
Whether your loved one is eating healthier for New Year’s resolutions or has allergies or special dietary needs, find great pizza options that will fit into any lifestyle. Order a Valentine’s Day pizza to set the stage for a special evening or just enjoy a pizza any night of the week for a cooking break. Pizza has often gotten a bad rap for being unhealthy and fatty, but it’s actually a very versatile option when you really make good choices about the toppings.
Vegetarian and Vegan Pizzas
Pizza can easily be turned into a vegetarian option by choosing vegetable toppings only. Onions, mushrooms, olives and spinach don’t add fat to the pizza, nor do those toppings have as many calories as meat options. Need to go vegan? Ask the pizzeria if they offer vegan cheese or just skip the cheese altogether. Papa John’s Garlic Dipping Sauce is vegan. Dip the crust without guilt.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free pizzas can be harder to find, but not impossible. It’s the crust that is the biggest problem. Papa John’s now offers the best gluten free pizza crust crafted from never-frozen dough and ancient grains, including sorghum, teff, amaranth and quinoa. Customize your pizza to meet your tastes and needs. Enjoy a meal without guilt from eating gluten.
Low-Fat or Low-Calorie
If you’re trying to eat less fat and calories, go with a thin crust pizza to reduce the calories from the bread. Choose light cheese or none to reduce fat and calories. Avoid cured meats, such as pepperoni, bacon or salami. Grilled chicken only adds 20 calories per slice and doesn’t have as much fat as ham or sausage. Veggies will add a lot of flavor to a pizza without extra fat and calories. Even pineapple only adds about 10 calories per slice without extra fat. Skip the dipping sauces to keep the calories low, but don’t forget to add crushed red pepper to your order for added heat and flavor.
Low-Carb
A low-carb pizza can be a little more difficult. If you’re avoiding all carbs, order a thin-crust pizza and just enjoy the toppings. There’s no rule that says you have to eat the crust. The gluten-free crust may be an option if you can eat grains. Meatballs are often made with breadcrumbs as a binder, so avoid meatballs, but most pizza toppings are low-carb. Remember to order extra pepperoncinis and banana peppers to add interesting flavors without carbs or calories.
Look For Pizza Specials
Want to add something extra special to your evening? When you’re at the grocery store, pick up a box or strawberries or cherries. Fruit is a low-fat, gluten-free, low-calorie and sometimes low-carb option that can fit into most diets. Cool Whip makes a nice dip. It’s gluten-free, and you can find sugar-free options. For vegan diets, look for a coconut whipped topping. When you get home, while you’re waiting for pizza delivery, wash and dry the berries. Place them on a nice plate with a bowl of your chosen dip.
Check out the delivery pizza specials here to find great deals for Valentine’s or any evening.