Pizza. It’s the food of the gods, the stuff of our dreams. But what do you do when you’re trying to cut back on carbs? The good news is, you don’t have to give up pizza entirely. With the advent of low-carb options, you can have your pizza and eat it too.
What to Look for When Reading the Label
Reading the label on a low-carb pizza can be a little like trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphics, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you. Your primary goal is to determine the number of net carbohydrates. To do this, I’m sorry, but you will have to do a little math. It isn’t a lot, but the math just cannot be helped. Here’s what to look for:
- Total Carbohydrates: This number will give you an idea of how many carbs are in a serving including dietary fiber. For pizza, the serving size is typically one slice. If you are like us, you will need two or three slices to get your pizza fix. That means you will need to multiply the total carbohydrates by the number of pizza slices you eat.
- Dietary Fiber: Dietary fiber is like a superhero in the carbohydrate world, it’s the good guy that your body can’t digest. So, subtract the dietary fiber from the total carbohydrates to get your net carbs. Don’t forget to multiply the fiber by the number of servings (slices) of pizza!
- Total Net Carbohydrates: This is the number you get when subtracting your Dietary Fiber from your Total Carbohydrates. Ideally, you are looking for something like 5 net carbs per serving. For example, the great low-carb bread company makes a pizza crust that has per slice 8g total carbohydrates, and 6g dietary fiber, making it 2 carbs per slice. You would then need to add in the carbs from the sauce and any toppings. If you use a low-carb sauce like an unsweetened alfredo, you’ll be able to eat 2 slices of pizza for approximately 5 absolutely amazing pizza net carbohydrates.
- Ingredients: Look for ingredients that are low in carbs, like almond flour or cauliflower. Typically you should avoid high-carb ingredients such as wheat flour or cornmeal as they are usually kryptonite to your low-carb lifestyle. There are, however; some exceptions. Golden Home Bakery has a pizza crust made using wheat flour that is so thin it is 8g net carbs per 1/3 of a 7″ pizza.
- Sugar Content: Make sure to check the sugar content, because let’s face it, nobody wants a pizza that tastes like it’s been sweetened with gym socks. Many low-carb pizzas use sugar substitutes to sweeten the crust. Stevia and Monk Fruit are excellent examples of things to sweeten with. If you see erythritol, be careful as too many sugar alcohols can cause g.i. upset, and nobody wants that.
- Fat Content: Low-carb diets focus on healthy fats, so look for a pizza that’s high in healthy fats, like olive oil or avocado oil. They’ll give you the energy to tackle anything the day throws at you, even if it’s just binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix.
Where to Buy Low-Carb Pizza
Low-carb pizza is now more accessible than ever, and there are several places you can buy it:
- Health Food Stores: Health food stores often carry low-carb pizza crust options, like those made with almond flour or cauliflower. Plus, they have all sorts of other cool, healthy things you can buy while you’re there.
- Supermarkets: Some supermarkets now carry frozen low-carb pizzas, or you can make your own using a low-carb crust mix. It’s like having a pizza chef in your own kitchen.
- Online Retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in low-carb and ketogenic foods, including low-carb pizza crust mix. You don’t even have to leave your house, it’s like a pizza party in your pajamas.
- Pizza Restaurants: Some pizza restaurants now offer low-carb crust options or alternative crusts made with ingredients like cauliflower. You can also ask for a thin crust or to hold the sauce and cheese to further reduce the carb count. And if all else fails, just eat the toppings with a fork, we won’t tell.
Final Thoughts
With so many low-carb pizza options available, you don’t have to give up your favorite food to stick to your dietary goals. Just make sure to read the label and choose a product that fits within your restrictions. And remember, pizza is like love, there’s a perfect slice out there for everyone. So go out and find your slice of heaven.
One word of caution: don’t fall for the trap of thinking that just because it’s low-carb, it’s automatically healthy. Some low-carb pizzas can still have heavily processed ingredients, so always read the label and make sure you’re choosing a product that aligns with your overall health and wellness goals.
And finally, a fun little fact: did you know that Naples, Italy made the first pizza in the late 1700s? It was a simple dish made with tomatoes, cheese, and basil, and it was so popular that it spread throughout Italy and eventually the world. So, next time you’re enjoying a slice of low-carb pizza, you can tell your friends you’re participating in a centuries-old culinary tradition.
In conclusion, whether you’re trying to stick to a low-carb diet or just looking for a healthier pizza option, plenty of options are available. Just read the label, choose wisely, and enjoy your slice with a side of humor and a sprinkle of history. Buon appetito!