altogether and opt for a drizzle of olive oil with fresh garlic for a delicious, heart-healthy alternative.

3. Load Up on Vegetables

One of the easiest ways to make your pizza healthier is to prioritize vegetable toppings. They add nutrition, flavor, and texture with minimal calories:

• The more, the better: Don't be shy—add several different vegetable toppings to maximize nutritional variety. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli are all excellent choices.
• Roasted instead of raw: At Freshslice, we roast many of our vegetable toppings to enhance their flavor. Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, making them tastier without adding calories.
• Try new combinations: Experiment with less common vegetable toppings like artichoke hearts, eggplant, or arugula (added after baking).
• The Veggie Powerhouse: Try our Veggie Supreme pizza, which provides nearly two servings of vegetables per slice!

4. Be Strategic with Cheese and Meat

Cheese and meat toppings are traditional pizza favorites but can significantly increase the calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content. Here's how to enjoy them more mindfully:

Cheese Choices:

• Request light cheese: You'll still get the gooey, delicious cheese experience with fewer calories. Our "light cheese" option uses about 25% less cheese than standard.
• Try reduced-fat options: Part-skim mozzarella has a similar taste and melt to full-fat versions with less saturated fat.
• Mix in stronger cheeses: Incorporate small amounts of flavorful cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan. Their stronger flavor profiles mean you can use less while still getting great taste.

Smarter Meat Choices:

• Lean proteins: Opt for leaner protein options like grilled chicken, Canadian bacon, or seafood instead of pepperoni or sausage.
• Plant-based alternatives: Try our plant-based protein toppings, which provide similar satisfaction with less saturated fat.
• Use meat as an accent: Rather than making meat the star, use small amounts distributed across the pizza for flavor while keeping vegetables as the main toppings.

5. Mind Your Portions

Even the healthiest pizza should be enjoyed in moderation. Here are some strategies for sensible portions:

• Start with a salad: Begin your meal with a vegetable-rich salad to help fill you up with low-calorie nutrients before your pizza arrives.
• Stick to 2-3 slices: Pair your pizza with a side salad instead of eating half a pie.
• Try individual sizes: Our personal-sized pizzas help with portion control while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite food.
• Share and enjoy: Split a pizza with friends or family and order a variety of side vegetables to round out the meal.

The Bottom Line

Pizza can absolutely be part of a healthy, balanced diet when you make thoughtful choices. By selecting a better crust, being mindful of sauce, loading up on vegetables, being strategic with cheese and meat, and watching your portions, you can enjoy this beloved food without derailing your health goals.

At Freshslice, we believe that eating well shouldn't mean sacrificing the foods you love. That's why we offer a range of options to accommodate different dietary preferences and health needs, all while maintaining the delicious taste that keeps you coming back.

"Food should be both nourishing and enjoyable. With a few mindful adjustments, pizza can be a balanced part of any eating pattern. It's all about making informed choices that work for your personal health goals." — Dr. Sarah Chen, Nutritionist