Can I Eat Pizza On A Diet?

Pizza places are common restaurants where friends and families gather on the weekends to catch up and enjoy a meal together. So, how can you do this if you are on a diet and trying to watch those calories? You might be surprised at how easily you can enjoy these evenings out while staying true to your weight loss goals.

First of all, you have to remember that food is not the enemy. At just about every restaurant you will be able to find something to eat; you just have to be willing to try. Your luck increases when you eat at a pizzeria because the options are plenteous. With careful planning and mindful eating, you can maintain your diet and enjoy the evening at the same time.

When you arrive at the restaurant, order a beverage as soon as you can. Choose something you enjoy (even if its water) to help stave off feelings of extreme hunger. Ignore the breadsticks when they come to your table and order a salad. You can also suggest a larger salad for the entire crowd, and you might be surprised how many at the table are interested in at least a small portion for themselves.
Once it is time to order the pizza, do not stress! Choose something with a thinner crust and healthier, low-calorie toppings. Vegetables are extremely filling and make very tasty toppings. If you are ordering with the group and cannot make the decision on the toppings, then simply have one small slice when your order is delivered to your table. Chances are good that if you filled up on salad, you are not going to feel like eating a lot of other things anyways.

When eating out on your own and not with a large group, you can be a little more discerning with your order and maintain your weight loss goals. Most pizzerias will honor your requests for less cheese and more vegetables. Additionally, limiting the amount of sauce (ask for half) will limit the number of calories dramatically. Also, choose a pizzeria that offers a thinner crust or a whole-wheat option. You can save a lot of calories by making a few small changes that do not sacrifice taste.

Another thing you want to remember is that portion size is just as important as what you are eating. Large, plate size pieces of pizza pack quite a caloric punch. Cut the slice in half and save the rest for the next day's lunch. You do not have to be wasteful just because you are dieting. Pair that half-slice with your favorite diet soda (or water with a lemon) and you will not feel deprived at all. After the salad and slice of pizza, stop eating. If you are still feeling hungry, drink some water and wait for at least twenty minutes. You will likely find that you are not longer hungry and that your meal left you satisfied and your cravings obliterated.