by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: July 02, 2008   Last Updated: January 29, 2009

While there are certainly healthy pizza recipes, when your average American imagines this tasty treat they are thinking about greasy, cheesy pizza from a parlor or chain. Many favorite pizzas in America can run upwards of almost 450 calories per slice and more than 20 grams of fat. For many people who are craving a slice, those healthy, homemade recipes just aren't the same. It is possible to incorporate the occasional unhealthy choice into an overall healthy diet, but it has to be in moderation and balanced by better decisions.

Pitfalls of Pizza: Saturated Fat and Sodium

Most of the fat that you will find in your average pizza is not the heart-healthy unsaturated fat. A single slice of pizza with extra cheese and pepperoni can contain nearly half of the maximum amount of saturated fat that you should consume in a day. Since few of us head to the pizza parlor and eat only one slice, this can quickly add up.

Most commercial pizzas are also loaded with sodium. One slice can have almost half of the maximum recommended daily allowance of sodium. If you are concerned about the health of your heart, you may need to just make your own. Local pizza parlors may have slightly better nutrition than the chains, but items like cheese, sausage, and pizza dough are naturally high in salt to get the flavors we know and love.

How to Enjoy Pizza and Eat Well

However, just because pizza is not a healthy item it does not mean there is no room for it in an otherwise healthy diet. The key is moderation. Eating a slice or two occasionally is far different than eating an entire pizza once a week. Try my favorite strategy when you head to your favorite pizza parlor - order a salad and large glass of water before your pizza comes. If you are not starving, you will be less tempted to eat too much and by drinking water you are saving on the calories that fill sodas or beer.

It also can help if you forgo extra cheese or some of the greasy meats. Load up on any veggies you enjoy on your pizza to try and improve the nutritional content. A pizza light on the cheese, or even without cheese, can be an enjoyable choice for many people. Adding vegetables like bell peppers will provide great flavor without the calories. If you really want meat, choose a leaner selection like ham. It has fewer calories and less fat than options like pepperoni and sausage.

If you know that you are going to be eating pizza for lunch or dinner, adjust your food choices for the rest of the day. Focus on fruits, vegetables and lean protein earlier in the day. Keep your choices healthful and low in fat. By making the healthiest possible choices during the morning, you will not overwhelm your system with fat and sodium.

Check the Nutritional Information First

Pizza may not be healthy, but it certainly is delicious. Many chain restaurants now offer nutritional information for their creations, so check out your order before you head out. This can help you decide how much that cheesy goodness is worth it. Even if you are going to a local pizza parlor, a website like Pizza Hut where you can customize your pie can give you a general idea of the calories you will be consuming.

Pizza may be an American favorite, but it is rarely a healthy choice. If you are desperate for a slice, make sure to keep it in moderation. Consider pizza a treat rather than a regular choice.

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