Are you a fan of pizza but worried about the calorie intake? Look no further than 1 cup of pizza sauce, which contains only 20 calories. With this low-calorie option, you can still enjoy your favorite pizza without feeling guilty!

Not only is 1 cup of pizza sauce low in calories, but it also contains nutrients like vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Plus, if you make your own pizza sauce, you can control the ingredients and make it even healthier.

In this article, we'll explore how you can create healthy and low-calorie pizzas using 1 cup of pizza sauce. You'll learn about the calorie content of pizza sauce, the best low-calorie toppings, and tips for reducing calories in your pizza.

Low Calorie Pizza Sauce

Using a low-calorie pizza sauce is a great way to cut down on the total calorie content of your pizza. Look for pizza sauces that contain fewer than 30 calories per serving. You can also make your own pizza sauce by blending fresh or canned tomatoes with herbs and spices. This way, you can control the ingredients and keep the calorie count lower.

Healthy Pizza Sauce

Not all pizza sauces are created equal when it comes to nutrition. Look for pizza sauces that are low in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to your pizza sauce to boost its nutritional content. These veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

How Many Calories are in Pizza Sauce?

The calorie content of pizza sauce can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. On average, 1/4 cup of pizza sauce contains around 30-40 calories. It's important to check the label and serving size to ensure you're accurately tracking your calorie intake.

Calories in Tomato Sauce for Pizza

Tomato sauce is a key ingredient in pizza sauce and can also be used on its own for a simple pizza base. One cup of tomato sauce contains around 90 calories. To make your tomato sauce healthier, add herbs like basil and oregano, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can give your pizza sauce a flavorful kick.

Low Calorie Toppings

Choosing the right toppings is important when it comes to reducing calories in your pizza. Opt for lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, and load up on veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Avoid high-calorie toppings like sausage or extra cheese, and go easy on the oil or butter used for cooking.

Healthy Pizza Options

If you're looking for healthy pizza options, try making a cauliflower crust pizza or a whole wheat crust pizza. These crusts are lower in carbs and higher in fiber than traditional pizza crusts. You can also explore non-traditional pizza toppings like pesto, arugula, or roasted vegetables to switch up your pizza routine and keep things interesting.

Reducing Calories in Pizza

Besides using low-calorie pizza sauce and healthy toppings, there are other ways to reduce calories in your pizza. For example, you can use a smaller pizza crust to control portion size, or you can use a vegetable-based crust like cauliflower or zucchini to cut down on carbs.

Light Pizza Sauce

Light or reduced-fat pizza sauces can be a good option if you're looking to reduce calorie intake. These sauces are often made with skim milk or non-fat yogurt instead of heavy cream or cheese. Just be sure to check the label and make sure the sauce isn't loaded with added sugars or sodium.

Low Calorie Dinner Ideas

Using 1 cup of pizza sauce can be a great starting point for other low-calorie dinner ideas. You can use the sauce as a marinara for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Get creative with how you use your pizza sauce and experiment with different flavor combinations to keep your healthy meals interesting.

Low-Calorie Italian Recipes

Italian cuisine doesn't have to be unhealthy. With 1 cup of pizza sauce in hand, you can create a variety of low-calorie Italian recipes like eggplant parmesan, stuffed bell peppers, or lasagna. Look for recipes that use healthy ingredients like lean proteins and veggies, and swap out high-calorie ingredients like heavy cream or cheese with lighter options like low-fat ricotta or almond milk.