Pizza is definitely a favorite in the U.S. It is estimated that Americans consume an average of 46 slices, or the equivalent of 23 lbs., of pizza a year, according to "American Heritage Magazine." Selecting a vegetable pizza instead of an all-dressed pizza is a good way to cut down on the calories, fat and salt found in processed meat, such as pepperoni. However, the nutrition facts may vary according to where and how your vegetable pizza is prepared.
Pan Pizza
A slice of vegetable pan pizza, which corresponds to one-eighth of a medium 12-inch pizza, contains on average 250 calories, 11 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 10 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber and 530 mg sodium. A piece of this pizza also supplies 8 percent of the daily value for vitamin A, 15 percent for vitamin C and 10 percent for iron. Remember that if you eat two or three slices, you need to double or triple these figures.
Thin Crust Pizza
A vegetable pizza prepared on a thin crust has 180 calories, 7 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 8 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber and 550 mg sodium per slice or one-eighth of a 12-inch medium pizza. In addition, this serving provides 8 percent of the daily value for vitamin A, 15 percent for vitamin C and 8 percent for iron.
Greek or Mediterranean Pizza
Greek- and Mediterranean-style pizzas are usually topped with vegetables and some feta cheese. One-eighth of a medium size pizza contains 220 calories, 8 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 11 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber and 330 mg sodium.
Homemade Pizza
For a quick and healthier vegetable pizza, you can prepare it yourself with a 6- to 8-inch whole grain tortilla wrap. Spread a couple tablespoons of pizza sauce or tomato sauce on the tortilla and top with your favorite combination of veggies. For example, you could have 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped broccoli and slices from half of a red bell pepper. Top with 2 oz. of grated part-skim mozzarella cheese and bake 15 to 20 minutes in the oven until ready. The whole pizza provides a total of 282 calories, 10.4 g fat, 6.3 g saturated fat, 18.7 g protein, 26.4 g carbohydrates, 3.3 g fiber and 598 mg sodium. In addition, this healthier and tastier vegetable pizza contains more vegetables compared to any pizza you would get at the restaurant or the frozen section of your grocery store.
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