If you're a pizza enthusiast, then you know that indulging in your favorite pizza can easily add up the calories. One 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza contains a whopping 2939 calories. Feasting on such a high-calorie meal can be tough for those trying to watch their weight. But don't worry, we've got some tips and tricks to make sure you can still enjoy your pizza without the guilt.

Before we look at ways to lower your calorie intake from pizza, let's take a closer look at its nutritional information. A 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza contains 185 grams of fat, 263 grams of carbohydrates, and 130 grams of protein.

In this article, we'll explore how the calories are distributed in a pizza, which toppings to choose that are lower in calories, and other practical tips and strategies to enjoy your pizza while keeping your health goals in check.

Pizza size and calories

The size of your pizza can significantly impact the calorie count. As the diameter increases, so does the calorie count. For example, a 12" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza contains 1825 calories, whereas a 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese Pizza contains 2939 calories.

Calories per slice

The number of slices in your pizza also affects the calorie count. Generally, a 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza comes with 8 slices. Each slice contains around 367 calories.

Calories from fat

Fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient, providing 9 calories per gram. A 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza contains 1665 Calories from fat alone.

Calories from carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are another source of calories in a pizza. One gram of carbohydrates provides 4 calories. A 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza contains 1052 Calories from carbohydrates.

Calories from protein

Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair body tissues. However, too much protein can also contribute to excess calorie intake. One gram of protein contains 4 calories. A 16" Dia Thin Crust Cheese pizza contains 520 Calories from protein.

Serving size and calories

Apart from the size of the pizza, the serving size also contributes to the calorie count. Eating more than one serving can quickly add up the calories. Therefore, it's essential to control the serving size to manage your calorie intake.

Nutritional value of pizza toppings

The toppings you choose can significantly impact the nutritional value of your pizza. Some toppings are higher in calories, while others provide more nutrients. For example, a slice of pepperoni pizza contains around 380 calories and 14 grams of fat, whereas a slice of veggie pizza with mushrooms, onions, and peppers contains around 200 calories and 8 grams of fat.

How to lower calorie intake from pizza

If you're looking to control your calorie intake from pizza, here are some practical tips:

• Opt for a smaller pizza size
• Choose a thin crust, whole wheat pizza
• Go easy on the cheese and opt for lower-fat cheese options like feta or goat cheese
• Load up your pizza with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes to add more nutrients and fiber to your pizza
• Avoid high-calorie toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and extra cheese
• Control your serving size by cutting your pizza into smaller slices or sharing it with a friend

Alternatives to high-calorie pizza toppings

If you're a fan of high-calorie toppings like pepperoni or sausage, here are some lower-calorie alternatives:

• Choose lean protein options like grilled chicken or shrimp
• Opt for veggie options like artichokes, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes
• Use lower-fat cheese options like feta or goat cheese

Impact of cheese on pizza calories

Cheese is a staple ingredient in most pizzas and provides it with its characteristic taste and texture. However, cheese is also high in calories and fat, and it's easy to go overboard with the cheese. One way to reduce the calorie count is to opt for lower-fat cheese options like feta or goat cheese. Additionally, you can decrease the cheese portion and add more veggies to your pizza to keep it flavorful and nutritious.