Monitor food choices with carry-out food to optimize blood cholesterol levels. Ideally, low-cholesterol meals are prepared in the home, but when a carry-out meal is required, make wise choices. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends dining out wisely to prevent high intakes of cholesterol. It suggests reading menus and nutrition information before you order. Daily consumption of cholesterol should not be more than 300mg. Foods that contain cholesterol are animal products, such as milk, butter, cheese, meat and eggs. Monitor your pizza choices to limit your cholesterol.
Step 1
Ask for less cheese. Cheese is an animal product that contains cholesterol. Order pizza with half the amount, or less, of cheese normally used on a pizza. For minimal cholesterol, ask for a pizza without any cheese.
Step 2
Order vegetable toppings only. Vegetables are a plant food and contain no cholesterol. Add as many vegetables as desired. A medium thin crust Veggie Lover's Pizza from Pizza Hut has only 15 mg cholesterol while a Meat Lover's Pizza has 40 mg.
Step 3
Avoid meat toppings. Fatty meat toppings like sausage and ground beef will add cholesterol to the pizza.
Step 4
Choose flavored crusts wisely. Many flavors will require additional butter to allow seasonings to stick and taste richer. Choose plain crust if possible by requesting no added butter.
Tips and Warnings
- Many pizza restaurants will accommodate your dietary restrictions. Do not hesitate to ask for a special order.
Things You'll Need
- Thin crust pizza dough
- Vegetable toppings
